PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass (Apple TV)**
The Western Conference’s biggest early‑season surprise, San Jose Earthquakes (9–2–2), host a resilient but inconsistent FC Dallas (5–4–4) side in a matchup that could shape the playoff picture. San Jose has been one of MLS’s most complete teams — elite at home, dangerous in transition, and defensively disciplined. Dallas, meanwhile, has shown flashes of high‑level play but remains unpredictable, especially on the road. This is a clash of styles: San Jose’s high‑tempo, vertical attack vs. Dallas’ more methodical, possession‑leaning approach.
VENUE — PAYPAL PARK
Location: San Jose, California
Capacity: 18,000
Surface: Natural grass
Atmosphere: One of MLS’s most intimate and loudest soccer‑specific stadiums
Pitch Profile: Fast, wide surface ideal for San Jose’s transition play
WEATHER REPORT — SAN JOSE, CA
Forecast at Kickoff:
Temperature: 64°F
Wind: 6–10 mph from the northwest
Humidity: 55%
Chance of Rain: <5%
Conditions: Mild, breezy — perfect for high‑tempo soccer
Weather should not hinder either team’s tactical approach.
INJURY REPORT
FC Dallas
Jesús Ferreira — Probable (ankle) Expected to play; Dallas’ most important attacker.
Paul Arriola — Questionable (hamstring) Game‑time decision; major impact on Dallas’ wing play.
Sebastian Lletget — Out (knee) Weakens midfield creativity.
Nkosi Tafari — Probable (illness) Expected to anchor the back line.
San Jose Earthquakes
Cristian Espinoza — Probable (shoulder) Expected to start; San Jose’s MVP‑caliber creator.
Jeremy Ebobisse — Probable (hip) Expected to play; key to San Jose’s finishing.
Carlos Akapo — Out (foot) Reduces fullback depth.
Niko Tsakiris — Questionable (groin) Game‑time decision; affects midfield rotation.
TEAM RECORDS & FORM
FC Dallas (5–4–4)
Last 5 Matches: W–D–L–W–D
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 16
Trend: Solid defensive stretches, inconsistent attack, reliant on Ferreira
Identity: Possession‑oriented, structured buildup, narrow attacking shape
San Jose Earthquakes (9–2–2)
Last 5 Matches: W–W–D–W–W
Goals For: 25
Goals Against: 14
Trend: Elite form, strong finishing, excellent home performances
Identity: High tempo, wide play, Espinoza‑driven creativity
RECENT TEAM FORM NOTES
FC Dallas
Ferreira in strong form
Defense improving but still vulnerable to pace
Midfield lacking creativity without Lletget
Road form inconsistent
San Jose Earthquakes
Espinoza in MVP‑level rhythm
Ebobisse + Pellegrino partnership producing goals
Defense allowing few big chances
Home form among the best in MLS
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Cristian Espinoza (SJ) vs. Dallas Fullbacks
Espinoza’s crossing, dribbling, and set‑piece delivery are San Jose’s biggest weapon. Edge: San Jose
2. Jesús Ferreira (DAL) vs. Rodrigues + Mensah (SJ)
Ferreira’s movement vs. one of MLS’s most disciplined center‑back pairings. Edge: San Jose
3. Jeremy Ebobisse (SJ) vs. Dallas Center‑Backs
Ebobisse’s hold‑up play and finishing vs. a Dallas back line that struggles with physical strikers. Edge: San Jose
4. Asier Illarramendi (DAL) vs. Jackson Yueill (SJ)
A midfield battle that will dictate tempo and possession. Edge: Even
SERIES HISTORY
2025 Season: San Jose won both meetings
Last 10 Meetings: San Jose lead 6–3–1
At PayPal Park: San Jose unbeaten in last 4 vs. Dallas
San Jose has dominated this matchup recently, especially at home.
BETTING TRENDS
FC Dallas
2–1–2 in last 5
Unders hit in 4 of last 6
Conceded 2+ goals in 3 of last 5 road matches
San Jose Earthquakes
4–0–1 in last 5
Overs hit in 3 of last 5
Scored 2+ goals in 6 of last 7
Best home record in MLS so far
Matchup Trends
San Jose unbeaten in last 4 home matches vs. Dallas
Both teams have scored in 6 of last 10 meetings
San Jose averaging 2.1 xG at home this season
MATCH ODDS
FC Dallas + 310
San Jose Earthquakes – 130
Draw + 265
Over 3.5 + 115 Under 3.5 – 145
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026
