FC Dallas vs Vancouver Whitecaps, Game 1 of the 2025 playoffs – match information and lineup predictions

“It’s always nice to be the bad guy, especially in front of people who don’t want you to be the hero.”

Logan Farrington on FCDallas.com

First match of the 2025 MLS Cup playoff series between the Western 7s FC Dallas (44 points, 11-12-11) and 2nd in the West Vancouver Whitecaps (63 points, 18-7-9) will take place on Sunday at DC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:42 a.m. CT.

There are no ties or away goals rules in the MLS playoffs these days. Every game gets a winner; in the event of a tie, the teams in that round advance directly to the PKs. The first team to win two games advances.

Broadcast information

TV: AppleTV and MLS Season Pass
– Apple TV English: Tony Husband, Ross Smith
– Apple TV Spanish: Pablo Ramirez, Jesus Bracamontes
– Dallas Audio (& FCD app & Youtube): Ryan Figert, Steve Davis and Sam Hale

MLS Injury/Player Availability Report

FC Dallas

Patrickson Delgado – Upper Leg (Out)

Vancouver Whitecaps

Sam Adekugbe – Achille (outgoing)
Mathías Laborda – Suspended (Out)
Sebastian Schönlau – Achille (outgoing)
Ranko Veselinović – Knee (Out)
Brian White – Hamstring (out)
Tristan Blackmon – Knee (questionable)

FC Dallas Roster Prediction

Petar Moussa, RamiroAnd Logan Farrington are all back from suspension, and Coach Eric Quill is mostly a hot guy; These are some of the most important players who led the team at the end of the season, so all three are back in the team. Having Ramiro back specifically, let’s move on to Quill Shaq Moore back to center with the Brazilian at right back.

I have Michael Collodi in front of the net, he puts up incredible numbers and deserves his place.

Unfortunately, Patrickson Delgado came out for this one. The direct change, as we saw in the last match, is Pedrinho. But I will predict Sam Sarver takes Delgado’s place. This changes the tactic a bit, as Sarver and Farrington – and even Musa – will move back into midfield to link up. Normally I would be against this tactical change, but Sarver’s recent play makes up for it.

Bench Prediction
Maarten Paes
Anderson Julio
Sébastien Lletget
Paxton Pomykal
Nolan Norris
Josh Torquato
Lalas Abubakar
Pedrinho
Diego Garcia

MLS kit assignments

Civil servants

Referee: Victor Rivas
Assistant Referee #1: Kyle Atkins
Assistant referee n°2: Diego Blas
4th official: Ismir Pekmic
VAR: Armando Villarreal
VAR Assistant: Mike Kampmeiert

More information about the game

• FCD vs. NPV of all time: 12-11-9 (130 goals scored, 140 goals conceded)
• FCD versus NPV outside: 4-7-6 (16 goals scored, 21 goals conceded)

FCD had an eight-game unbeaten streak from August 9 to October 11, 2025

The Whitecaps set regular season club records for points (63), wins (18), away wins (8), goals scored (66) as well as goal difference (+28) in 2025, while tying the league record for most different goalscorers (20) and continuing a club-record 11-game MLS unbeaten streak from March to May.

Dallas has scored in 12 consecutive matches dating back to July 16.

Dallas is 6-7-0 in one-goal games.

Dallas is 4-10-8 when he concedes first.

Vancouver were at or near the top of several statistics across the league, including expected goals (2nd – 64.2), clean sheets (T-2nd – 13), touches in the opponent’s box (1st – 1008), expected goals conceded (2nd – 38.0), goals conceded (3rd – 66), goals conceded (2nd low – 38) and goal differential (1st – +28).

Dallas is 2-5-4 when trailing at halftime.

On the road, Dallas is 2-4-6 when he concedes first.

Dallas has led at halftime in ten games, posting a 7-2-1 record.

Dallas ranks fifth in MLS in aerial challenges won (482) and first in clearances (312).

The burn are 22nd in xG (51.75).

Dallas is tied for fifth in fast break goals (7) and 11th in open play goals with 45.

Petar Moussa has 34 goals over two seasons – the most goals in the club’s history over a two-season period. And 18 goals in 2025 – tied for fourth in MLS this season.

In 2014, FC Dallas hosted the Whitecaps in the qualifying round of the playoffs. Dallas beat the Whitecaps 2-1 thanks to goals from Tesho Akindele and Michel, who is currently an assistant coach at FC Dallas.

Anderson Julio recorded Dallas’ fastest speed this season at 35.28 km/h (21.92 mph), ranking No. 39 in MLS, and is tied for fourth in MLS with three counterattack goals.

Petar Moussa And Sébastien Ibeagha are eighth in MLS with 85 aerial challenges won. Ibeagha is also tied for 11th in clearances (52).

FC Dallas is 5-4-10 (23 points) on the road this season, 4-4-6 against the West and 1-0-2 against the East.