FRISCO, Texas – Approximately an hour before the final whistle at Toyota Stadium on Sunday, MLB’s Texas Rangers clinched the AL West under the cool, 77 degree autumn sun.
While FC Dallas has not won their West yet, they did mimic their cross-town counterparts in securing a Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoff berth, their second straight under the leadership of Oscar Pareja, in defeating in-state rival Houston Dynamo 4-1.
“What a better way to clinch than in the Texas Derby,” midfielder Victor Ulloa told MLSSoccer.com. “It feels good. From a personal side, it feels awesome. You know about that rivalry we’ve had, even going back with the Academy. So it feels good to clinch.”
Dallas punched their playoff ticket a week earlier than they did last season, but the hero was the same. In a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy last year, David Texeira knotted the game up at one before a late Fabian Castillo goal clinched the berth.
Fast forward to Sunday, and Texeira was the playoff lynchpin yet again. He executed a beautiful finish from well outside the Houston box to score the game-winning goal – one the 24-year-old called the best goal of his career.
“It was amazing,” said defender Zach Loyd, who assisted Texeira on the goal for his first assist in over three years. “He’s one of our best finishers. I think all year, anytime he gets a look, it’s either on frame or in. That’s just the quality of player he is.”
The playoffs may be a little under a month away, but Pareja and co. are feeling the postseason spirit even with a few weeks to go.
“We’re in playoff mode already,” Pareja said. “The last two games we competed against two of the best teams in the league, Kansas City and LA. They made it difficult for us on the road. We are learning the lessons as the young team we are, […] and now we’re going to fight a series that has a little bit of a playoff atmosphere. It’s going away and home against Vancouver that gives us the possibility for us to fight for the [Supporters'] Shield.”
Although at least one playoff game is now on FC Dallas’ schedule, there is still plenty at stake for the club over the next four games. Dallas sits tied atop the Western Conference with the win, but only two points separate them and fourth place Sporting Kansas City.
FCD understands they cannot take their feet off the gas. In the meantime, Dallas can rest easy for the moment knowing they will be playing soccer in November.
“There is nothing but happiness,” Pareja said. “But as well at the same time, there is a big responsibility for what is coming in front of us."
