A Silver Lining to the Ferriera Injury??

We all probably thought the same thing when Ferriera went down earlier this year, "Oh [expletive]....there goes the season".  It was a natural reaction to losing last year's league MVP and clearly the driving force of FCD's whole game plan.  A month or so later and it's becoming clear that FCD is fully capable of surviving without him.  Can they make a run at a championship?  That remains to be seen........but what else are we learning about the David-less FCD........

It all hit me after the Shea goal versus Seattle.  Jacobsen breaks down the Sounders backline by delivering a wonderfully weighted through ball.  Shea finishes off the chance with a nice chip over Keller.  Following the game here on the BigDSoccer chat, the reactions from the posters to Jacobsen's pass were ecstatic.  It was as if Jacobsen invented a new concept in soccer......the thru ball.  We've seem to all but forgotten than Ferriera was capable of such a maneuver 2 or 3 times a game.  He could unlock a defense with the slightest touch.  It was these kinds of plays that the FCD attack lived on all of last season, and it's why he was the MVP.  So, now, without David's game breaking ability the whole team has had to adjust.  How are they making up for this loss?  A loss that would cripple most teams....

They are doing it by putting in all the extra work on the defensive side of the ball.  It isn't just Hartman.  It isn't just John and Ugo.  It's the whole team.  From the forwards back, every on the field is contributing to a lock down defense that is frustrating opponents.  This kind of commitment to team defense doesn't just happen.....it's something that is developed....and it only works if the whole team buys in.  And Dallas has......they've bought in completely.  Watch the midfielders get back and defend when the ball heads the other way.   There is no half-hearted jogging......it's full sprint to get that ball back.  Watch the forwards harrass the opposing defenders as they try to move the ball out of the back.  No lazy side stepping towards the guy with the ball knowing he will just lump it forward....they are going for it, closing down the space, making it harder to get off that pass towards the midfield. 

So....what happens when Ferriera gets healthy?  I suppose it could go one of two ways.  The team falls back into their old selves....doing only what is required on the defensive side.  "Thank goodness...David is back, we don't have to work so hard anymore".  I find that scenario difficult to believe.  I think the much more likely result will be adding the offensive spark to an incredibly disciplined, defense committed team.  In short, moments like Jacoben's pass to Shea will happen on a regular basis (instead of once a month) while the team continues to be the best defense in MLS.  In other words.......an MLS club that could just about dominate this league.  Makes pulse race just thinking about it.