After a mid-week rainout, FC Dallas is gearing up to host the San Jose Earthquakes in a crucial match at Toyota Stadium. Both teams have been neck-and-neck in the standings, with the Earthquakes currently holding a one-point advantage. It's a matchup that promises excitement and intense competition.
Broadcast Info
For those unable to attend the game, you can catch the action on MLS Season Pass, available on Apple TV. Tyler Terens and Devon Kerr will be providing the English commentary, while Francisco X. Rivera and Martín Zúñiga will be covering the game in Spanish. If radio is more your style, tune in to 97.1 The Freak or the FC Dallas App to hear Owen Newkirk, Mark Dodd, and Steve Davis call the game in English, or switch to Zona MX 99.1 for the Spanish commentary by Carlos Alvarado and Rafa Calderon.
FCD Lineup Prediction
In terms of the FC Dallas lineup, this might be the game where we see a return to the 4-3-3 formation. Coach Nico Estevez seems to have shifted away from Alan Velasco in the middle, opting for a different approach. However, there's always a chance that we might witness the 4-4-2 formation again. Regardless, minimal rotation is expected at this crucial stage of the season.
MLS Injury/Player Availability Report
Both teams have some players on the injury list. For FC Dallas, Tarik Scott and Geovane Jesus will be out for the remainder of the season, while Sebastian Lletget is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, San Jose Earthquakes will be missing Nathan due to an ACL injury.
MLS Kit Assignments
FC Dallas will be donning their iconic red and blue kit, while the San Jose Earthquakes will be forced to wear their road grays. The stage is set for a visually captivating clash between these two teams.
MLS kit assignments for FC Dallas vs San Jose on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy MLS)
As we delve into the head-to-head records, FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes have a long history of competitive matches. FC Dallas holds a slight advantage in their all-time record, with 21 wins compared to San Jose's 29. However, when playing at home, FC Dallas has a more favorable record, with 13 wins, 12 losses, and 9 draws.
FC Dallas has been on a remarkable run, losing only once in their last 13 games across all competitions. However, they have also recorded quite a few draws during this period. Christian Espinoza has been the standout player for San Jose Earthquakes, contributing 12 goals and 12 assists this season.
When playing at Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas has a solid record, with just three losses in their last 22 games, including playoffs. They have also demonstrated resilience by winning 17 points from losing positions, the most among all MLS teams. It's worth noting that FC Dallas has been particularly lethal in the second half of matches, scoring the majority of their goals during the 76th to 90th minute interval.
The Earthquakes, on the other hand, have shown their strength on the road, losing only three of their last nine regular-season away matches. They will be keen to maintain their positive momentum against FC Dallas.
With the playoffs within reach, FC Dallas has a lot riding on this game. The team has performed well when scoring first or finding the back of the net twice in a match. The ability to come from behind and secure points has been a defining characteristic of FC Dallas this season.
As the game approaches, both teams will be looking to make their mark and secure their spot in the playoffs. It's a battle that promises excitement, goals, and intense competition. Don't miss out on what could be a pivotal moment for FC Dallas.
