Rowdies vs. FC Dallas: What to watch for

Posted Mar 12, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Mar 12, 2010 at 02:30 PM

Some things to watch in the FC Tampa Rowdies game tonight against FC Dallas.

1. Final third efficiency: As well as the Rowdies possessed the ball against the University of Tampa last Saturday, the side was disappointed with the lack of clear scoring opportunities it was able to create in the final third.

The movement off the ball and delivery from the flanks was emphasized at practice this week, and with the possession likely to be at a greater premium tonight against MLS opposition the Rowdies will need to be far more efficient in the final third if they are to create and take advantage of their opportunities.

2. Defensive positioning: FC Dallas boasts one of the best strikers in MLS in former South Florida All-American Jeff Cunningham, and the Rowdies centerbacks will need to make sure they are in good position all evening to make sure they don’t allow him too many looks at goal.

Cunningham won the Golden Boot in MLS last season, the second time he has won the honor, scoring 17 goals in the 2009 season. He has 121 goals all-time in MLS, second only to D.C. United’s Jaime Moreno.

3. Making the jump: On the other side of the field, keep an eye on St. Petersburg’s Anthony Wallace. Formerly in the U.S. Under-17 National program, who also played locally for the Brandon Flames and Hillsborough County United, Wallace is making a push for regular first-team playing time this season.

After a knee injury ruled him out of last year’s Under-20 World Cup, Wallace said on Thursday that he’s back to full fitness, and is feeling as good as he has before any season, while FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said he felt there was a greater urgency from Wallace this preseason to earn a place in the team.

4. Fitting in quickly: As happened with Jeremy Christie last week, there is a possibility that the newly arrived Takuya Yamada, Jason Beardsley and Mozzi Gyorio could see time tonight. Christie fit in well last week despite a lack of practice time with his new teammates last Saturday. Will the same be the case for the latest arrivals?