By Steve Hunt
FoxSportsSouthwest.com
October 29, 2010
Some issues facing FC Dallas ahead of its home playoff game against Real Salt Lake Saturday in Frisco:
Is This Team Loose or Tight?
Some might say that all the pressure is on RSL since they are the defending champions since they have the big target on their chest and are starting the playoffs on the road. Well, there might be some truth to that but honestly, Dallas is under all kinds of pressure whether they realize it or not. For much of the year, the team played well at home but in three of their last four matches in Pizza Hut Park, they came away with less than full points.
That run all started on Sept. 16 when they tied New York 2-2. Fans will remember Brek Shea was sent off in the first half. And just before the break after a Red Bulls goal, FCD starting goalkeeper Kevin Hartman was injured in a collision with Thierry Henry. Dallas also lost captain Daniel Hernandez in that game with a hamstring injury.
Since that draw, Shea has failed to regain his starting spot as speedy Marvin Chavez has performed well in his place. Hartman has not returned to the first 11 quite yet but looks poised to do so this weekend. Hernandez returned at RSL two weeks ago and looks much like his old self.
Just six days after that game, FCD hit the pitch in Frisco again and was absolutely flat.
New England took a 2-0 lead and it looked like Dallas
