Schellas Hyndman utilized his roster in ways he probably didn't plan on during the preseason.
The outcome? An FC Dallas team that reached the playoffs for the first time since 2007, and one whose 19-game unbeaten streak in the regular season turned the side from postseason afterthought to MLS Cup contender.
As a result, Hyndman was named MLS Coach of the Year on Thursday, beating out New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe and Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis to win the honor, the first-ever for an FC Dallas coach.
Among Hyndman's accomplishments this season was overcoming injuries to key contributors such as Kevin Hartman, Daniel Hernandez, Ugo Ihemelu and George John. Hyndman turned to rookie Eric Alexander and midseason acquistion Jackson and still achieved the results necessary for FCD to tie RSL for fewest losses in the league (4). Hyndman also got the most out of Jeff Cunningham after turning him from every-game starter to super-sub.
Hyndman will look to add to his season accolades with an upset of the Los Angeles Galaxy (a team that dealt FCD half of its losses) this weekend, one that would clinch an improbable Western Conference title and MLS Cup berth.
What do you think of this selection? Who got your vote?
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