San Jose Earthquakes vs Fc Dallas Picks and Predictions October 2nd 2024

With playoff hopes dwindling, FC Dallas take on Quakes

FC Dallas will fight to keep their slim playoff hopes intact when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night. With just three games left in the regular season, Dallas faces a daunting challenge: win, or face elimination from postseason contention.

Dallas’ Playoff Dilemma: Hanging by a Thread

Currently sitting at 10-14-7 (37 points), FC Dallas finds itself eight points behind both Minnesota United and the Portland Timbers, who occupy the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference. With only three matches remaining, Dallas needs a perfect finish to stand any chance of advancing to the playoffs.

The equation is simple but grim: a loss to San Jose will officially eliminate Dallas from the playoff race. However, even if they secure a win against the Earthquakes, their hopes could still be dashed if Minnesota beats Real Salt Lake and Portland overcomes Austin FC on Wednesday.

Coach Peter Luccin’s Fighting Spirit

Despite these odds, FC Dallas interim coach Peter Luccin remains resolute, calling on his team to leave everything on the field.

“We’re professionals,” Luccin said. “We have three games left to play. Those three games, we’re going to play and we’re going to go win. It’s easy for me to say, but that’s what we’re going to do. … Nobody is going to give up here.”

Luccin’s words suggest that Dallas will approach the match with determination, fully aware of the high stakes. The team must channel that urgency on the field if they are to extend their playoff aspirations.

Recent Form: Struggles Continue

Unfortunately, Dallas’ recent form does not inspire confidence. The club has gone 1-3-1 in their last five matches, with the most recent being a demoralizing 3-1 home loss to Orlando City last Saturday. Paul Arriola provided the lone bright spot for Dallas in that match, scoring his fifth goal of the season from a penalty kick.

With their backs against the wall, FC Dallas will need their key players, including Arriola and top scorer Petar Musa (15 goals), to step up and deliver if they are to secure a crucial victory against San Jose.

San Jose Earthquakes: A Season to Forget

The San Jose Earthquakes have endured a nightmarish season, languishing at 5-23-3 with a league-worst 18 points. Their defense has been particularly porous, conceding an MLS-high 72 goals. Winless in their last five matches (0-4-1), the Earthquakes are coming off a 3-0 road defeat to CF Montreal on Saturday.

However, despite their defensive woes, San Jose can still pose a threat, particularly through midfielder Cristian Espinoza. Espinoza, who has tallied four goals and 13 assists this season, remains one of the few bright spots for the club. He recently made his 106th consecutive appearance for the Quakes, placing him third on the all-time list of consecutive matches played by non-goalkeepers. Espinoza’s consistency and leadership will be key as San Jose looks to play spoiler against Dallas.

Head-to-Head: Early Season Showdown

These two teams previously met in the opening game of the 2024 season, where FC Dallas emerged with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Earthquakes. While that result gives Dallas some confidence heading into this must-win rematch, the stakes are now significantly higher, and both teams have evolved over the course of the season.

What’s at Stake for FC Dallas

Dallas knows that anything short of a win will end their playoff hopes. However, the path to the postseason is not entirely in their hands. Even with a win over San Jose, Dallas will need favorable results in other matches: both Minnesota and Portland must drop points for Dallas to stay in the race.

While the odds are stacked against them, FC Dallas remains hopeful and will give everything they’ve got in Wednesday’s contest.

Key Players to Watch

• Paul Arriola (FC Dallas): With five goals this season, including one in the team’s last match, Arriola will be pivotal in Dallas’ attack. His experience and tenacity could make the difference in this high-stakes clash.
• Petar Musa (FC Dallas): The top scorer for Dallas with 15 goals, Musa has been the team’s most reliable finisher. If Dallas is to find the net, Musa is likely to be involved.
• Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes): Despite San Jose’s struggles, Espinoza has quietly put together a solid season, with 13 assists to his name. His playmaking ability could disrupt Dallas’ defense, especially if the Earthquakes take advantage of counter-attacks.

Dallas’ Playoff Chances: Slim but Alive

At this point in the season, FC Dallas knows the odds are long. With only three matches left, they must win all of them and hope for favorable results elsewhere. Despite their recent slump, the team’s mentality, as stressed by coach Peter Luccin, is to fight to the last whistle.

Meanwhile, the Earthquakes, despite being out of playoff contention, will look to finish the season with some pride and could play spoiler for Dallas. While San Jose has struggled mightily, their unpredictability could pose a challenge for the desperate Dallas side.

Conclusion

Wednesday’s match against the Earthquakes is a must-win for FC Dallas if they are to keep their playoff dreams alive. Even a victory, though, might not be enough if results elsewhere do not go their way. With the pressure mounting, Dallas needs to find their best form—and quickly—against a San Jose side that has little to lose.

While the odds aren’t in their favor, Dallas is determined to go down swinging in what promises to be a tense and critical fixture.

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