FC Dallas punched its ticket to the 2025 MLS playoffs with a win built on composure, resilience, and a bit of luck. On the road, the Texas side defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2–1 and secured the final postseason spot, capping off Eric Quill’s first year in charge.
A rough start and an open game
The match in Vancouver started at full speed, and it didn’t take long for the spotlight to shift. In the 11th minute, Whitecaps defender Mathías Laborda was sent off after a video review for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. From that moment on, Dallas took control, and the breakthrough came quickly. At 18 minutes, Osaze Orhoghide sent in a corner, the ball deflected, and FC Dallas opened the scoring. With a man advantage and the lead, things looked comfortable for the visitors.
Even down to ten men, the Whitecaps grew into the game. The Canadian side reorganized and found the equalizer before halftime. Emmanuel Sabbi was fouled inside the box, and Thomas Müller stepped up to calmly convert the penalty. Moments later, Müller nearly turned the match around with a curling shot that forced Michael Collodi into a tough save. The pressure didn’t stop there, Berhalter smashed the crossbar, and Ocampo answered with a rocket that barely missed. Near the end of the half, Takaoka came up big for Vancouver, denying Kamungo one-on-one and keeping the score level. The 1–1 at the break told the story well: an open game with plenty of drama on both sides.
Kaick steps up and Dallas grows stronger
The second half flipped the script. Just two minutes in, Kaick showed up when it mattered. The Brazilian midfielder latched onto a pass from Sam Sarver and finished first-time to make it 2–1, putting FC Dallas back in front. A simple goal, but with huge importance. It was his second of the season, his first away from home, and once again, it made the difference. Curiously, every goal Kaick scored this year has earned Dallas crucial points.
That strike changed the emotional tone of the match. Vancouver, even a man down, fought hard to stay in it. Ali Ahmed tried his luck, but Collodi stopped him cold. Then came Jeevan Badwal, with two good chances in quick succession, both denied by the inspired Dallas goalkeeper. Collodi had one of those nights where everything stuck, saving anything that came near him. Vancouver kept pushing, but when the final whistle blew, it was Dallas who stood tall.