FC Dallas continue playoff push against visiting Rapids

FC Dallas remain below the MLS Cup Playoffs line in the Western Conference, but they're gaining fast.

After going 3-0-1 over the past four matches, Dallas (9-11-6, 33 points) is just one point behind Austin FC for the West's ninth and final postseason berth entering Saturday's home match with the Colorado Rapids (12-9-5, 41 points) in Frisco, Texas.

Dallas earned its first road victory of the season last weekend, scoring four first-half goals and holding on for a 4-3 win over D.C. United.

"It was a beautiful first half. We should have managed the game better ... (but) a win on the road is a win," interim coach Peter Luccin said.

Sebastian Lletget had a goal and an assist and Nkosi Tafari, Paul Arriola and Tsiki Ntsabeleng also tallied. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes made three saves to secure the three points, holding D.C. scoreless after the 48th minute.

Dallas forward Alan Velasco might make his season debut Saturday. He has been out since tearing his ACL in last season's playoffs. Velasco traveled with the team to D.C. last weekend and was on the bench.

"We'll see with the medical staff but we want to protect him," Luccin said. "It isn't just about what the game is telling us."

Last Saturday's match was the first of the month for Dallas after the international break.

The Rapids, meanwhile, have played seven matches in August after making a run to the Leagues Cup semifinals before finishing third.

"The past month has been a ride and a half," said Rapids coach Chris Armas, whose team is in fourth place in the West. "We had a little bit of a break but no real rest.

"Now we shift our minds back to MLS and on the playoffs. Each game is going to be important; you have to fight and scratch for every point you get because every team is thinking like that."

This will be the second meeting of the season between the teams.

Colorado won 2-1 at home on April 20 as Calvin Harris scored in the 49th minute to give the Rapids a two-goal lead following a Dallas own goal. The visitors' Petar Musa scored in the 87th minute but Dallas was unable to get the equalizer.

--Field Level Media