F.C. Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake Prediction and MLS Soccer Betting Preview – September 6, 2014

With the MLS Cup playoffs drawing nearer, Real Salt Lake and F.C. Dallas are still left scrambling for position. The two teams are just a point apart in the Western Conference, and a win would do wonders for their respective postseason hopes.

For more on the best soccer action, check out our preview for the Manchester City vs. Arsenal match across the Atlantic Ocean in the English Premier League. In the meantime, read on for everything you need to know to bet on Real Salt Lake vs. F.C. Dallas.
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F.C. Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake Betting Preview and Prediction

Where: Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah

When: Saturday, September 6, 10:00 PM ET

Line: F.C. Dallas at Real Salt Lake – view all MLS lines

What’s at Stake

Real Salt Lake picked up just a point after drawing with the San Jose Earthquakes on August 30. The draw moved them to third place in the Western Conference after F.C. Dallas was upset by the Chicago Fire on the same day. Both teams’ results set up a high-stakes match between the two Western Conference teams.

[sc:Soccer240banner ]A Dallas win would push them into third place, while a Real Salt Lake win could help them keep pace with the Los Angeles Galaxy, who play Colorado on Friday night in a game they should win. A spot in the top three of the Western conference would ensure either team a spot in the conference semifinal. On the other hand, a fourth or fifth-place finish would require a team to play an extra round.

Betting on F.C. Dallas

F.C. Dallas had plenty of opportunities to score in their match with Chicago Fire on Saturday. Yet, they were highly inaccurate as they only had two attempts on target among their 12 total shots.

Goalkeeper Raul Fernandez kept them alive with three saves in the contest, but eventually surrendered a goal to the fresh legs of Chicago substitute Robert Earnshaw late in the second half. The loss snapped F.C. Dallas’ 10-game unbeaten streak since June 7.

Still, Dallas should come into this match confident, given their recent win over Real Salt Lake on August 22, a triumph they found despite being a man down. Right back Je-Vaughn Watson found the back of the net courtesy of an assist from Tesho Akindele following a corner to open the scoring.

The win helped Dallas map the perfect game plan to defeat Real Salt Lake this week. They were able to exploit Real Salt Lake’s weakness in defending against set pieces as well as on the counter attack. If there’s one thing F.C. Dallas are good at it’s the counter attack, especially with their blitzing speed in the attacking front of Castillo, Akindele and Blas Perez.

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Betting on Real Salt Lake

Uncharacteristically, Real Salt lake have been sloppy in their last two games. They lost to Dallas despite being a man up, and drew with San Jose after a costly mistake by Kyle Beckerman resulted in a goal against them.

What’s more concerning in their setbacks were Real Salt Lake’s impatience in handling a deficit. After conceding goals against Dallas and San Jose, they lost their composure in search of an immediate equalizer. They shot a total of 14 attempts against Dallas, but 11 of those shots were off target. Similarly, the team had 14 attempts on goal against San Jose with six off target while another five were blocked.

The frantic attack is a far cry from their patient and methodical approach with a strong midfield led by their captain, Beckerman.

Nevertheless, the Claret and Cobalt will be happy to play at home once again as they are undefeated in their last five games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake’s leading striker Joao Plata (11 goals) should benefit from a return home after being held scoreless in the last two games. Plata has scored in four matches during Real Salt Lake’s undefeated home streak. A return to his top form will give the team a live chance at recording a win.

On the other hand, veteran goal keeper Nick Rimando hasn’t been at his best playing in the stadium. He has conceded a goal in five of the team’s last six home games despite holding the league record for most career shutouts (113).

Writer’s Prediction

A return home pays dividends for Real Salt Lake. The Claret and Cobalt will remain composed throughout the game and score the lone goal in the contest.
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