Defensive midfielder Daniel Hernandez was a vital part of the FC Dallas team that went on a late-season run to narrowly miss out on qualifying for the 2009 play-offs.

The 33-year old was brought into the squad by his former college coach Schellas Hyndman in September to fill the void in midfield and the former New England Revolution man responded well.

"I think it was pretty productive from my standpoint and the team standpoint. The bottom line was we're trying to accomplish getting into the playoffs and were a little short," Hernandez said. "But for the most part, I think it was a good turnaround with a couple of changes coach made."

Hernandez came to the club with little game time leading into his first match but knew he would improve as he played more minutes for FC Dallas.

"There were a couple of things here and there that I feel I maybe should have done better. I just knew they would come with the more games I was able to play and more minutes. That was just the only way I was going to be able to get better," Hernandez added.

"Normally in the preseason, you play five or six games before the season starts. During the season, your team is not 100 percent and it still takes you time to get into the rhythm and groove of things. I came in without playing any scrimmage games at all. It's all about getting minutes and getting games under my belt. I think that's going to make me better."

With speculation regarding the players future, coach Hyndman confirmed that Hernandez would be a Dallas player next season unless a good deal elsewhere came along.

"Daniel, we have him for next year," Hyndman said. "We've got him signed for next year but we also feel that if there is a great opportunity for him, if there's a team in Mexico that's really interested, then I think we'll have to make discussions."