MLS Weekend Predictions: Friday, July 4
By Chase Ruttig
Jun 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew defender Michael Parkhurst (4) steals the ball from FC Dallas midfielder/forward Andres Escobar (91) at Crew Stadium. The game ended in a 0-0 tie. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
FC Dallas (6-7-5, 4th Western) vs. Philadelphia Union (4-7-6, 7th Eastern)
FC Dallas Form: D/W/W/D/W Union Form: W/W/W/D/W
Last Match: 2-2 Draw (June 29, 2013)
Two red hot clubs collide in Dallas as the Union’s three straight victories have them back to life while Dallas are well on their way to a playoff berth and recently eliminated the Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup in a 3-2 extra time classic before drawing Columbus in their MLS return last week.
Philadelphia also needed extra time in the US Open Cup against a lower division opponent when they beat the Cosmos 2-1 in extra time, using that momentum to beat the New England Revolution 3-1 in a big three road points that has them back into the playoff race as July begins. Sebastien Le Toux has also been red hot lately for the Union, but it will be a big ask for them to come and get points in Dallas. I sense a draw out of this match, with both teams playing well as of late eventually settling for a split of the points on Independence Day.
Prediction: Draw