FC Dallas began its 2025 MLS Cup Playoff run with a rough start, losing Game One of the Best-of-Three series with the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0.
Vancouver outshot FC Dallas 20-1, as they got goals from Daniel Rios, Thomas Muller, and Kenji Cabrera in the win.
Vancouver had the early momentum in this one and nearly came away with a goal 15 minutes into the match. Sebastien Ibeagha had a bad touch at midfield on a ball played back that allowed Emmanuel Sabbi to get in behind the Dallas defense. As Sabbi made his way into the penalty box, Osaze Urhoghide made a smart challenge to push the ball out for a corner kick.
The Caps dominated the majority of the first half and in the 43rd minute, as a Rios header found the back of the net. Muller played a ball behind Ramiro on the left side of the field where Ali Ahmed was there to receive the ball and then play a perfect cross back into the penalty area for Rios.
Sabbi made his mark again for the Whitecaps, as he collected the ball on the right sideline in the 57th minute. He weaved his way through the Dallas defense before being brought down in the penalty area by Urhoghide. Muller stepped up to the penalty spot and doubled the Whitecaps' lead.
The Whitecaps closed out the game with their third goal in the 83rd minute as Cabrera got just enough of a foot on a ball from Rayan Elloumi to beat Michael Collodi.
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Instant Reaction: As much as I want to commend Eric Quill for going with Anderson Julio and Sam Sarver at the start of this one, I think not having Logan Farrington out there early hurt Petar Musa. But, so did not having someone in the midfield to calm things down and help Musa out. The Whitecaps looked even more like the dominant team that we knew they could be. Dallas played sloppy in the midfield and the result shouldn't be a shocker.
Random Stat of the night: One freakin' shot...and you really can't call it a shot either.
About the Subs: After halftime, Eric Quill went to his bench to bring on Lalas Abubakar and Logan Farrington for Kaick and Sam Sarver. Midway through the second half, Pedrinho and Josh Torquato came on for Anderson Julio and Sebastien Ibeagha. The final sub came in the 80th minute as Enes Sali made his season debut for FC Dallas, as he came on for Bernard Kamungo.
Man of the Match: Michael Collodi did all that he could to keep this one close.
Where does this fit into the season: Winning back-to-back games in Vancouver always seemed like a tall order. The season isn’t over with this result, but it inches closer to it.
What’s next for FC Dallas: Game two will be next weekend in Frisco, as FC Dallas hosts the Caps at Toyota Stadium.
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