EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – FC Dallas was unable to get Schellas Hyndman a win in his debut as coach of the team, falling, 1-0, to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at Giants Stadium.

New York's Kevin Goldthwaite snuck behind Dallas defender Aaron Pitchkolan and headed a corner kick inside the far post in the 16th minute.

FC Dallas fell to 4-6-4 on the season.

"It wasn't the way I had it planned out in my head," said Hyndman, who on Tuesday became FC Dallas' coach after guiding the men's team at SMU for 24 years. "It was our first game, and I didn't think we played our best."

Upon being hired, Hyndman made no secret of his preference to use four defenders, and he immediately trotted out his side in a 4-4-2 formation. The defenders saw plenty of action early, as the Red Bulls (5-4-4) dominated the midfield and played almost exclusively in the Dallas end until Goldthwaite's goal.

Hyndman said the score could have been a lot worse than 1-0 if not for the sound play of the defenders. Goalkeeper Dario Sala, who made a spectacular, reflex save in the seventh minute, also praised his defense.

"We defended, overall, very good tonight," Sala said. "All of the players are on the same page with his [Hyndman's] message."

While the back line played commendably – most notably left back Blake Wagner – all agreed the game was lost in the midfield, where the Red Bulls won a large majority of 50-50 balls and did their best to filter the play away from Juan Toja.

"We didn't have enough scoring chances," Hyndman said.

Dallas' best scoring opportunity, a point-blank shot that Andre Rocha put right on New York keeper Jon Conway, was more the product of a one-on-one move than a methodical buildup.

"We didn't pass the ball correctly," Sala said. "We were one touch behind them."

Despite the loss, Hyndman praised his players for adapting well during this transitional period.

"I'm still getting to know the players' names," Hyndman said. "I am real proud of them for implementing the ideas we discussed during the week."

Dan Lauletta is a freelance writer in New York.