FRISCO, Texas — A lot has been made about Jamie Watson's status with the team, perhaps that he's even in the doghouse.
In last weekend's season-opener at Chivas USA he was left off the 18-man game-day roster, and the following next day he didn't even play in the reserve league game.
Neither Watson, 19, nor coach Ellinger want to talk about the specifics regarding his one-week hiatus, but Watson was glad to be on the 18-man roster for Saturday's game in his native Dallas.
"Everything's a learning experience, from things that happen on the field and things that happen off the field. Whether it's a good or bad thing, you have to learn from it," said Watson. "I'm still doing that, even though I'm not a rookie anymore. I just need to make sure I'm acting like a young pro."
As a rookie last year, Watson played in 19 games, include six starts.
Even though he was available, Ellinger opted to utilize Atiba Harris instead when he made a 75th minute substitute to push forward for the equalizer.
LOSING GROUND: Jason Kreis' claim as MLS's all-time leading scorer is in jeopardy. On Saturday, Jamie Moreno scored a pair of goals in D.C. United's 2-0 victory over Chivas USA. Those two goals upped his career total to 96, just four behind Kreis' 100.
With Kreis still easing his way back onto the field after ACL surgery last September, Moreno seems poised to pass Kreis in the next month or two.
Kreis played 29 minutes Saturday after coming off the bench.
SMALL SUPPORT: Even though they were largely outnumbered, RSL had a small cheering section of fans at Pizza Hut Park Saturday.
Inter FC Premiere, a Utah under-14 boys soccer team, is in Dallas this week participating in the prestigious Dallas Cup. The tournament runs from April 9-16.
Inter's group includes teams from Georgia, Pennsylvania and Mexico. It will play games Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and if it wins the group, Inter would advance to Thursday's quarterfinals.
QUESTIONABLE ABSENCE: Dallas midfielder Ronnie O'Brien, the team's MVP in 2005, didn't play in Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake for personal reasons.
Dallas general manager Michael Hitchcock wouldn't comment on the details of his absence, but rumors were that it might involve his contract or his new role on the team.
"He is still a member of FC Dallas," said Hitchcock.
His absence no doubt contributed to RSL's increased performance in the midfield.
With O'Brien's status uncertain, Dallas might be left without another superstar in the coming weeks. Forward Carlos Ruiz left the game in the 75th minute after injuring his right hamstring.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com