San Jose Earthquakes vs. F.C. Dallas Preview

The eyes of the MLS turn to Buck Shaw Stadium tonight as the San Jose Earthquakes play host to FC Dallas. The Earthquakes come into the match fresh off a 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls thanks to a penalty goal by leading goal scorer Ryan Johnson and are looking to maintain their slim playoff hopes with a win. Much like last season, the Earthquakes are surging at the end of the season with a 2-0-2 record in their last four matches to keep them in the playoff race. F.C. Dallas comes into beautiful Estadio Buck Shaw on a run of their own having won 3 of their last four and four of their last five to put the team in playoff contention despite early season troubles. FCD is lead by forward Jeff Cunningham who has scored 16 goals this season tying him for the league lead and even creating whispers that he should be in contention for a US national team spot next summer.

Despite the late run, both teams find themselves needing a victory in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Both the Earthquakes and FC Dallas will be eliminated from playoff contention if they are unable to come up with maximum points from tonight's match. The rise of the Toros has been a curious one as F.C. Dallas' recent surge came only after US National team star and team talisman Kenny Cooper was transfered to German Bundesliga 2 side 1860 Munich. Cooper's departure set the stage for long time MLS veteran Cunningham's meteoric rise. In addition to the stellar play of Cunningham, Dallas has been bolstered by the inclusion of US International Left Back Heath Pearce who has help to steady the Dallas defense since coming in at the signing deadline.

For San Jose, the win on "Darren Huckerby Night" in front of a sell-out crowd has done wonders to boost the team's spirits heading into the end of the season. Despite the recent stretch of form, Frank Yallop's side will be without several key players for tonight's final home match with Andre Luiz out due to injury and Ramon Sanchez, Arturo Alvarez and Simon Elliot on national team duty. In addition to those absences Cornell Glen, Jason Hernandez and Brandon McDonald are both questionable for tonight's match. Due to these injuries look for a San Jose backline composed of Bobby Burling and Aaron Pitchkolan.

As always you can follow the match here at BerkeleySportsBlog.com starting at 7pm.