FC Dallas v San Jose Earthquakes: Arena pushing for playoff spot

San Jose Earthquakes head coach Bruce Arena believes all the club's remaining 16 MLS matches will be crucial if they are to reach the playoffs this season. 

The Earthquakes are aiming to solidify their spot in the postseason action after finishing bottom of the Western Conference last season. 

Arena's team currently find themselves eighth in the division after rescuing a point against the Portland Timbers last time out, despite Ian Harkes' red card. 

The Earthquakes boss lauded his team for the resilience his players showed, but insisted that they must continue to grind out results until the end of the campaign. 

"I think the players have been outstanding since day one when we came for preseason," said Arena.

"Although our record to date isn't what I'd like it to be, because I think there's two or three results that could've been different for us and really put us in a good position, we continue to make progress.

"Obviously the next 16 games are going to be critical if we aspire to make the playoffs. So we'll keep plugging away, but the team deserves credit. They've done a good job."

Preston Judd came off the bench to score the equaliser against the Timbers, his fourth direct goal contribution in as many games.

The striker is looking to make the most of the minutes he is given ahead of a potential playoff run later in the season. 

Judd said: "I think I've shown my abilities in practice, and he's gained confidence in me from preseason and trainings until now.

"With the other players in my position, it's tough to get minutes...and he just told me that I'm going to get my opportunities, and when I do, I have to take advantage of it. And that's what I’ve been doing."

The Earthquakes face FC Dallas this week, who are also fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, in their next match.

Dallas are just two points behind San Jose in 10th, but have played one match fewer in MLS.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas – Luciano Acosta

Acosta has been one of the standout players for Dallas this season. He is their joint-top scorer with five goals, two of which came in their last game.

Last season, he ended the campaign with 14 goals and 17 assists in 35 MLS matches for former club FC Cincinnati, with only Gabriel Pec (34) and Lionel Messi (32) having more direct goal contributions in that time.

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Arango

Arango has been the most prolific player for Earthquakes, scoring nine times in 14 MLS matches and will be keen to continue that run of form this time around. 

After missing five games through injury, Arango returned to the lineup in their last match in what will be a huge boost for Arena and his team. 

MATCH PREDICTION – FC DALLAS WIN

Dallas will seek to address a poor run of results on home soil this season with two draws, four losses, and just one win in seven MLS contests.

The Toros are looking to reverse a four-match MLS home winless streak dating to April 13 against Seattle Sounders. The Earthquakes have three wins, two draws, and four losses away from home this season in league matches.

When the two sides last met in MLS action, Earthquakes came out on top 3-2 at PayPal Park last season. Hernan Lopez led the Quakes with goals in the 13th and 79th minute. Jeremy Ebobisse was also on the scoresheet. Alan Velasco and Sebastien Ibeagha were on target for the Toros.

In their last six league matches, Dallas have won one, drawn three and lost two. Earthquakes, meanwhile, have won one, drawn four and lost one in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Dallas – 49.8%

Draw – 25.3%

San Jose Earthquakes – 24.9%