FC Dallas is eager to reclaim their home advantage as they prepare for a crucial double-header at Toyota Stadium this week. The team faces two formidable opponents, San Jose and San Diego, who are among the league’s top offensive units.
First up on the calendar is San Jose Earthquakes, a squad that has undergone a significant transformation under head coach Bruce Arena this season. Their key player, Cristian Espinoza, continues to shine with four goals and eight assists, making him one of the most underrated talents in Major League Soccer. To stifle San Jose’s offense, Dallas will need to effectively limit Espinoza’s influence on the field.
An exciting matchup to keep an eye on is between Ian Harkes and Kaick. Harkes had a red card rescinded and is set to participate, while Kaick returns from his recent suspension. The energy these two players bring could make for a captivating duel come Wednesday night.
As for player availability, FC Dallas has a clean slate in terms of suspensions but will be without Noel Buck, Hernán López, Niko Tsakiris, and Bruno Wilson, all sidelined due to lower body injuries. Fortunately, there are no other question marks regarding player availability.
Historically, San Jose has struggled in Frisco, having not won there since 2018, maintaining a record of 0-2-3 over the last five encounters at Toyota Stadium. The previous season saw both teams split their matches, with FC Dallas winning the opener before a late win for San Jose dashed those playoff hopes for Dallas.
In their recent performances, San Jose has recorded just one win in their last five league matches, underscoring their vulnerability despite their attacking prowess. The Earthquakes tend to score effectively inside the penalty box but are also known to concede frequently.
Arena’s anticipated lineup for San Jose indicates a strong attacking presence but suggests potential defensive weaknesses that FC Dallas can exploit. Adopting a strategy to limit mistakes, capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, and minimize set-piece fouls will be essential for Dallas to secure a positive result.
With pivotal points at stake, FC Dallas will be looking to reinstate their dominance at home and propel themselves into a better position within the league standings.
This matchup indeed provides an opportunity for FC Dallas to harness their home advantage and strive for a much-needed victory this week.