FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas players can finally catch their breath, but not for long.
After playing three matches in eight days, it’s been a welcome sight for the coaching staff and players to finally have a full week of training.
Sunday against Colorado, though, begins an even tighter stretch – three matches in just seven days.
Coach Schellas Hyndman said he can see the difference getting some rest has made for his team this week. Most of the regular starters had Tuesday off to rest and relax.
But he knows what’s coming.
“I not only have to give the guys a chance to catch their legs, but I’ve also got to save their legs for the games coming up,” Hyndman said.
Defender George John said getting a breather has been helpful not just physically, but mentally too.
He said it was evident FC Dallas got tired against the LA Galaxy, but thought the squad did well considering the circumstances – short rest, travel and a roster in flux.
“But it’s part of the game, part of the season,” John said. “Every team has to go through it, so we’re just going to have to be mentally prepared to have three matches in a short period of time.”
Colorado comes to FC Dallas Stadium (6 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest/Galavision) just four days after playing at New England.
Neutral observers could think it might be an advantage for FC Dallas, but John said players don’t think that way.
“Colorado is going to come in wanting to win just as much as we are,” John said.