Fire 1 - 1 FC Dallas
Final
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FC Dallas starts over against Chicago

Mar 18, 2011 - 9:24 PM Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - FC Dallas lost the Major League Soccer Cup last season to the Colorado Rapids on an own goal in overtime and, after a fourth- month wait, finally starts over again Saturday night against the Chicago Fire.

Dallas emerged as one of the top club's in MLS last season, going 12-4-14, and tied for the fewest losses in the regular season. FC Dallas defeated defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the playoffs.

But the club's run, spear-headed by MVP David Ferreira, came up short with the 2-1 overtime loss to Colorado at BMO Field in Toronto in late November.

Schellas Hyndman returns the majority of last season's club and another run at the MLS Cup isn't out of the question. Dallas welcomes Chicago to Pizza Hut Park this weekend as both clubs kick off their 2011 seasons.

FCD defender George John, credited with the own goal when a shot deflected off him and into the net, has been looking forward to the start of the new season, although it will take one than a win this week for him to truly move on.

"It was like a nightmare is the best way to put it," George John told the MLS website. "One of those things that happened so fast that I didn't know what happened.

"I want to say I'm over it, but I don't know I'll be completely over it until I do win an MLS Cup."

Dallas missed its first MLS Cup title last season, but could easily contend in the Western Conference again this season. FCD was third last season and fourth overall in MLS, and a win over Chicago would be a good start.

Chicago finished fourth in the Eastern Conference last season, but was 10th in the overall standings in the 16-team league. With two teams added and two more spots in the playoffs available this season, the Fire could extend their year.

Coach Carlos de los Cobos does have a tough task ahead of him, though, after a 9-12-9 season, and the season opener should provide a good gauge for the early part of the season.






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