Upon arrival in Dallas Behind the Badge caught up with Danny Allsopp, United's two-goal hero from Wednesday night's win over Kansas City. Feeling good about the direction of the team and ready to face FC Dallas on Saturday, the Australian reflects on the current season and thanks the supporters for sticking with the club as United turns the corner. 

BTB: I’m sure you have realized this by now, but you are the first Australian not only to play in Major League Soccer, but the first to score in League play. Do you have any thoughts on that?

Allsopp: Not really [laughs]. I guess its not really something I think about. I know it [scoring two goals against Kansas City] is a good thing for the team, and that’s what is important really.

BTB: It seemed like things were really clicking on Wednesday night, and even though the club has enjoyed possession throughout the season, we were not always able to capitalize. You converted your changes against the Wizards - what was the difference?

Allsopp: I think it was just our time to put things together, really. We have all been working hard this season, and things just hadn’t fallen for us, but I thought we went out on the field [against Kansas City] and stuck with the game plan. With everyone working hard for 90 minutes we supported each other, and that was the difference.

BTB: You seem to be combining really well with Adam Cristman up top, even though you both very similar in your approach. What are your thoughts on this?

Allsopp: We really do get along well, and he [Cristman] works so hard. I think we are both unselfish players, particularly Adam, and we both reap the rewards of our efforts and it’s a pleasure to play alongside him.

BTB: How do we keep the momentum against FC Dallas?

Allsopp: If we come out like we did in the last match we will be fine. It takes eleven men working hard every minute of the match, and if we are able to put together a complete match by working hard for one another and creating chances, we will be fine. 

BTB: There are a lot of Aussies playing across the globe, but you are the first to come to MLS. Why do you think there are so few Australian players in the League right now, and do you think it is just a matter of time before more of your countrymen make their way over here?

Allsopp: I don’t think it has been a traditional path for Australian players to come to MLS. Maybe the opportunities for them have not been as frequent as the chances in Europe and in Asia. I think it also depends on where the clubs are looking for their players, and a lot of Aussie players have parents with European backgrounds and that helps guys like Tim Cahill [Everton] and Harry Kewel [formerly of Leeds United and Liverpool] to go to clubs in England and other countries.

BTB: The Champions League final is coming up between Inter and Bayern – who do you like?

Allsopp: I think Inter have to be the favorites, don’t they? They have Mourinho in charge and they always seem to find a way to make it through, so it should be a good final to watch. That being said, I like the Italians [Intern Milan].

BTB: Is there anything else you would like to add ahead of tomorrow’s match?

Alllsopp: Honestly, I would like to thank the supporters. They have been amazing since the start of the season and they have never turned on the players, and they were well into it [the game] on Wednesday, and I think that really helped us.

BTB: Before you came to MLS you may not have been familiar with United’s passionate fan base. You seem impressed by the fans’ loyalty and commitment to the club.

Allsopp: I know in my experience when you have a losing streak supporters will express their frustration, but you can see when our supporters are on the terrace you know you have their full backing. They may not have been pleased with the early results, but they were behind us all the way, and that makes you want to fight harder.