MLS Cup playoffs will see FC Dallas take on Minnesota United this week at Toyota Stadium. Kickoffs on October 18 at 04:30 EAT.
This will be first time FC Dallas is hosting a playoff game since 2018, while they have not won a postseason encounter in Frisco since beating the Seattle Sounders in 2016. Under the management of Nico Estévez the hosts have doubled their win total from 2021, claiming 14 victories this year and recording 53 points, their highest tally in both categories since the 2018 campaign.
FC Dallas will aim for another win following 2-1 MLS success to beat Sporting Kansas City in their previous encounter. In that game, FC Dallas had 41% possession, 16 shots with eight of them on target and goals scored by Sebastian Lletget (33′) and Paul Arriola (65′). Sporting Kansas City got 19 shots with seven of them on target and a goal by Graham Zusi (51′).
On the other hand, Minnesota did just enough to clinch a playoffs spot for a fourth successive campaign. Monday’s meeting will be the third straight time they play a postseason match on the road after losing to Portland Timbers last year. However, coming into this game, Minnesota United is winless in five of their last six matches.
Minnesota United heads into this meeting after 2-0 MLS triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps in their previous match. In that game, Minnesota United had 49% possession, 16 shots with five of them on target and goals scored by Franco Fragapane (17′) and Jonathan González (77′). Vancouver Whitecaps got 12 shots with seven of them on target.
Dallas vs. Minnesota United head to head
Each side claims six victories from the 14 head to head encounters between Dallas and Minnesota United since 2017; while two matches ended in draws.
- Minnesota 0-3 Dallas 03/09/22
- Dallas 1-2 Minnesota 23/05/22
- Dallas 0-0 Minnesota 03/10/21
- Dallas 1-1 Minnesota 20/06/21
- Minnesota 1-0 Dallas 16/05/21
Home
- Dallas 2-1 Kansas City
- Colorado 1-0 Dallas
- Dallas 0-3 Tigres
- San Jose 1-1 Dallas
- Dallas 2-1 Los Angeles
Away
- Minnesota 2-0 Vancouver
- San Jose 2-0 Minnesota
- Kansas City 4-1 Minnesota
- Minnesota 1-1 Los Angeles
- Portland 1-0 Minnesota
Dallas team news
Boss Nico Estévez will be unable to call upon the services of Bernard Kamungo who is recovering from injury.
Minnesota United team news
As for the loons; Patrick Weah, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Hassani Dotson Jacori Hayes and Bakaye Dibassy have all been ruled out of this game through injuries.
Prediction and odds
- FC Dallas Win
- Goals over 2.5
- Both teams to score
