Photo by ISIphotos.com
By TRAVIS CLARK
Several players on the FC Dallas roster have stepped up in 2010, playing big roles in the team's resurgence. The improvement has been triggered by the emergence of Brek Shea on the left, David Ferreira on attack, and the composure of Daniel Hernandez in a defensive midfield role. But one underlying component to it all has been the veteran presence and performances of 36-year-old goalie Kevin Hartman.
Take last Saturday's 3-1 win over D.C. United as the most recent example. During the game's opening 30 minutes, Dallas had its back against the wall, unable to hold possession and under threat from a desperate United side.
Each time he was challenged, Hartman answered the call. He then bailed out his team after a sloppy turnover handed United's Danny Allsopp a breakaway opportunity. Just two minutes later, David Ferreira opened the scoring off an excellent team move en route to a Dallas win, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games.
That stretch is a microcosm of Hartman's season in Dallas since assuming the starting job back in May.
"He’s having an MVP season," Hyndman said, enthusiastic in his praise for Hartman after Saturday's win. "He came into goal maybe the second or third game of the year and he’s been very, very good."
Hartman joined Dallas prior to the start of the season after three years in Kansas City after contract negotiations stalled out. Initially signed as a back up to Dario Sala, Hartman made his FCD debut in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match in April, looking understandably rusty on the way to conceding four goals in a 4-2 loss to D.C. United.
However, since starting his first league match against Houston on May 8, Hartman has been excellent, and his numbers are among the best in the league. He's posted five shutouts in 15 starts, a goals against average of 0.73, made 45 saves, and has yet to concede more than one goal in a league match.
Most importantly, Dallas has posted a record of 8-1-6 in his starts. Quite the contrast from last season, when the club finished the season tied for the second-worst mark in the league in goals conceded.
"Look at where we were last year and look at where we are this year in points, and also the number of goals we’ve scored and the number of goals we’ve given up," Hyndman said. "We were on a great run scoring goals last year, but we gave up a lot of goals. I think what has happened is Kevin now is a player that is making a difference. Now instead of giving up one or two goals, we're giving now "
And it hasn't been Hartman doing that alone. Defensively, George John and Ugo Ihemelu (who missed Saturday's game with an injury) have offered up a solid defensive partnership, and Daniel Hernandez doing the dirty work in the defensive midfield.
But Hartman is a central figure in their play, by communicating with players along the back line, helping them with their positioning so they are in the right place to make a play.
"He makes the defense play better," Hyndman said. "The one thing a lot of people don’t realize he’s doing for us is he’s a great communicator, giving people direction. We’re more organized — I don't think we had that communication in the past."
The organization helps especially when regulars in defense like Ihemelu are forced to sit out. Rookie Zach Loyd started in the middle against D.C. United, and Hartman believes that instances like that will help the team out in the long run.
"These small introductions of guys into the team has really allowed us to learn about the intricacies of each guy's game and really allow us to be collectively be good," Hartman said.
For now, the biggest challenge in the immediate future is for Hartman to maintain his current form, as Dallas aims to finish strong and secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2006.
funny how after 14 years of starting for the mls, the only creative insult most people can say is about is hair…are you all in the 3rd grade or what? Hartman is a fantastic player and deserves a ton of credit for his contributions to the mls!
El Gato has always shined…Should have played more for USA
I think he and Joe Cannon both got caught in a pinch. Young and technically behind Keller and Friedel, and older and technically behind Howard and Guzan.
As a long time Galaxy fan, I will say that Hartman is one if the better keepers in MLS history. He organizes his defense well, and is a great shot-stopper. His main weakness would be that he is not a big controller of his box, preferring to rely on his ability to make saves rather than collect crosses and through balls.
I like that his team is doing better than the one that dumped him.
Its all fun and games until FC Dallas beats (insert your fav MLS team here) !
Caption: “Fans call me… El Gato”
At 36 Hartman would be in compition with establish keepers like Tim Howard (31) and Marcus Hahnemann (38), or Friedle if he had not retired.
While players like Cervi (24), Guzan (25), Robles (26), Perkins (29) are all being regarded as keepers in development for the future. Players who have an upside and will be able to contibute in the 2014 cycle and beyond.
Hartman while a decent # 4 or 5 won’t likely be a contributor to the future of the USNT. Hence his not getting many call-ups.
Just how I read the situation……
Never said he’s good enough to be the #1 or #2 keeper… but he’s better than Troy Perkins.
Could of been that the Keepers in front of him we Class against better compitition. Just a thought.
When the game is over, does he leave in the mystery machine?
This guy hartman looks like someone I’ve seen in every Eurotrash discotech I’ve been to….
…but he sounds like he’s quite good. I wasn’t aware of the guy before this article, but I’ll pay attention now.
Hartman was pure class in LA, KC, and now Dallas. Why he wasn’t put on the MNT more often befuddles me.
He must be moving a little quicker since he dumped the faux mohawk.
20 years of bleach fumes have definitely give him a superhuman ability to be a halfway decent goalkeeper.
The key to his success is befuddling attackers with his awesome hair.