FRISCO — FC Dallas looks for redemption against the San Jose Earthquakes just three weeks after San Jose handed FCD its only home loss of the season. The win over FCD is the only time San Jose has taken three points in a match since May 12, a span of 16 matches. FCD will give San Jose a much different look this team around, with the insertions of Pablo Aránguiz and Dom Badji into the lineup.
One-goal Games
San Jose has been the worst team in the league in close games, and it's not really that close. It is 1-12 in one-goal games, a win percentage of .077 percent. The next lowest in the league is .182 percent. It doesn't help that San Jose has fallen behind early in most games. They have led 1-0 in only 9 of its 25 matches, tied for the third least in MLS.
Lack of Scoring
Besides exploding for three goals against FCD on August 4, San Jose has had a lot of trouble finding the back of the net recently. Not counting the Dallas game, it has five goals in its past seven matches. Danny Hoesen leads the team with 10 goals, but he has not scored in his last eight appearances.
Key Matchups
Matt Hedges vs. Vako — Vako has been San Jose's best offensive weapon as of late. He has recorded at least four shots in each of his last eight games. His 93 shots this season are the third most in the league. He scored two goals in the first match between the two teams and FCD will have to do a better job keeping its eye on him.
Michael Barrios vs. Shea Salinas — Barrios is currently playing his best soccer of 2018. He is riding a five-game point streak, totaling five goals and two assists in the span. His speed can create chaos for backlines and he has been able to finish his chances lately. Salinas can return action for the Quakes after being suspended the last two games after a red card.
Projected Starting XI
San Jose Earthquakes (4-4-2): Tarbell; Salinas, Kashia, Jungwirth, Lima; Erikkson, Fernandes, Godoy, Hyka; Hoesen, Vako
Keys to Three Points
San Jose is coming off a 3-2 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC after taking a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime. The defense collapsed in the second half, with Vancouver able to catch the Quakes backline sleeping twice. The emergence of Pablo Aránguiz in the midfield for FCD could set up some really good chances behind San Jose's defense.
