FC Dallas have dug themselves a hole in the Western Conference Finals. They’re down two goals to the Portland Timbers, who turned in an excellent performance at home in the first leg. But the 3-1 score of that match does give Dallas a decent out.
FC Dallas vs. Timbers 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch MLS playoffs online
Oscar Pareja’s team has to score at least twice to book a trip to the MLS Cup Final.
Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
There’s no such thing as a bad two-goal win in the playoffs, but Portland know they’ve got a tough job to do after giving up an away goal. A 2-0 victory for the home side on Sunday will see them through to the MLS Cup Final.
Neither side has picked up any injury or suspension problems and both should have full first teams available. The two teams will be looking to get a bit more out of their attacking stars. Fabian Castillo and Diego Valeri were both slightly disappointing in the first leg and their teams will be hoping they can get into the box score.
Key player -- Mauro Diaz
Dallas’ No. 10 has been excellent when healthy all season and with his team in need of goals, he’ll be tasked with creating them. And even though Dallas lost in the first leg, he was able to do just that by having a big part in setting up David Texeira’s away goal.
Key matchup -- Portland’s attacking set pieces
The Timbers' best attacking weapons in the first leg were their center backs, with Liam Ridgewell smashing in a set piece scramble and Nat Borchers netting the dramatic stoppage time goal. Dallas will have to be much better defensively on set plays to avoid giving up an away goal in the second leg.
FC Dallas injuries and suspensions
Out: Rolando Escobar (face), Bakary Soumare (concussion).
Portland Timbers injuries and suspensions
Out: Ben Zemanski (knee).
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 5 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
TV: ESPN (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1 (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), TSN Go (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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