Two of the best teams in Major League Soccer meet in a pivotal primetime showdown on Saturday night. Eastern Conference leaders DC United make the trip to FC Dallas to meet one of the top teams of the West. Can United extend their lead over the entire league with a victory? Or will FC Dallas spoil their visit? Read on for everything you need to know heading into this match.
Friday night also has its own big-time soccer showdown. Steven Gerrard makes his MLS debut as the Los Angeles Galaxy take on the San Jose Earthquakes. Check out the complete preview of that match here.
FC Dallas took a 2-0 victory over Orlando City SC after Mauro Diaz and David Texeira each found the back of the net Friday night. FC Dallas now find themselves tied with Vancouver and Seattle with 32 points atop the Western Conference Stadinigs.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]What makes FC Dallas so devastating is their potent offense. The team is now tied for second in the league with the most goals (26). Fabian Castillo leads the team with seven goals this season; he isn’t too shabby as a playmaker as well with four assists. FC Dallas don’t just rely on Castillo to win them matches; Diaz (four goals) and Blas Perez (five goals) are also excellent scorers.
FC Dallas will need all the firepower they need when they take on league-best DC United. Their matches against United have been as even as they could get, as FC Dallas are 2-2-2 in their last six matches against the team from the Capital. They’re unbeaten (1-0-1) in the two matches played at Toyota Stadium.
FC Dallas are unbeaten in their last five matches at home (4-0-1).
Betting on DC United
DC United are the best team in MLS with 35 points atop the Eastern Conference. But they don’t look like the killers that they are when they play on the road. United have not won in six of their last seven matches on the road (1-4-2).
However, United boast of one of the best defenses in the league. Their 18 goals allowed is second only to Sporting Kansas City. The Black and Red have played some tight defense away from home, allowing one goal or none at all in their last nine on the road.
DC United also have several game-changers on the field. Chris Rolfe leads the team with six goals and also has three assists, while Jairo Arrieta has scored five goals this season. They also have capable playmaker Taylor Kemp who can create high-quality shots to net an all-important goal.
The absence of Fabian Espindola — who was suspended for this game against FC Dallas after being issued a red card in a 1-0 loss to Seattle on July 4 — could hurt United’s chances in this match. Espindola has been the Black and Red’s go-to playmaker, leading the team with five assists. Expect a more measured approach from a United side without its maestro on offense.
United are unbeaten in four of their last five matches against FC Dallas (2-1-2).
Writer’s Prediction
The two teams play to a 1-1 tie. Create a betting account now and get some summer action on Major League Soccer.
