The MLS playoffs don't begin for another three weeks but tonight will offer us an elimination game with some playoff-like drama.
FC Dallas visits San Jose tonight (10pm, Direct Kick) in a match both teams need to win in order to maintain any realistic chance in the MLS playoff race. San Jose will be eliminated from playoff contention by anything but a victory, while FC Dallas would be reduced to needing to win its final two matches, and needing several other teams lose matches, to keep its playoff hopes alive with a loss tonight.
It just so happens that these are two teams enjoying strong late-season runs after both were terrible in the first half of the season. FC Dallas has posted a 3-1-1 record in its past fivematches, scoring 14 goals in those five matches. San Jose is on an even better run, posting a 4-0-2 mark since the All-Star break, with the two draws coming of a pair of stoppage time penalty kicks by the Colorado Rapids.
FC Dallas can pull to within two points of the final playoff spot with a victory tonight, while the Earthquakes would still need to win its final three matches and have six teams drop multiple matches to sneak into the playoffs.
What do you see happening tonight? Think San Jose will pull out the win at home, or is FC Dallas' offense just too tough to stop these days? Can you see either of these teams will get into the playoffs? Did you just remember to set your MLS fantasy team?
Share your thoughts below.
