Week 30: Examiner.com's MLS preview, Part I: Last gasp for playoff air

October 6, 11:50 PMMLS ExaminerCharlie Corr

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Major League Soccer's Week 30 midweek game possibly features two teams that will not reach the postseason: FC Dallas and the host San Jose Earthquakes.

But when the math keeps you in it, you're never completely ruled out of the picture. However, San Jose has the near-impossible task of making up a 10-point difference for the final wildcard spot, and the Quakes have only four games to do so while relying on the right combination of teams faltering.

That basically leaves FC Dallas still hanging around with 33 points and three games to play. Making up that deficit is somewhat doable, and Dallas has the momentum on its side, that's for sure.

Dallas has won three of its last four games, outscoring its opponents 12-5 in that stretch while posting back-to-back shutouts against Real Salt Lake and the New England Revolution.

Dallas hosted the Quakes on June 7 and played to a 2-all draw, thanks to an 87th-minute tally from now-departed Kenny Cooper.

Since Cooper's departure for 1860 Munich, the man taking over the scoring ranks has been Jeff Cunningham. And within his stellar scoring rate, Cunningham is now approaching an FC Dallas goals record.

He has 16 goals (15 in the past 12 games), and with two more he will tie the team's single-season record with Cooper and Jason Kreis.

If Cunningham keeps up the pace, he has a legit shot at tying or surpassing that mark. Those mathematical odds are more plausible than Dallas' playoff ones.

WEDNESDAY'S MATCH

• FC Dallas (9-12-6) at San Jose Earthquakes (7-12-7): Winner - FC Dallas (Check out Bay Area Soccer Examiner Giovanni Albanese Jr.'s coverage.)

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(Prediction record last week: 2-3 with 2 draws. My cumulative record: 57-44 with 42 draws. ***Please note, all draws are actual MLS draws - this forum only decides winners and losers each week.***)

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Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Major League Soccer duties, he is the Chicago Sports Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.

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