FRISCO - With eight matches played in 2016, and a record of 5-1-2, FC Dallas' 17 points have them within striking range of a historic milestone.
With eight matches under their belt, 2016 is now the second best start ever for FCD through eight games - only surpassed by the 2013 side that had 19 points in its first eight matches.
Under the helm of Schellas Hyndman, that 2013 side went on to tie their next two games, visiting Vancouver and hosting the Timbers in weeks 9 and 10, bringing their point total to 21, tied for a club record that still stands (2005, 2006). Depending on the results in their next two matches, the 2016 team could set a new ten-game mark with a pair of wins. A win and a draw over the next two would tie the current record at 21.
However, a quick look at their success after 10 games shows that a fast start has not been a guarantee for success down the road.
The 2005 and 2006 teams did go on to make the playoffs after getting points early in the season, with both being eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by Colorado. In contrast, however, Hyndman's 2013 side earned only 23 points in the 24 remaining matches and finishing eighth in the Western Conference with 44 points in what was his last season in charge of the Dallas bench.
Now the opportunity to make history lies on Pareja's side.
