Four home runs, including a grand slam by the Travelers Clay Fuller, was
too much to overcome for Frisco as the club fell to Arkansas, 8-1,  on
Tuesday afternoon. The win completed the sweep for Arkansas. 

Frisco took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third when 'Riders
designated hitter Renny Osuna scored Matt Lawson from first with a
double off the wall in left field. Arkansas then came right back in the
top of the fourth inning, tying the game at one on a Jeremy Moore home
run off of Frisco starter Blake Beavan. Arkansas catcher Brian Walker
added a two-run home run off Beavan in the fifth to put the Travelers up
for good at 3-1. Walker hit his second home run of the game in the top
of the ninth, taking Frisco reliever Tanner Scheppers deep to right
field. 
Beavan went five innings, giving up three runs on five hits, but he was
unable to match Travelers starter Tim Kiely. The right-hander went six
innings, allowing one run on five hits. He only walked one Frisco hitter
while striking out three. 

Arkansas put the game out of reach for good when it loaded the bases
with nobody out in the top of the seventh inning. Walker then popped to
short-stop Guilder Rodriguez, setting up a double play opportunity. But
'Riders reliever Ryan Falcon gave up a blast over the left field fence
to Fuller, increasing the deficit to six runs. 

The RoughRiders (2-4) have the day off on Wednesday as the club travels
to Springfield for another three-game series with the Cardinals. On
Thursday, LHP Richard Bleier (0-0, 3.18) takes the hill for Frisco
against Cardinals LHP Nick Additon (0-0, 3.60). First pitch is scheduled
for 7:10 PM.

Richard Davis

FC Dallas finished up a disappointing and mediocre season in 2008 with 8 wins, ten losses, and twelve ties. They were in the middle of the pack in goals against and goals for. Not an ideal season for the perennial contenders and the owners of the third best record in MLS history.

With the acquisition of the athletic David Ferreira, the Dallas squad instantly jumps to the front of the MLS pack.

David has exceptional skill and agility with and without the ball, and has been highly lauded for his ability to makes plays. His ability mixed with his vision of the field gives them a much needed “quarterback.”  He has goal scoring and passing ability that rank well against even the better players in the world. FC would be well advised to make his the face of the organization.

With the acquisition, Dallas has addressed two, possibly three of their self proclaimed off season goals. Gain an attacking international #10, and improve the defense. 

While David is not known for defense per se, FC could adopt the philosophy of “The best defense is a good offense.” His speed and field vision can literally change a game. He has to be accounted for at all times and this will draw the attention of their opponent’s best defenders, therefore giving the rest of Dallas more space to work in.

The other players will clearly have to adjust, as I don’t feel Ferreira is coming over to play in the more restrained MLS style. The other players are going to have to adapt to him and make sure their positioning is better this season. The coaches for FC have acknowledged as much on their current trip to Brazil.