FRISCO — FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC meet for the second and final time in 2018 this weekend. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw at Toyota Stadium, with Kei Kamara scoring the game-tying goal on a penalty kick 10 minutes into stoppage time to steal a point.
This time around, the game is in Vancouver, and Dallas will look to return the favor of taking points on the road. Dallas is coming into the match off of a 0-0 draw vs. Columbus. It was a game where the Dallas defense settled back down, after giving up six goals in its two previous matches. Vancouver lost to Seattle 2-1 last week in a match that could have put the Whitecaps in a playoff spot. It is now in seventh place in the conference, sitting four points behind both Seattle and Portland.
Point Streak
Prior to its loss to Seattle, Vancouver has been playing really good soccer. It recorded points in its six previous matches and scored at least two goals in each. Kei Kamara has led the offensive charge, scoring four goals in his last six matches and has tallied 12 on the season, the third best in the Western Conference.
Key Matchups
Michael Barrios vs. Brett Levis — Although Barrios' seven-game point streak was ended after a scoreless draw against Columbus, he was still extremely dangerous. Barrios can cause havoc on the left side of Vancouver's backline.
Carlos Gruezo vs. Yordy Reyna — Reyna returns to actions this week after missing a game due to yellow card accumulation. Reyna has been dynamic on the attack as of late, recording four assists in his last three matches. Dallas' center midfielders are going to have to back track and help contain him.
Projected Starting XI
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-5-1): Marinovic; Levis, Henry, Waston, Nerwinski; Techera, Teibert, Reyna, Aly Ghazal, Davies; Kamara
Keys to Three Points
FCD must come out strong in the first half. Vancouver has been not great, to say the least in the game's first 45 minutes. Vancouver's minus-10 goal differential in the first half is tied for the fourth-worst total in the league and its 14 goals is the second-least in MLS. On the other hand, Dallas has only allowed 13 goals in the first half, the second best total in the league.
