MLS Decision Day sees FC Dallas travel to the Vancouver Whitecaps with a playoff spot on the line this Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. from BC Place.
Here's everything you need to know before the match.
HOW TO WATCH
The match will be streamed in both English and Spanish on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
HOW TO LISTEN
You can listen to all the action on the FC Dallas app and YouTube channel with broadcasters Ryan Figert, Steve Davis and Sam Hale. Pregame coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. CT.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Head-to-Head Records
- FCD record: 10-12-11 (41 points, 8th in West)
- VAN record: 18-6-9 (63 points, 1st in West)
- FCD vs. VAN all-time: 11-11-9 (128 goals scored, 139 goals conceded)
- FCD vs. VAN away: 3-7-6 (14 goals scored, 20 goals conceded)
Story Lines
Decision Day: FC Dallas' 2025 season comes down to the final day. The teams travels to the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday night in need of all three points to guarantee a spot in the postseason. With a win, Dallas would at least remain in 8th place - good for a spot in the single-elimination Wildcard game scheduled for next Wednesday. A win could also see FCD leapfrog the Portland Timbers into 7th place (good for a place in the first-round proper) IF the Timbers were to lose to San Diego FC in their final match.
But here's where it gets more convoluted. A Dallas draw or loss in Vancouver doesn't guarantee anything on its own; it would all depend on the results of three other Western Conference matchups: Real Salt Lake vs. St. Louis, San Jose vs. Austin, and Colorado vs. LAFC. If FCD ties, it would need either Colorado or RSL to drop points to remain above the playoff line. With a loss, Dallas would need at least two of Colorado, RSL and San Jose to lose as well to keep the season alive. So, while you're watching FCD vs. Vancouver, keep a close eye on the scores of the other three matches to know what result Dallas needs. Or better yet, tune into the Burncast on the FC Dallas Youtube page where the local commentary team will have everything you need in terms of the playoff picture.
Absentees: Dallas will be without three key players for Saturday's all-important game. Forwards Petar Musa and Logan Farrington as well as midfielder Ramiro are all suspended for the trip to Vancouver: Musa and Ramiro due to yellow card accumulation and Farrington for a red card he received in the team's last outing against the LA Galaxy. Those are significant absences, too. Musa, the team's leading scorer, alongside Farrington have been the team's dynamic duo up top and contributed 14 of the last 23 goals. And Ramiro, who's been serving as club captain in Maarten Paes' stead, has been a force at right wingback ever since head coach Eric Quill switched to a back-five formation. Without those three, Quill may need to get creative with his tactics or trust certain players to play out of position, namely his wingers. Regardless, with the season on the line, Dallas will need to dig deep to earn a positive result without some of their top performers.
Vancouver: The Whitecaps are enjoying their MLS best season to date under head coach Jesper Sorenson. Vancouver sit atop the Western Conference with an 18-6-9 record (63 points) and need just one point from Saturday’s game to solidify the #1 seed in the Western Conference ahead of San Diego FC (60 points). With 65 goals scored and just 36 conceded, the Whitecaps have both the best offensive and defensive records in the West and also boast the best goal difference (+29) across all of MLS. Sorenson has also done a commendable job of making sure his team is peaking at the right time. Heading into Decision Day, Vancouver are riding an eight-game unbeaten run that includes five wins and three draws – including a 7-0 trouncing of Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union. Considering the Whitecaps’ strong home form as well (10 wins, 4 draws and just 2 losses), Dallas have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
