It’s game 34 of 34 on the FC Dallas regular season as the San Jose Earthquakes visit Frisco for an MLS #DecisionDay showdown at Toyota Stadium. Dallas brings a record of 17-10-6 and 57 points into the weekend, having clinched the top seed in the Western Conference. San Jose sits one point outside the playoff picture with 47 points and a record of 13-12-8. Dallas took the first game of the season in Frisco, 1-0, while the two sides played to a 0-0 draw in early June in the Bay Area.
FOR ALL THE MARBLES
Decision Day carries huge implications for both sides with vastly different stakes on the line. For Dallas, they could win the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in club history with a win and a NYRB loss or draw at Chicago, with simultaneous kick-offs at 6 p.m. San Jose, on the other hand, is fighting for their playoff lives – needing a win and a draw or a loss from either Seattle or Sporting KC to qualify. In all, four Western Conference teams are competing for three playoff spots, with spots 2-6 completely up for grabs.
KEY PLAYER FOR SAN JOSE
Chris Wondolowski – The veteran thrives on the must-win games and is the focal point of his team’s offensive attack with 16 goals on the season – 11 more than the next-closest player. Ten of those goals have come on the road this season, and he’ll need a strong performance on Sunday if the Quakes are going to qualify for the playoffs against a stout FCD back line that is riding three-straight clean-sheet performances.
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KEY MATCH-UPS
Zach Loyd vs. Chris Wondolowski - The Dallas defense has been lights out over the last three games, but they’ll face a late-season challenge in Wondolowski. Loyd did not travel to RSL last weekend, but should be rested and ready for a battle with the USMNT star on Sunday.
Michael Barrios vs. Shaun Francis – The speedy winger has been one of FCD’s best in the second half of the season, scoring all seven of his goals from July on. He’s proven a dangerous opposite to Fabian Castillo on the wing, and a difficult dual-sided threat to the Dallas attack.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Goalkeeper: David Bingham; Defenders: Shaun Francis, Clarence Goodson, Marvell Wynne, Cordell Cato; Midfielders: Shea Salinas, Marc Pelosi, Fatai Alashe, Matias Perez Garcia; Forwards: Quincy Amarikwa, Chris Wondolowski.
KEYS TO THREE POINTS
Dallas has been outspoken on their pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield over the last month, and it’s come down to the wire. They can’t control the outcome of the NYRB game, but FCD is 100 percent focused on doing their part to win the hardware.
