FRISCO – FC Dallas clinched a spot in the playoffs after a scoreless draw in Portland. Dallas will look to continue to secure points to get home-field advantage, and will have a big chance to do that at home vs. Orlando City SC on Saturday (7PM, TXA21).
After a hot start, it would be an understatement to say Orlando has struggled to record points the last five months. In its last 20 matches, Orlando has registered six points, with none of those coming on the road.
Heading into the match, here’s where both teams stand in the power rankings.
MLSSoccer.com
1. New York Red Bulls (+1)
2. Atlanta United FC (-1)
3. FC Dallas (no change) - Dallas remain atop the Western Conference and therefore the best of the rest in the eyes of the voting panel. FCD are four games unbeaten but they haven't won consecutive games in league play since the beginning of July. Technically, you could win MLS Cup without winning consecutive games, but it's a hard road.
4. Sporting Kansas City (+1)
5. Seattle Sounders (+3)
22. Orlando City (+1) - Another week off for the Lions, and a road game against FC Dallas coming up. How will they finish the season? Five games to find wins, and they've captured just one in their last 20.
ESPNFC
1. New York Red Bulls (+1)
2. Atlanta United FC (-1)
3. FC Dallas (no change) - A point on the road in Portland was enough to secure a playoff spot for Oscar Pareja and FC Dallas, though the chances created were few in number. With SKC drawing on Sunday, FC Dallas maintained their spot at the top of the Western Conference.
4. Seattle Sounders (+3)
5. LAFC (-1)
21. Orlando City (no change) - The Lions resume the schedule next week against FC Dallas in Texas.
Soccer America
1. New York Red Bulls (+1)
2. Atlanta United (-1)
3. FC Dallas (no change) - FCD picked up one point but would have had three but for Carlos Gruezo's shot that rattled the woodwork.
4. Seattle Sounders (+1)
5. LAFC (-1)
21. Orlando City (no change) - Amazingly, the Lions, who had a bye last week, aren't yet eliminated from the playoffs.
