Matchday 19: FC Dallas vs San Jose Earthquakes

Top of the table San Jose comes to town tonight to face an FC Dallas side that is looking to extend a two-game unbeaten run (how's THAT for burying the lead?). Unfortunately, I'm short on time today so just a few quick things before the game.

Notes

Weather FCD Stadium will not be the oven tonight that it normally is as a cool front has passed through and temps should be in the low 80's with some rain...I'm not really sure who this benefits, but I lean towards San Jose

M*A*S*H Update I think it's probably 60-40 that David Ferreira makes his first start tonight while there could be a couple other surprises, though I wouldn't expect Blas Perez back until next week.

Key to the Game

Strong in the Air As I wrote for MLSsoccer.com, shutting down the Earthquakes aerial threat is a must if FCD wants anything out of this game.

Keep reading

Referee

Ismail Elfath. SAR (bench): Craig Lowry; JAR (opposite): Peter Manikowski; 4th: Jorge Luna Hernandez MLS Career: 1 game; FC/gm: 23.0; Y/gm: 3.0; R: 1; pens: 2

Prediction 8-10 on the season

It's tough for me to see FC Dallas winning this game. They've struggled in two easier home games and now the top dogs come to town with an amazing attack that has produced the most points and goals in the league. It's going to be a huge test for Matt Hedges and Hernan Pertuz today. If Ferreira can come back strong in a starting role, this thing can be much different but I think it's still a bit too early to expect much.

2-1 San Jose