With the MLS season entering its final stretch, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, will get the voice of the struggling San Jose Earthquakes (5-3-23) and the rather complacent FC Dallas (10-7-14) in one of the fixtures scheduled for that date. There is surely a spectacle to behold, and it acts as a yardstick for San Jose to determine if the club can turn its season around, as it gives Dallas room to seek to bolster its position. Read on for our premium tips and predictions on who is likely to win this interesting match.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas 10/2/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | PayPal Park |
| TV: | ATV |
| Stream: | – |
San Jose Earthquakes (5-3-23) vs. FC Dallas (10-7-14)
San Jose Earthquakes are in a precarious position, having only secured a single victory in their last five outings. This pattern of defeats showcased their offensive struggles despite the presence of dynamic players like Amahl Pellegrino and Jeremy Ebobisse. Pellegrino, with 7 goals and 40 shots, and Ebobisse, contributing 5 goals from 41 shots, are key figures who must penetrate Dallas’s defense which has shown vulnerability on the road. The offensive force of Cristian Espinoza, with his 12 assists, could play a pivotal role in breaking through Dallas’s backline.
Conversely, FC Dallas enters this game with a more favorable momentum, having bested Los Angeles FC 3-1 in their last match, demonstrating a cohesive attacking front. Forward Petar Musa stands out with 15 goals from 81 shots, supported by Paul Arriola and Jesús Ferreira, who combine for a total of 10 goals and 11 assists. Their aggressive play and sharp shooting will be crucial as they face San Jose’s less formidable defense, which has frequently faltered under pressure this season.
William Yarbrough GK vs. Maarten Paes GK
William Yarbrough, the goalkeeper for San Jose, has endured stormy weather this season by recording 56 saves while conceding 44 goals. His determination will be challenged further this time against the attack of Dallas. Yarbrough’s calmness and ability to help keep more clean sheets would be one of the changes needed to inject new life within SanJose.
On the other hand, Maarten Paes of FC Dallas has a better stat with 121 saves and only 50 goals against in 30 starts. Repeating himself even at these in less ambitious stats, including all the 6 clean sheets, will be important when he meets San Jose, who will try hard to score at him. Paes’s ability to stop the best San Jose scores may determine the rhythm and the outcome of the match.
MLS Odds/Point Spread: San Jose Earthquakes -0.5 (-115), Total Odds: 2.5
With the bookmakers propelling the San Jose Earthquakes more, with odds of -0.5, it can be implied that this is due to the location and not the current performance, as that would make sense. Perhaps more dramatic is the total of under goals 2.5 at +130, where expectation is of a tight contest below twenty goals, possibly due to the lack of consistent offensive play from the two sides and heavy dependence on the goalkeepers.
San Jose Earthquakes Betting Trends
The Earthquakes’ form lately reveals some concerns as they have only won 1 out of their last 5 games, ending up with 4 losses against the spread. In home game statistics, the team’s performance doesn’t fill with much optimism, being 5-11 against the spread and confirming their inability to use the home ground to its maximum potential.
FC Dallas Betting Trends
FC Dallas seems to be on a fairly better trend as they split their last 2 games 2-2 against the spread and are slightly above average at 7-6 when playing away. The over trends in their last five matches where 4 of such ended OVER total points, may suggest irregularities in their defensive structure but equally tells of their scoring prowess.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas 10/2/24 Betting Picks
Given the current dynamics and recent performances, my recommendation leans towards FC Dallas overcoming the spread. After looking at the two sides’ recent form, it is hard to overlook the presence of Dallas in this particular matchup. In terms of the total, it seems safe to say that with the offensive struggles of San Jose and the Goalie Paes of Dallas, the under 2.5 could be a better option.
Bets such as these might be an additional risk but in situations such as these you can include Petar Musa who is a great candidate for an anytime goalscorer bet owing to the way he has been scoring. The sports event may not be as many goals placed at stake but there will be a lot of tactical actions and high drama which may reap rewards or flatten odds at some point. Use these picks in your free MLS game picks.