FC Dallas forward Logan Farrington urged his side to "take care of what we can control" as they bid to qualify for the playoffs.

Dallas' hopes of clinching a playoff spot took a blow as they lost 3-1 to Orlando City last time out.

The result left Dallas eight points behind the Portland Timbers, who occupy the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference.

Next up is a trip to the San Jose Earthquakes, who sit bottom of the West with just 18 points.

And Farrington, who had a goal disallowed for offside in Saturday's match, is taking confidence from a strong finish to their game against Orlando, despite the defeat.

As quoted by Big D Soccer, he said: "I think it shows what we can do and we know what we can do, but it needs to be a lot earlier in the game to get results and we know that. We're disappointed with the result.

"Right now we need to take care of what we can control. Go on the road, get six points, come back, and hopefully get another three points.

"We need to take care of business and hope the rest falls in place for us."

Reflecting on the loss to Orlando, Farrington added: "I think we definitely underperformed in the first half, especially after the game we had last week against LAFC. We came out flat, and they came out sharp and killed us on the ball.

"I think we were lucky to only be down by one. In the second half, we put in a better performance and came out stronger. We almost made the comeback but it was just too late."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes - Cristian Espinoza

It has been a dismal season for the 'Quakes, but that has not been for the efforts of Espinoza, who has provided 11 assists in MLS this season.

He is the star player Dallas must keep under lock and key if they are to get their playoff push back on track.

FC Dallas - Paul Arriola

Arriola got the goal for Dallas against Orlando, taking his tally for the season to five in MLS. 

He is Dallas' second-highest scorer, behind Petar Musa (15).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

The Earthquakes have lost seven of their last eight home matches (W1) including the last four in a row.

San Jose's only longer regular-season home losing streak (excluding breakaway shootouts) was a six-match run in July-August 2000.

Dallas, however, have won just one of their last 15 regular-season away matches in 2024 (D5 L9). The only season in which Dallas did not manage at least two road wins over a full campaign was 2003 (one).

Seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams have ended in draws, with Dallas winning twice and San Jose winning once.

San Jose are winless in seven straight meetings with Dallas (D2 L5).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose - 33%

Dallas - 41.4%

Draw - 25.6%