MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Prediction: Western Conference Playoff Spots

By Matthew Nelson

Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Timbers players celebrate winning the Western Conference championship against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Timbers players celebrate winning the Western Conference championship against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next

Third Place: FC Dallas

FC Dallas are currently in first place in the West but have played 2 more games than the likes of LA and Colorado. Those two games will play a huge part leading up to the post season, as both the Galaxy and the Rapids will take advantage of them. Those two games won’t be the only reason Dallas will fall down to third. Arguably FC Dallas’ best player, Fabian Castillo, forced a loan move to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig with an option to buy.

Jul 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) and midfielder Fabian Castillo (11) celebrate Castillo
Jul 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele (13) and midfielder Fabian Castillo (11) celebrate Castillo /

What makes Dallas so good in the attack is not just one talented player that the rest of the team can look to, but multiple players who have speed running in behind the opposition as well as skills on the ball to set each other up. Even though they still have the likes of Barrios, Urruti and Diaz, it was pretty obvious that Castillo was their best player and with him now gone, Dallas’ options going forward suddenly look that much more predictable. It will take them a bit of time to figure out how to play without him, but eventually Dallas will get things going again and grab third in the West.

Next: Fourth Place

Home/MLS News