FRISCO, TX – After picking up their first-ever point in the Texas heat, Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to the Lone Star State on Sunday afternoon for a clash with league-leading FC Dallas.
KICKOFF: 3 p.m. PT | TV: TSN2 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Carl Robinson spoke this week about wanting to “turn draws into wins.”
His troops are now unbeaten in four MLS matches, but three of those results were draws, including last weekend’s scoreless draw at Houston. That gives them an 8W-6L-6D record on the season – good enough for the sixth and final playoff position in the Western Conference.
One of the big storylines to watch on Sunday is the return of Blas Perez.
The Panamanian striker spent four seasons with FC Dallas before joining Whitecaps FC in the offseason. This will be his first trip back to Frisco – something that’s not lost on his new teammates.
“Absolutely,” Jordan Harvey said when asked if the ‘Caps would rally around him. “I’m sure he’ll be giving the team talk. He’s a warrior, man. And I’m glad he’s on our side this time.”
FC DALLAS
FC Dallas enter the weekend atop the MLS table with a 12W-6L-5D record. They have also yet to lose at home, so it’s safe to say the odds are stacked against Whitecaps FC heading into this one.
Only one team has scored more goals than FC Dallas this season.
One of their most lethal offensive weapons, however, appears to be on the way out. Colombian winger Fabian Castillo, who has five goals and five assists on the season, is reportedly being transferred to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
“I’m very happy for him,” Perez said. “And good timing for us. He’s very dangerous.”
It’s a big loss, no doubt, but the Hoops still have a plethora of attacking options with Argentine midfielder Mauro Diaz and Colombian winger Michael Barrios leading the way.
KEY MATCHUPS
Matias Laba (M) vs. Mauro Diaz (M): This matchup is always fun to watch. Vancouver’s Argentine destroyer against Dallas’ Argentine playmaker. Diaz leads FC Dallas with nine assists, which is also the second highest total in MLS, whereas Laba leads the league with 80 tackles. Buckle up.
‘Caps fullbacks vs. Michael Barrios (W): The other danger man for Dallas, especially with Castillo’s rumoured departure, is Barrios. The Colombian winger, who can play on either side, has a team-high six goals – though he’s scored just once in his last eight outings.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Whitecaps FC vs. FC Dallas: 4W-8L-3D
Whitecaps FC vs. FC Dallas in MLS: 0W-7L-0D
This will be the second and final meeting between Vancouver and Dallas this season.
The ‘Caps won their first encounter 3-0 back on April 23 at BC Place in a match that saw Ousted make four highlight-reel saves. Things haven’t been as smooth away from home, where Whitecaps FC have yet to pick up a point in seven previous visits.
That includes their heartbreaking – and controversial – playoff defeat in 2014.
“Lots of horror memories, and maybe one or two from the guy I signed at the start of the year as well,” Robinson said in reference to Perez.
“They’re the best team at the moment,” he added. “We know that. They’re unbeaten at home. So maybe something has to give.”
WEATHER WATCH
It’s expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius at kickoff on Sunday.
The ‘Caps better have those ice towels ready.
NEXT UP
It's a quick turnaround for Whitecaps FC after this one, as they head to Trinidad and Tobago for Tuesday's CONCACAF Champions League tilt with Central FC. The 'Caps will then regroup in Texas before visiting Colorado Rapids next weekend.
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