Paxton Pomykal has been one of the top players for FC Dallas this season, but the club's time playing without him is coming sooner than expected.

The club expected to lose him for the United States' U-20 World Cup roster, which is expected to be announced in early May with the tournament beginning May 23. The absence is now likely to extend longer, with Pomykal beginning rehabilitation this week instead of training.

The 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury against the San Jose Earthquakes and left Saturday's scoreless draw at halftime.

"He's recovering. It's a tweak. Nothing too serious. Hopefully no more than two weeks or so. That's positive for me. Could be worse," Gonzalez said. "He's been exerting himself. He's played a lot of back-to-back minutes, more than he has before. This is just a moment where he's a bit fatigued and picked up a tweak. We're going to take care of it and he's going to bounce back strong."

The team never would rush a player back but will take an especially patient approach with Pomykal as the tournament in Poland approaches.

"That's important for us. Anybody selected to the national team at different levels in ages in a real FIFA competition, we're a club that wants to support that," Gonzalez said. "We want him healthy for FC Dallas, for his teammates, and representing the national team at different levels when given the opportunity. All that's important for us."

Rise and shine: FCD's trip to face Houston is part of an unusual stretch of four matches played during the day. Typically, matches start around 7 p.m. local time, but with the club being featured regularly on national TV this month, there have been several changes.

The odd hours create a few different dilemmas for FCD players.

"It was something to kind of adjust to, especially with those 2:00 games. They're kind of tough to manage your body," Cannon said. "Do you eat breakfast? Do you eat lunch? It's something we're still figuring out. With this transition, we'll be able to adapt and hopefully push our opponents."

Cannon ate breakfast but not lunch before the 2:55 kickoff against San Jose, but fellow defender Reto Ziegler felt more comfortable. "I'm used to playing at that time in Europe," said the former Switzerland international.

What no FCD player wanted was to paint the different start time - or the heat that came with it against San Jose and likely again will play a role in Houston - as any sort of excuse. That will please Gonzalez, who said his team should be able to adapt to any situation.

"I believe whether we go and play at altitude or in cold or heat or rain or there's delays, it's just another version of a day," the coach said. "Earlier, later, we want to create a mentality that whatever the circumstance, players are going to be the best. Optimal. We try not to make it too much of a concern with the players, but as a staff obviously we want to prepare and condition and run exercises that are going to allow us to be ready."