Sidebar

28
Thu, Mar
25 New Articles

Typography

Versatility can be a funny thing in any sport. While one coach might see a player best suited for one role, another can see him completely differently. So when MLS veteran striker Scott Sealy joined FC Dallas early on in preseason as a trialist, it was thought he might be able to help FCD as both a forward as well as a midfielder.

The native of Trinidad and Tobago had played almost exclusively up top during his run with Kansas City and even early in his time with San Jose had started at forward. When the Earthquakes’ midfield got rocked by injuries, he dropped back and proved to be a pretty effective midfielder.

FCD fans shouldn’t expect to see Sealy in the midfield hardly at all this season, especially after Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said he sees the veteran scorer as a striker more than anything else after practice on Tuesday.

“Definitely a forward, he had a little bit of a hamstring strain first time he played in Orlando, so today was his first game back and then he had a collision with a ‘keeper,” Hyndman said. “So it’s like he takes one step forward and one step back.”

The Dallas gaffer then went on to add when asked if he was to make a trade this week, what would be the one area he’d want to bolster over all others, that area would be up top.

“If we strengthen something, we’d probably like to strengthen with another striker,” Hyndman said.

His statement could be construed to mean a number of different things. Of course, there’s no question about Panamanian newcomer Blas Perez, but maybe the coach has some doubts about homegrown player Ruben Luna, Sealy or maybe he even sees Colombian speedster Fabian Castillo as more of a flank midfielder than a striker.

Either way, it’s not news that Hyndman isn't happy with his complete group of forwards, He's never been terribly happy with his depth up top since he took the job back in July 2008. Yet in an off-season full of personnel moves, it is a little disconcerting to hear Hyndman say the mix is still far from ideal at with the season right around the corner.