Before the MLS Cup Playoffs get underway, the LA Galaxy are hoping to make a statement with a victory over FC Dallas in their final regular season game.
With the MLS Cup Playoffs right around the corner and most of the spots already locked up, the LA Galaxy vs FC Dallas game might be overlooked on Decision Day. The match between two playoff bound teams will be pivotal in the Supporters’ Shield race. Los Angeles will be looking to gain some confidence before the postseason as well as ruin the hopes of Dallas fans.
FC Dallas are currently first place in the Western Conference as well as in the Supporters’ Shield race with only one team contending against them on the final week of MLS play. The Colorado Rapids are only two points behind but they need to win their game and have LA defeat Dallas for them to hoist the Shield. There is nothing more that the Galaxy want to do than disappoint the Frisco based club in the final match of the 2016 season.
Los Angeles have had an up and down season that has featured outstanding play from their stars, plenty of injuries, and disappointing results where they came away with far too many draws. Even though they have already secured their third place finish in the West, they will want to get a statement victory over arguably the best team in the league this season. They will have to play in a knockout round game during the postseason so getting a big win at home before then could be huge for the team going forward.
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This will only be the second meeting of the season between the two clubs with FC Dallas beating LA, 1-0, in their previous match on October 1st. The league leaders are shorthanded after their best player in Mauro Diaz went down for the rest of the year with a torn achilles. With FCD being without Diaz, the victory isn’t as sweet but this is a team that the Galaxy may have to defeat later in the postseason so a win could be a vote of confidence.
Dallas will also want to steal a win away from home to prove that they can still be a threat without Mauro. They have already secured a top two seed in the West and will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs but grasping the Supporters’ Shield with a result/win over LA would be immense for their squad.
This match will also be the last home game of the 2016 campaign for Los Angeles. They are only 1W-2L-1D in their last four games but they are 8W-1L-7D at home this season. The team needs a win as they risk limping into postseason play. The Galaxy are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Soccer and are trying to hoist their sixth MLS Cup this season. If they lose to title contenders, FC Dallas, their hopes could be dashed before the playoffs even begin.
The Galaxy have the coaching, the players, and the opportunity to reach yet another MLS Cup Final and potentially win once again to add to their illustrious history. While other games on Match-week 34 will be deciding who gets into the playoffs and who doesn’t, two of the best clubs this season will be facing off at the StubHub Center for confidence and momentum ahead of the MLS Playoffs as well as a chance at the Supporters’ Shield for Dallas.
A convincing win over FC Dallas would be huge for the LA Galaxy. They need momentum heading into the playoffs and even though the regular season was somewhat of a disappointment, they could still obtain MLS Cup Glory.