ubtedly football. According to the sport's organizing body, the Federation of International Football Associations, more than 250 million people in over 200 countries participate in the sport worldwide. The Dallas area is home to one of the premier teams in the country, though few have taken notice. I speak not of the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, but FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.
The 2011 season has been an exciting yet difficult one for Dallas. From unprecedented international competition to the passing of a legend, the season has been a memorable one that will forever be remembered by players and fans alike.
Unprecedented success
Few teams have enjoyed success like FC Dallas has during the 2011 campaign. After appearing in the 2010 MLS Cup Final, the team has excelled in a variety of competitions, both domestic and international. With one game remaining in MLS play, FC Dallas has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, qualifying with the fourth best record in the league.
The team also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open, a tournament open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams. Though the team fell to the eventual champion Seattle Sounders, it marked the team's best result since an appearance in the 2007 finals.
More notably, the team qualified to compete in the club's first ever Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Champions League, a tournament which includes the best clubs from across North America. After defeating Alianza FC of El Salvador to advance out of the preliminary round, the team narrowly missed an opportunity to advance to the championship round, losing 3-0 to Toronto FC in an elimination match.
But the success on field has led to a busy schedule in 2011. After Saturday's regular season finale at San Jose, the team has competed in 47 games in a span of seven months, a new franchise record and 12 more than last season's total of 35. Though the frequent travel and increased workload have taken a physical toll on the players late in the season, the team's exposure to international competition has enhanced the FC Dallas brand.
Brek Shea's breakout season
No player has impacted the club more than midfielder Shea. After 2010 MVP David Ferreira went down with an ankle injury early in the season, the team was in desperate need of an offensive weapon. Shea has filled that void in 2011, recording four assists and netting 11 goals in MLS play. His breakout season has placed him among the leading candidates to win the league's MVP award this season.
"He's really stepped up big for us this year," teammate Ugo Ihemelu told ESPN. "A lot of people had expectations, but I doubt that they expected him to do as well as he's been doing."
The 21-year old Texas-native has recently become a starter for the U.S. Men's National Team.
"He's full of energy, he's creative, and he's fast and has a good physical presence," said U.S. Men's National Team coach Jürgen Klinsmann following the U.S.-Belgium friendly. "He's one of the kids we are going to build over the next cycle."
But Shea's breakout season may prove costly for Dallas. Some of the world's elite clubs across the pond are reportedly interested in acquiring the young American. According to multiple reports, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all reached out to express interest in Shea. After signing a contract extension with FC Dallas through 2015, it is unclear whether or not MLS will allow Shea to depart when the transfer window opens in January.
The passing of a legend
The 2011 season will be remembered not only for the team's performance on the field, but also for the loss of a team icon. Bobby Rhine, a former player and broadcaster for the team, unexpectedly passed away Sept. 5 while vacationing with his family in Florida. He was 35.
Drafted by the Dallas Burn in the 1999 MLS Super Draft, Rhine went on to enjoy a 10-year career in MLS, recording 23 goals and 33 assists.
"I had the pleasure of coaching him during his time as a player and Bobby always gave his all to FC Dallas," said FC Dallas manager Schellas Hyndman in a statement released by the team.
"He brought a daily smile and an unmatched passion and love for the club and his teammates. His commitment to our team continued in the broadcast booth where he brought insight, energy and enthusiasm to our live match broadcasts. He will be missed by the entire FC Dallas family."
The team has dedicated the remainder of the season to Rhine's memory.
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