FC Dallas will look for another thrilling Leg Two at home on Sunday against the Portland Timbers with a spot in the MLS Cup Final on the line. Portland leads 3-1 in aggregate scoring after Leg One, but Dallas did pick up an important away goal off the foot of David Texeira. The lone regular season meeting in Portland finished with the same score line, while FCD returned the favor in Frisco, 4-1.
ADVANCING SCENARIOS
Dallas will not only need to win on Sunday to advance, but they’ll need to win big. A 2-0 win would tie the series on aggregate scoring and advance FCD on away goals. A win by 3+ goals would advance FCD on aggregate scoring, overcoming their current two-goal deficit. A win by 3-1 would send the series to extra time and possibly PKs, just like in the Semifinal round vs. Seattle. A single-goal win, a draw or loss would result in a Timbers spot in the final.
KEY PLAYER FOR PORTLAND
Darlington Nagbe – The newest USMNT call-up was creating chances right from the opening whistle in Leg One, and with Diego Valeri returning to the midfield after suspension, Nagbe is likely to move back out wide where he has shined.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Mauro Diaz vs. Diego Chara – FCD will need the magic little unicorn to shine on Sunday with a multi-goal deficit to overcome. If the Argentine can create space to make plays, the Dallas attack will shine.
Jesse Gonzalez vs. Adam Kwarasey –The 20-year-old homegrown had a breakout performance in his last game at Toyota Stadium and will need to be a brick wall at the back of the Dallas formation as the team pushes to score goals. Kwarasey was huge for the Timbers in Leg One and will be tested often against an FCD team needing goals.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Goalkeeper: Adam Kwarasey; Defenders: Jorge Villafana, Liam Ridgewell, Nate Borchers, Alvas Powell; Midfielders: Diego Valeri, Diego Chara, Jack Jewsbury; Forwards: Darlington Nagbe, Fanendo Adi, Dairon Asprilla.
KEYS TO THREE POINTS
Dallas wants to turn home-field advantage on Sunday into another magical Leg Two. If FCD can balance the offensive push to earn a multi-goal win without exposing themselves defensively to Portland, they can punch their ticket to the MLS Cup Final for the second time in club history.
