MLS: Dallas secure play-off berth, Fire earn point

Dallas earned bragging rights in the Texas Derby as they clinched a spot in the MLS play-offs by accounting for Houston Dynamo 3-0.

Fafa Picault scored twice for Dallas, who ended Houston’s post-season hopes on Saturday.

Franco Jara opened the scoring in the 19th minute when he slid onto a headed pass across the six-yard box from Michael Barrios.

Dallas were further rewarded for their dominance eight minutes later after Picault headed home to double the lead at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

El Mago Gazelle #DTID | #FCDvHOU pic.twitter.com/01roB0jl07

— x – FC Dallas (@FCDallas) October 31, 2020

Picault completed the scoring in the third minute of stoppage time as Dallas – in the play-offs for the third consecutive year – recorded just their third win in eight games.

The Dynamo have conceded at least once in 30 consecutive away matches, tied for the fourth-longest streak in MLS history.

30 – @HoustonDynamo have conceded at least once in 30 straight away matches, tied for the fourth-longest streak in @MLS history. Familiar. pic.twitter.com/tpGETen5Lv

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) October 31, 2020

Dallas are sixth in the Western Conference, while the Dynamo are bottom of the standings.

Elsewhere, play-off chasing Chicago Fire earned a valuable point in a 1-1 draw with Nashville.

Nashville – already assured of a play-off berth – hit the front via Daniel Rios in the 28th minute, with designated player Randall Leal playing a key role.

Leal has been directly involved in five of Nashville’s last six goals (two goals, three assists).

The Fire, though, claimed a share of the spoils thanks to Boris Sekulic’s equaliser three minutes prior to half-time.