FRISCO, Texas -- Not only was FC Dallas' 4-0 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy last Sunday significant because it was the first victory under new head coach Schellas Hyndman, but it was also noteworthy because it was FCD's first win since June 15.
Sunday's blanking of the Galaxy was also a nice way to conclude a run of three consecutive games at home. Beginning this weekend, when FCD travels to Toronto for a Sunday afternoon match at BMO Field, the Hoops will play three in a row away from home before finishing the month against Columbus at Pizza Hut Park on August 30.
And they clearly want to use last weekend's triumph to create some much-needed momentum on the road, where FCD is just 1-4-3 on the year and hasn't won since a 2-0 victory at Chivas USA on April 20. That is also the last time they won back-to-back games.
"We have established a standard and we want to continue meeting that standard," FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman said. "Everything we're doing is for Toronto. How huge is it for us to go on the road and get points? It's major."
Hyndman's players agree that continuing that momentum is crucial if the Hoops hope to keep climbing up the table in the Western Conference.
"Hopefully that win was a spark for us and we can go on a little run here," said forward Kenny Cooper, who scored twice in Sunday's win. "We've been fortunate that the West has been really tight, so even though we weren't winning games before, we stayed in the hunt. We're right there in it right now. It was a huge win for us this past weekend. Hopefully, we can just go on from there and put in more performances like that."
Fellow Dallas native and teammate Drew Moor agreed.
"I think it's important that we continue the momentum that I think we're all feeling right now," the FCD defender said. "A game like that can lead to a nice little run. For some teams, it doesn't work out so well. But we want to be one of those teams that use the momentum to build into this road trip and hopefully come away with nine points. We're going to three tough places to play but I think we're all excited to go play again."
For left back Adrian Serioux, the win against LA was a great way to end what had been a frustrating homestand before that victory. The Hoops had started it with draws against Kansas City and Colorado. "It's one of those situations where we needed a win," Serioux said. "We had a good home stretch where we weren't getting the results that we deserved. To get that one win, especially against a team like LA, is good for our confidence to carry that on the road because we've got a few games on the road that are going to be kind of tough. If we can carry this momentum forward, get some results and move up in the table, then it will be great."
Just over a week ago, Cooper played at BMO Field for the first time as a member of the starting 11 for the league all-stars in the MLS All-Star Game. Now he finds himself returning to Toronto not even two weeks after his all-star debut.
"It's an awesome city," Cooper said. "They've really embraced TFC and that's awesome to see. I know that they always have a great atmosphere up there and it should be the same this weekend. It was a lot of fun with the All-Star team in a packed stadium. I know that they show their club that same support. It will be a fun place to go this weekend."
Sunday's match will also be the first for Serioux against his hometown club. Serioux grew up just outside of Toronto in Scarborough, but because of an injury a year ago, didn't make the trip to Toronto.
"It's great," he said. "I have a lot of friends and family back home there. Unfortunately for me, I was injured last year and wasn't able to travel or play. So, it's big for me. I've been away from Toronto for so many years and some family members haven't seen me play except on TV. It will be a good little change of scenery."
The Canadian international isn't at all surprised by how much support TFC has gotten given the great soccer fan base that has always been in the area.
"I knew the support was there, there just wasn't a team worth coming out to watch," Serioux said. "Toronto is so multicultural that the support is there. There are soccer people there who love the game. It's great to see them support their team."
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