Dallas Needs Points

With the Western Conference in such a tight race, FC Dallas heads to Philly tonight in need of one thing - points.

The playoff race in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference is tight. Razor thin, even.

Technically, while St Louis City SC has clinched playoff action, their no. 1 spot isn’t locked up. Theoretically, LAFC or Seattle could threaten them.

As FC Dallas travels to Philly tonight to take on the Union, the one thing they need is points, by any means necessary. We are at the stage of the season where the intensity of every match is going to make and break a team’s postseason opportunities. Nothing will be handed to anyone. And Dallas will need to showcase their goods and find a way to come away with a point or more if they want to lock up their spot.

The good thing is that Dallas has two games in hand on some of those above them in the table. A six point week, for instance, could see them rise up in that top four position in the West. That’s wild.

The bad thing is that Dallas’ schedule is not easy. Philadelphia is a good team. Dallas plays Houston, sitting at no. 4, this weekend. A zero point week is possible. That could have them slip out of their playoff position altogether.

Dallas needs to find at least a point tonight to keep moving forward and take advantage of those games in hand. That won’t be an easy task against Philly, who while they drew their last match at home, are vying to lock down a high seed in the eastern conference. The way that Dallas bottled up the Crew gives you some hope as a fan. A defensive approach to thwart Philly might be enough.

All in all, every point is vital. It’s do or die time for Dallas.