TFM's Game Of the Season

My game of the season would had to have been the game against FC Dallas in early June. Sporting were just coming off a terrible run of form while FC Dallas were running rampant in the MLS. Break Shea was almost unstoppable and looked set to dismantle a Sporting side that was desperate for points to turn their season around.

Break Shea didn't disappoint.

It was simply one of the goals of the season for FC Dallas. But little did anyone know, Graham Zusi was just about to do something that arguably would change the course of Sporting's season.

Graham Zusi had already scored the opening goal of the game but what happened next caught everyone off-guard.

It was a fantastic strike from 45+ yards out to say the least. And after Zusi's strike the game was locked up for KC.

Many people including myself point to this game as the turning point of the season and after the win in Dallas Sporting went on to record a 10 game unbeaten streak that helped them secure post-season football. And because of that fact, and the goals that were scored it was my game of the season.

You can check out my other season awards here. 

The Brek Shea Game

It happened to us again. Yes folks, Sporting Kc lost ANOTHER game in stoppage time at the hands of FC Dallas. To make matters worse Sporting Kc set a team record for red cards in a season after Teal Bunbury was sent off in the 76th minute for yet another questionable decision by a referee. To be honest we should have won that game, regardless of the red card. We simply gave up in the last 5 minutes.

The game got off to a rough start and it was clear that FC Dallas came out with the intent to win, contrary to popular belief. In the first 20 minutes FC Dallas were biting at the necks of the Sporting Kc defenders and it nearly paid off. But in the 22 minute the ever-threatening Kamara pounced on a mistake by a Dallas defender, Kamara then streaked towards goal and fired in a rocket to the bottom left corner. The rest of the half was back and forth and neither side could keep a great deal of possession.

The second KC goal was scored in the 68th minute when a free kick from Besler was flicked on by a Dallas defender right to the feet of Teal Bunbury who fired a shot well off target, but luckily for Sporting Kc Omar Bravo was there for an easy tap in. Not long later FC Dallas scored their first goal of the night, a Daniel Hernandez free kick well outside the 18 yard box curled itself into the back of Sporting's net. As mentioned above Teal Bunbury was sent off in the 76th minute when he clearly clipped heals with Benitez and unfortunately for Teal he was already on a second yellow. The ref reached into his pocket and sent the young striker off. 

Sporting Kc were left with nothing else to do but bunker down for the next 15 minutes. As Dallas peppered Sporting's net with shots. Seemingly out of nowhere Brek Shea found himself on the left-hand side with the ball at his feet, something that no team in MLS wants to see. Then Brek Shea did what Brek Shea does and played in a tremendous ball to the back post for Maicon Santos to head into Sporting's net in the 88th minute. Then in the 91st minute Shea found himself in an identical position and served in a great ball for Warshaw who headed it into Sporting's net. Right in front of the Cauldron. 

A devastating loss for Sporting Kc in a game that promised so much. It was quite simply an opportunity to jump farther ahead in the Eastern Conference. Not to mention favorable results for Sporting had occurred earlier that night. 

Scouting Report On FC Dallas (Home 2011)

Following Saturday night's game against Sporting, FC Dallas will have played 4 games in 10 days. Almost a game every other day. This congested-schedule for FC Dallas will play right into Sporting Kc's hand, as SKC welcome FC Dallas to LSP for what is supposed to be one of the most sold-out games of the 2011 season. The reverse-fixture earlier this season was a 4-1 win in SKC's favor. Having played Toronto FC in the CCL on Thursday morning, FC Dallas will have tired legs and tired minds long before the 7:30 pm kick-off at LSP.

Most Dangerous Player
Brek Shea. Whether he will play or not for the Hoops is undecided. Seeing as he has an international call-up for the USMNT along with Sporting Kc striker Teal Bunbury. If Shea does dress he will easily be the most dangerous player for Dallas. He has simply been sensational this season and has a serious case for MVP of the season.

Weakest Link
The whole team. I only say this because FC Dallas will be very tired coming into this match after their many away games. It will be very difficult for Dallas to keep up pace with KC, especially in the final 30 minutes. Look for Sporting Kc to run at them all night.

Football Style
Like stated above FC Dallas will be extremely fatigued coming into this match. Which will lead to a non-aggressive type of football. Which also means no counter-attacking plays and I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas held a few men back on the set-pieces.

Key Match Up
Brek Shea vs. Sporting Kc Defense. The sensation that is Brek Shea will do everything in his power to try and win this game for FC Dallas. Sporting Kc's defense has been solid as of late but Shea is a lot more different than Andy Najar. Should Sporting hold back Shea I see no reason why we can't get an easy 3 points in front of the Sporting Blue faithful.

Prediction
Sporting Kc - 3(Bravo, Sapong x 2) 
FC Dallas - 0