Match Predictions: FC Dallas vs St Louis

It's game day tomorrow, so do our contributors think FC Dallas will fare in their first ever meeting with St Louis? I sense some... cynicism?

St Louis FC have entered the league this year in the right way - a strong roster with pieces that spent a season of maturation and building in MLS Next Pro as well as a number of MLS castoffs and rehabilitation projects.

They started with a 5-0-0 record, getting a few writers wondering if they would be supporter’s shield contenders. But not so fast. With more familiarity, opponents have begun to figure out ways to counter their roster’s limitations.

St Louis FC arrive in Frisco on Saturday with a 6-3-1 record. That’s darn good. They are second in the West.

They are coming off a home loss last weekend against Portland, which is an interesting result and probably indicative of how they will fare over the course of the season. Up and down results are the nature of being a new team in the league.

FC Dallas is only 4 points behind them, so let’s not suggest that the gap is vast between the squads.

Does it make sense to be a little nervous? Of course. St Louis FC have no expectations other than to spoil everyone else’s party. They come into Frisco with no reason not to go for points. The team even features a couple of former FC Dallas guys in Johnny Nelson and Lucas Bartlett who could give a preview to their roster mates on what to expect.

FC Dallas has been beaten up a little with Nkosi Tafari the latest on the injury report, but it does look like Alan Velasco will be good to contribute in some fashion.

Does it make sense to be a little pessimistic? Did Dallas exactly scintillate in Minnesota? Will they put together a strong performance at home? Lots of questions.

Here is what our contributors think:

Ismael Belkoura: 2-2 goals by the Jesus twins.

Jose Carmona: 2-1 FCD goal by Jesus and a late game-winner by Velasco.

Tommy LeBeouf: 2-0 STL.

I predict a 2-1 victory. FC Dallas has just as much impetus to get some offense going as St Louis does to bounce back. They are due for a strong performance at home.

What do you think?