FC Dallas devoured by Lions

FC Dallas 1-3 Orlando City SC

FRISCO, TX–FC Dallas’s playoff hopes hang by a thread after falling to Orlando City SC, 3-1, at Toyota Stadium on Saturday. The loss puts Dallas eight points adrift of the ninth and final playoff spot currently owned by Portland. FC Dallas would need to win all three of their remaining matches (including two on the road where they have won just once all season) and either Portland or Minnesota losing all their remaining matches. Orlando got their seventh away win of the season clinching a playoff spot in the process and keep fourth spot in the East–two points clear of New York City FC.

The Lions got on the board in the 18th minute as Ramiro Enrique headed in a cross from Rafael Santos to make it 1-0. Dallas were then hit with two goals in a span of four minutes. First, Martin Ojeda’s corner was headed in by Rodrigo Schlegel in the 51st minute. Then, Facundo Torres scored off a counter attack to make it 3-0. Orlando has now scored at least three goals in four of their last five league matches.

Paul Arriola added a consolation penalty in the 78th minute. A second Dallas goal in the 90th minute was chalked off for offside. The loss leave Dallas virtually eliminated and potentially more time to begin their massive renovations to Toyota Stadium.

FC Dallas travel to face San Jose on Wednesday (9:30pm PT, Apple TV). Orlando hosts Philadelphia on Wednesday (7:30pm ET, Apple TV) .

For more of Eric Guzman’s photos from the night at Toyota Stadium, please click on the link to his gallery.