FC Dallas takes the direct approach down stretch

FRISCO — FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman isn’t one for clichés or guarded messages when talking about his team.

With five games left in the season, Hyndman didn’t shy away from a long-term plan or hide behind the old, "We’ll take it one game at a time."

Instead Hyndman was direct, saying FC Dallas (7-9-9) will need to win its three remaining home games and earn a pair of draws on the road to have a shot at the playoffs.

"It started with 10 games left, and if you remember it was win our home games and try and get points on the road," Hyndman said. "Well, we haven’t done well at home. But on the road we’ve had two ties and a win. So we need to figure out what’s hurting us at home."

Here’s a look at how the final stretch breaks down for FC Dallas:

1Today, 2 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park vs. D.C. United

Why FC Dallas could win: Slumping D.C. United enters weary from playing a midweek Champions League game as well as a 5-2 loss in Los Angeles last weekend.

Why FC Dallas could lose: D.C. United’s offense remains dangerous behind Luciano Emilio (11 goals, 5 assists)

and Jaime Moreno (10 goals,

9 assists).

2Thursday, 8 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park vs. San Jose Earthquakes

Why FC Dallas could win: The expansion Earthquakes have struggled to score all season. Their forwards don’t match FC Dallas’ Kenny Cooper and Jeff Cunningham.

Why FC Dallas could lose: Former FC Dallas player

Arturo Alvarez could be looking to make a point. San Jose’s outside midfielders Ronnie O’Brien and Darren Huckerby are two of the league’s top wide threats.

3Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park vs.

Toronto FC

Why FC Dallas could win: Toronto has fallen apart behind first-year coach John Carver and by this game could already be eliminated from playoff contention.

Why FC Dallas could lose: Toronto gets offensive

contributions from throughout the field, which makes the Canadian squad

unpredictable.

4Oct. 18, 8 p.m.

at Real Salt Lake

Why FC Dallas could win: Salt Lake has not reached the playoffs in its three years. Real sits in the playoff hunt but secured only one road victory in its first 12 away games this year.

Why FC Dallas could lose: Salt Lake has become organized under former FC Dallas star-turned-coach Jason Kreis. Midfielder Kyle Beckerman remains capable of dictating a game on his own.

5Oct. 26, 2 p.m.

at Los Angeles Galaxy

Why FC Dallas could win: The Los Angeles Galaxy defense remains the worst in MLS with 54 goals allowed heading into this weekend’s matches. The Galaxy goalkeeping is suspect as well.

Why FC Dallas could lose:

FC Dallas is 1-9 lifetime at the Home Depot Center against the Galaxy. The combination of

David Beckham and Landon Donovan can still strike for

three goals a game easily.