VANCOUVER, British Columbia | October 18, 2025 – FC Dallas is playoff-bound once again. Behind a composed performance and key second-half heroics from Kaick, the North Texas side earned a 2–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on MLS Decision Day at BC Place — securing the seventh seed in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs in head coach Eric Quill’s first season in charge.
The win capped off a turbulent but resilient campaign for the club, which clawed its way back from midseason struggles to reach the postseason for the third time in four years. With the result, Dallas (11–12–11, 44 points) will face Vancouver again in the opening round of the Best-of-3 playoff series next week.
Early Edge and Set-Piece Success
Dallas came out aggressive from the opening whistle, taking control of possession and setting the tone physically. Their effort was rewarded in the 17th minute, when defender Osaze Urhoghide rose above the Vancouver defense to head home Patrickson Delgado’s corner kick, putting the visitors up 1–0.
It was Urhoghide’s second goal of the season, both coming from set pieces on the road — his first dating back to April’s 4–3 win over Inter Miami CF. Delgado’s assist was his sixth of the year, tying Petar Musa for the team lead.
Forward Sam Sarver, making his first MLS start, made his presence felt early by drawing a red card in the 11th minute that reduced Vancouver to 10 men. Despite the advantage, Dallas had to weather stretches of counterpressure from a motivated Whitecaps side still fighting for higher seeding.
Kaick’s Composure Seals the Win
After Vancouver equalized in the 54th minute, BC Place came alive, and momentum briefly swung toward the home side. But Dallas quickly restored order thanks to Kaick’s calm finishing. In the 67th minute, Sarver — who had been lively all match — laid off a perfectly weighted pass to the Brazilian midfielder, who slotted a low shot past the keeper to make it 2–1.
It was Kaick’s second goal of the season, both serving as game-winners, underscoring his growing importance in Quill’s midfield rotation.
“Kaick was exceptional,” Quill said postgame. “He’s one of those players who steps up when it matters most. That composure in front of goal is exactly what we needed in that moment.”
The final 20 minutes tested Dallas’ discipline and defensive structure. The Whitecaps, despite being down a man, pressed relentlessly, but Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi made several key stops to preserve the lead — finishing with five saves on the night.
Team Effort Defines Dallas’ Resurgence
In his first year at the helm, Eric Quill emphasized grit, accountability, and youth development — principles that paid off in Vancouver. Dallas ended the match with seven players who came through North Texas SC, its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, continuing the club’s reputation as a developmental powerhouse.
“We had belief in ourselves,” Quill said. “We knew what was at stake. When Vancouver tied it, the crowd got into it, but I was proud of our response. The fight at the end, the tackles, the aerial battles — that’s who we are as a team.”
Dallas’ resilience was tested repeatedly this season, navigating coaching transitions and player turnover while managing injuries to key contributors. Yet the squad found its rhythm down the stretch, winning three of its final five matches to lock up the final playoff spot.
Goalkeeper Collodi, who has emerged as one of MLS’s top young shot-stoppers, credited the team’s collective mindset: “It’s a team effort from front to back. Everyone worked their tail off. There were ups and downs all season, but we stayed together. This is what we’ve been fighting for.”
Playoff Preview: Round One Rematch
With the win, FC Dallas now prepares to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC again in the Round One Best-of-3 series, a matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. Vancouver finished the regular season above Dallas in the standings, but the Whitecaps will enter the series with questions after Saturday’s defeat and red-card setback.
Defender Shaq Moore emphasized the importance of momentum heading into the postseason. “It’s a big moment for us,” Moore said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this year, but to finish like this — against a top team — gives us confidence. We’re not writing Vancouver off. We know they’ll make adjustments, and so will we.”
Final Whistle
As the rain poured and the clock ticked down, Dallas stood tall defensively, clearing every cross and battling for every loose ball. When the final whistle sounded, the team’s celebration reflected months of perseverance.
From set-piece execution to second-half composure, FC Dallas showed the heart of a playoff team — one that’s peaking at just the right time.
Final Score: FC Dallas 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 1
Next Up: FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – Round One, Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
