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FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham is ready for his chance
10:04 AM CDT on Saturday, July 4, 2009
FRISCO – So far, FC Dallas has relied on Kenny Cooper to take care of its scoring.
But the team hopes one of the best scorers in MLS history can provide some help.
Jeff Cunningham, who ranks fourth all time with 105 goals, is expected to start for Cooper at forward in Saturday's home match against New York.
FC Dallas' Jeff Cunningham is ready for his chance
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Cooper, who has scored seven of the team's 18 goals, will miss at least two matches after being called up to the national team for this month's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
"I won't lie to you, this is my opportunity," said Cunningham, who has a goal and two assists. "If I play well, it might lead to a couple of more games. If not, I will be on the bench next to the coach."
FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman said Cunningham has been off-target this year but has shown signs of getting out of his slump this week in practice.
"We are hoping that this is a bright start for him," Hyndman said.
Cunningham scored five goals in 18 starts last season with FC Dallas, but his role changed this year, along with his playing time.
Since FC Dallas switched to a formation with just one striker, Cunningham has started three of the last four games as a right midfielder. He also has been subbed out in every game he started except for the season opener.
Second half arrives: Today's match against New York will mark the start of the second half of the season for FC Dallas.
Despite injuries and a second-to-last-place spot in the Western Conference, Hyndman remains optimistic because his team finished the first half with a 2-1-2 record.
"That's real positive," Hyndman said. "That's a team that deserves to be in the playoffs."
Hyndman said that for the second half, he would like to settle into a fixed starting lineup and improve the 2-2-3 record at home.
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