The Vancouver Whitecaps head into Decision Day with a chance to finish the 2025 MLS regular season at the top of the Western Conference, something the club has never achieved before. A 2-1 win over Orlando City in the previous round, sealed by a late goal from Thomas Müller, kept the momentum going and put the team one step away from securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. A draw would be enough to clinch first place, but a win at BC Place would cap off a historic year in dominant fashion.
Vancouver at its peak
The Whitecaps are one of the most consistent teams in MLS right now. They’ve collected 63 points, are unbeaten in their last 11 matches, and have already broken their own single-season scoring record with 93 goals. Under Jesper Sørensen, BC Place has turned into one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams. With 10 home wins so far, the hunt for their 11th has become a symbol of the club’s new era. Thomas Müller is the man of the moment.
Since arriving, the German veteran has scored seven goals and provided four assists in seven matches, reaching personal milestones like his 300th career goal. Alongside Gauld, White, and Schöpf, Müller has become the engine that keeps the attack moving. The team’s collective depth is just as impressive, 23 different players have found the net this season, tying an MLS record set by St. Louis City. The Whitecaps enter the final round in control, aware that finishing first could be the difference between a championship run and playoff heartbreak.
Dallas under pressure and short-handed
While Vancouver enjoys stability, Dallas faces the opposite scenario. The team must win to secure a playoff spot and arrives in Canada under heavy pressure. A loss or draw could end their season, depending on the results from Real Salt Lake, San Jose, and Colorado. Dallas had a chance to seal qualification last week but fell to LA Galaxy, the damage didn’t stop there. Logan Farrington was sent off and is suspended, while top scorer Petar Musa and captain Ramiro are also out due to yellow card accumulation.
Those absences hit hard, especially against the conference leader and away from home. Head coach Eric Quill is trying to rebuild confidence in a group that was sitting 13th in July but fought its way back with an eight-game unbeaten streak after the summer transfer window. The issue now is timing, their momentum seems to have run out when they need it most. Dallas must win and hope other results go their way, a scenario that leaves the squad carrying the weight of enormous emotional pressure heading into Decision Day.