Fc Dallas Dal vs Colorado Rapids Col Picks and Predictions August 31st 2024

FC Dallas Continue Playoff Push Against Visiting Rapids

FC Dallas is nearing a playoff position in the Western Conference and looks to maintain their momentum when they face the Colorado Rapids in Frisco, Texas on Saturday. Following a successful recent stretch, Dallas is on the cusp of clinching the last playoff spot in the conference, heightening the importance of this game for their postseason hopes.

Dallas is gaining momentum in its growth and progress.

FC Dallas (9-11-6, 33 points) have performed well in their last four games, maintaining an unbeaten record of 3 wins and 1 draw. This sudden increase has brought them close to securing a playoff spot, only trailing Austin FC by one point for the last Western Conference playoff spot.

Dallas achieved their most recent success away from home last weekend, when they secured their initial win on the road this season by defeating D.C. United with an exciting 4-3 scoreline. Dallas scored four goals in the first half and managed to secure a victory to earn three points.

“It was a beautiful first half. We should have managed the game better … (but) a win on the road is a win,” said interim coach Peter Luccin.

Sebastian Lletget led the way with a goal and an assist, while Nkosi Tafari, Paul Arriola, and Tsiki Ntsabeleng also found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes made three crucial saves to keep D.C. United scoreless after the 48th minute, ensuring the victory for Dallas.

There’s also excitement surrounding the potential return of forward Alan Velasco, who has been sidelined since tearing his ACL in last season’s playoffs. Velasco traveled with the team to D.C. and was on the bench, raising hopes that he could make his season debut on Saturday.

“We’ll see with the medical staff but we want to protect him,” Luccin said. “It isn’t just about what the game is telling us.”

Rapids Return to MLS Action

The Colorado Rapids (12-9-5, 41 points) enter the match after a hectic August, during which they played seven matches and finished third in the Leagues Cup. Currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, the Rapids are looking to maintain their playoff position as they return to MLS play.

“The past month has been a ride and a half,” said Rapids coach Chris Armas. “We had a little bit of a break but no real rest. Now we shift our minds back to MLS and on the playoffs. Each game is going to be important; you have to fight and scratch for every point you get because every team is thinking like that.”

Previous Encounter

The upcoming match will mark FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids’ second meeting this season. In their initial game on April 20, Colorado came out on top with a 2-1 victory on their home turf. The Rapids went up by two goals following a Dallas own goal and a goal by Calvin Harris in the 49th minute. Despite Petar Musa scoring for Dallas in the 87th minute, they were unable to level the score.

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Matchup Outlook

As FC Dallas look to continue their playoff push, they’ll be focused on capitalizing on their home advantage and recent form. The potential return of Alan Velasco could provide a significant boost as they aim to secure all three points. Meanwhile, the Rapids will be determined to regain their MLS rhythm after a busy month and maintain their spot in the upper half of the Western Conference standings. Both teams understand the importance of this match in the playoff race, setting the stage for an intense battle in Frisco.