2007 Preview - FC Dallas

2006 Record: 16-12-4 - 52 points (1st in West)
-- lost to Colorado in MLS Cup quarterfinals.

Key additions: Adrian Serioux (Toronto FC), Juan Carlos Toja (Independiente Santa Fe)
Key losses: Ronnie O'Brien (Toronto FC), Richard Mulrooney (Toronto FC), Simo Valakari (released)

After crashing out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs last year, FC Dallas has undergone a coaching change - Colin Clarke is out and Steve Morrow is in. But it won't matter who their coach is this year, Dallas will struggle all season to keep their head above water.

Ronnie O'Brien and Richard Mulrooney have both been traded to Toronto FC and new pick-up Adrian Serioux will miss the first half of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Juan Carlos Toja, a largely unknown midfielder from Colombia, has been officially signed and could go a long way in replacing Simo Valakari, last year's captain whose contract was not renewed.

Back-up 'keeper Shaka Hislop will be the starter when the season opens, thanks to Dario Sala's six-game suspension from last year. Hislop has been very inconsistent in his time in a Hoops kit. Sala will likely be handed the starter's job when his suspension is over.

Even though Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper are still part of the Hoops' offensive arsenal, I don't see them repeating last year's successes. In fact, I don't even see them making the playoffs. They will finish dead-last in the Western Conference, costing Steve Morrow his job.

TJ's projected finish: 6th in the West, 12th overall.