Over the last several seasons, matches between the Earthquakes and FC Dallas have been tight, even affairs. Three of their last five encounters have finished in draws, while all of San Jose’s last four wins against Dallas were by scores of 2-1. Since 2013, the Quakes have held the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners to no more than one goal in seven of their last 10 matchups. San Jose has surrendered just one goal in FC Dallas’ three prior visits to Avaya Stadium.
Tactical Intrigue
In the absence of centerbacks Victor Bernardez and Harold Cummings last week, Fatai Alashe was called upon to jump into the backline and shut down Seattle’s dual threat of Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris.