FC Dallas fill needs from within
Andrew Daniels, Michael Dello-Russo promoted from developmental team
Yi, who had been plagued by hamstring issues, felt he couldn't come back from those injuries and announced his retirement. Wagenfuhr, who had won the starting left wingback job in preseason, suffered a concussion just before the start of the season and has yet to return.
Pleased with how both youngsters have performed thus far in 2008, with the two open slots available, Morrow promoted Daniels and Dello-Russo to the senior roster.
"I think it's a just reward for him (Dello-Russo)," Morrow said. "He works tremendously hard, not just this year but the last few years since he's been here. He very much deserves it and I think he's been in very good form in the last reserve games. His attitude has been great and I think it's a good reward for him, something that he deserves."
He offered similar praise for Daniels' strong play.
"He's really come on in the last month or so," Morrow said. "He had his best game so far in the reserves in San Jose and did very well. He's matured a lot as a defender. He understands the game a lot better know but perhaps just needs to work on his passing a little bit. I think it's a good reward for him."
Daniels, 22, was a second-round pick in the 2007 SuperDraft. A forward at Brown, he became a defender once he reported to FCD and started eight reserve games a year ago and scored one goal. In 2008, he has started and played every minute for the Hoops reserves and assisted on the game-winner of a 2-0 win over San Jose on Sunday. If Wagenfuhr does return, Daniels could return to the developmental roster, but there is no timetable yet.
"I guess it's always a good feeling to be moved up even if it's temporary," Daniels said. "I don't know what else to say about it because it might be temporary. It's kind of a temporary thing and I don't know if it's going to be permanent but I'm going to play like it is. I want to stay up there for the rest of the year. I'm definitely going to be more motivated to work harder." Dello-Russo is in his third MLS season after having been a fourth-round pick in 2006. He made his first career league start on Oct. 20, 2007 in a 2-0 loss to Kansas City when he played the full 90 minutes at right back. With Morrow shifting to a 3-5-2, Dello-Russo has made a nice transition to right wingback this season and thus far has played every minute for the FCD reserves.
"It feels great," he said. "I had a chance at the first of the year to try out for a chance at an 18-man spot. But it didn't work out with the numbers. It's great because it shows that the coaches have a lot of confidence in me and that's always a boost for me."
Morrow has been impressed with how well Daniels has acclimated himself to playing in the back after being an attacking player for a number of years.
"It was a big adjustment for him," he said. "He took the first five or six months to get adjusted and to learn that position. I think he feels more comfortable with his defensive responsibilities at this point and knows the game a lot better. He looks a lot more comfortable."
For Daniels, the switch was more mental than physical.
"Mentally, playing in the back is a totally different game," he said. "As a forward, you can take a few plays off but you can't do that in the back and have to be focused at all times. You have to always be focused and in the right spot. Instead of reacting to something, you find yourself anticipating a little bit more."
Daniels also feels that being a former forward helps him anticipate what opposing strikers might do, which has helped further his development as a defender.
"A lot of times in one-on-one situations, I immediately put myself in the shoes of the attacker and go on what I would have done when I played forward," he said. "That helps in those situations or with runs in the box that I can anticipate them a little earlier than other players because I know what I would have done in that situation."
In his third season in the league, Dello-Russo has noticed how much he has changed since his rookie campaign.
"My confidence level has grown," he said. "That's the biggest obstacle when you start out, is being able to get comfortable and confident in yourself. I have gotten better at the mental game also. College soccer is more about athleticism but here, you don't have to be the most athletic player to be successful but if you're an intelligent player, you're head and shoulders above everyone else."
But both agree that being around so many great veteran players has been a true blessing for each of them.
"We have a lot of good defenders and I just like watching them," Daniels said. "I watch what they do in practice and in games and try to pick up little things that they do. They're all great players and you can tell that they all have a lot of experience. It's a big help."
Added Dello-Russo: "I really get along well with all the veterans but really enjoy talking to Pablo (Ricchetti)," he said. "I like the way he carries himself on and off the field. His appreciation for the game and what he does in the community makes him a tremendous role model. Not a lot of people know that about him. It's unbelievable to see a guy like him who is in his 30s, making good money but still putting the time in day in and day out."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
