The San Jose Earthquakes host FC Dallas as the two clubs clash for the first time this season in this Western Conference clash.

FC Dallas looks to prove their dominance in the Western Conference as the San Jose Earthquakes try to stay undefeated at home.

San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose has had an up and down start to their season. After staring the season off with two strong home wins, they are now winless in three games, losing away to Sporting Kansas City and NYCFC and drawing at home to Seattle with a last gasp goal from Chris Wondolowski.

In order for San Jose to keep that unbeaten run alive at Avaya Stadium, the Earthquakes have to dominate the midfield. In order to do this, Anibal Godoy and Alashe will have to be able to link-up well with Ureña and Wondolowski while providing strong possession numbers for the Quakes.

San Jose will also have Victor Bernardez back from suspension, which will help the Quakes’ backline significantly against the likes of Maxi Urruti and Cristian Colman.

San Jose Projected Line-up

FC Dallas

FC Dallas have been tearing up the MLS so far this season. Though they are in second place in the West and the Supporters’ Shield, three points behind the Portland Timbers, they have played two less games than them, winning three and drawing one. Dallas is the only Western Conference team that is still undefeated, something that not many people expected with Mauro Diaz still out.

If FC Dallas are going to be successful in San Jose, the backline will have to keep staying strong as they have been so far this season. Alongside Sporting Kansas City, Dallas are tied for the best defensive record in the league with only allowing two goals, both of which were from penalties. The creativity up top is bound to create some chances for Urruti and Colman so as long as Zimmerman and Co. stay solid in the back, Dallas should have no problem picking up all three points.

FC Dallas Projected Line-up

Score Prediction

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How to Watch

Kickoff: Friday, 11pm EST (8pm PST)

United States: UniMás, Faceobook.com

Canada: MLS Live, Facebook.com