The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are here and seventh-seed FC Dallas heads to Canada to take on second-seed Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Game 1 of the best-of-3 First Round this Sunday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. CT from BC Place.
Here's everything you need to know before the match.
HOW TO WATCH
All playoff games are available in both English and Spanish on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as well as regular 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 6 p.m. CT.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Head-to-Head Records
- FCD record: 11-12-11 (44 points, 7th Seed in West)
- VAN record: 18-7-9 (63 points, 2nd Seed in West)
- FCD vs. VAN all-time: 12-11-9 (130 goals scored, 140 goals conceded)
- FCD vs. VAN away: 4-7-6 (16 goals scored, 21 goals conceded)
Story Lines
The Path to the Playoffs: It wasn't a straightforward journey to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs for FC Dallas. The team's performances were up and down for the first few months of the season before a summer slump saw FCD fall to 13th place by mid-July. But all was not lost. Following the summer transfer window that included the acquisition of midfielder Christian Cappis and departure of DP playmaker Lucho Acosta, the club embarked on an eight-game unbeaten run that reignited its postseason hopes.
Still, there was more drama. A defeat to the LA Galaxy in the penultimate regular season game meant Dallas needed to win at the then first-place Vancouver Whitecaps to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. Despite the absences of key contributors Petar Musa, Logan Farrington and Ramiro through suspension, Eric Quill's team rallied to pull off a 2-1 win (its first in Vancouver since 2018) to not only make the playoffs, but also leapfrog the Portland Timbers to avoid the Wildcard game. Although FC Dallas enters the First Round Best-of-3 against Vancouver as the clear underdogs, this team has consistently defied expectation in 2025 and performed best with its back against the wall. While some may see FCD living on borrowed time after the midseason turnaround, you can never count Quill's side out.
Best-of-3: The First Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs is a Best-of-3. Basically, the first team to win two games advances to the next round (which changes to a single-game elimination format). In this Round One, teams play home and away in Games 1 and 2 and, if the series is tied after those, the higher seed hosts the winner-take-all Game 3 if necessary. FC Dallas and Vancouver's Game 1 takes place this Sunday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. CT at BC Place, Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8:30 p.m. CT at FCD's Toyota Stadium. And - if the series goes to three games - Game 3 would be played at BC Place on Friday, Nov. 7 (kickoff time TBD). Note, in this First Round, games that are tied after 90 minutes will go directly to a penalty shootout to decide the winner and goal differential across the series does not matter. The mission is simple, win two games and advance.
Returns: FC Dallas' lineup this Sunday could look very different than it did when the club last played Vancouver on MLS Decision Day one week ago. Last week when Dallas traveled to BC Place needing a win to guarantee a spot in the playoffs, the team was without leading scorer Petar Musa, his striker partner Logan Farrington, as well as captain Ramiro due to suspensions. The forwards' absences meant wingers Anderson Julio and Sam Sarver started out of position up top and Dallas played primarily on the counter attack, launching long passes behind Vancouver's backline time and again. Both Julio and Sarver's speed caused the Whitecaps defense problems throughout the game, so you can't rule out head coach Eric Quill turning to them once again, despite the availability of Musa and Farrington having served their suspensions. Regardless of who gets the nod, expect FCD to once again play behind the ball, soak up pressure and look to hurt Vancouver against the run of play.
ADDITIONAL READING
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
