Pieces falling in place for Hoops

FRISCO, Texas -- Almost all of the pieces are in place for the 2009 version of FC Dallas under Schellas Hyndman. However, the Hoops coach is still hoping to land a central attacking midfielder before FCD's season starts on March 21 against Chivas USA. The club has been courting several No. 10s from either Europe or South America, but none of those players have signed.

Last week, Hyndman admitted that time was drawing short to add a new player to his roster. One name that has been linked to FCD is 2006 MLS MVP Christian Gomez, currently a member of the Colorado Rapids -- but Hyndman quickly put those rumors to rest after training on Monday morning.

"I think there's always interest in good players but not really (any interest in him)," he said. "I think if we're going to bring in a quality player like a Christian Gomez, we need to make sure that player is going to be around for a while. Christian Gomez is 34-years-old and we need players that will be willing to be part of the future of FC Dallas, not just this season."

The FCD coach admitted that Gomez's large price tag was one thing not in his favor but said that other factors also come into play.

"I think it's a combination of a couple of things," Hyndman said. "I think we also look to the players we have that have worked so hard. He is a very good player who can make a difference. That's what you look for in a player, a difference-maker."

Among other FCD midfielders, the club remains at somewhat of an impasse with Dax McCarty. The fourth-year midfielder who saw his playing time dwindle after returning from last summer's Olympics, requested a trade last fall and remains back home in Florida.

Hyndman did state confidently last week that he expects McCarty to return to Frisco and re-join the team in the near future. But for now, the situation remains unchanged.

"Everything is as is," Hyndman said. "We're still working through the process. If Dax is with us, then he's with us. If he's not with us, then we would have been able to make a trade or whatever. But right now, he is part of the team and we expect him to be here."

The FCD coach added that even though the Hoops have only been training since last Wednesday, McCarty has already missed out on some valuable sessions.

"The thing that hurts is that this is really important training we're going through," Hyndman said. This is where we build our foundation. When you miss this stuff, it's huge."

A welcome sight toward the end of Monday's training was the first appearance of forward Kenny Cooper on the training field. With about 15 minutes left in the session, Cooper walked onto the training ground in street clothes having just returned from playing for the United States national team on Saturday night against Sweden.

Hyndman didn't exactly know when Cooper will have his first practice of 2009 with FCD as another international call-up could be in the cards later this week.

"He's such a hard worker," he said. "He's the last player I'm going to worry about coming in fit. He spent three very difficult weeks at the national camp and just played. I'm glad he's here, showed up to get treatment and to hang out with the guys. He may come out tomorrow and kick around depending on the weather but maybe not. If he gets called back into the national team, he'll leave again on Thursday. I've given him our blessing because it's his dream, he's getting better and also because he represents us."