VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Oct. 26, 2025) — The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs kick off this weekend, and FC Dallas is set for a critical clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Round One best-of-three series. After clinching a postseason berth with a 2–1 win over Vancouver on Decision Day, head coach Eric Quill’s side heads north again — this time with reinforcements, momentum, and renewed belief.

Kickoff is set for Sunday at BC Place, where Dallas will look to take an early lead in the series against a banged-up Vancouver squad missing several key players. The injury report favors the visitors, and with multiple starters returning from suspension, the matchup dynamic has shifted sharply in Dallas’ favor.

Injury and Availability Report

FC Dallas will be without midfielder Patrickson Delgado (upper leg), a notable absence considering his creative spark in the center of the pitch. In his place, Quill is expected to shuffle his midfield to compensate for Delgado’s absence, possibly introducing Sam Sarver as a tactical wrinkle.

For Vancouver, the list of absences is far more concerning. Defenders Sam Adekugbe (Achilles), Sebastian Schonlau (Achilles), and Ranko Veselinović (knee) are all ruled out, along with leading scorer Brian White (hamstring). In addition, Mathías Laborda will miss the match due to suspension, leaving Vancouver’s backline stretched thin. Tristan Blackmon (knee) is listed as questionable, but even if he plays, he’s unlikely to be at full strength.

Simply put, the Whitecaps’ depth will be tested to the limit.

FC Dallas Lineup Prediction

For Dallas, the return of Petar Musa, Ramiro, and Logan Farrington from suspension couldn’t have come at a better time. All three players were instrumental during the team’s late-season surge, combining for goals, assists, and defensive versatility down the stretch.

Head coach Eric Quill has been consistent about rewarding form — “playing the hot hand,” as he puts it — and with this trio back, expect Dallas to field a more aggressive, attack-minded lineup.

The projected starting XI features Michael Collodi in goal, who has been outstanding in recent weeks and appears to have locked down the starting spot between the posts. The defense is anchored by Shaq Moore, who shifts back to center back with Ramiro returning to his natural right wing-back position. This adjustment adds balance to Dallas’ back line while restoring width in transition.

Up front, the combination of Musa, Farrington, and Sarver gives Dallas both pace and versatility. With Delgado unavailable, Sarver is likely to slot in as a hybrid midfielder-forward — dropping deeper to link play when needed, but also driving into space to stretch Vancouver’s patched-up defense.

“This group is confident,” Quill said after Friday’s training session. “We’ve got our key guys back, and everyone understands their roles. We’re not changing much — just sharpening the details.”

Tactical Outlook

Expect Dallas to lean on its fluid attacking transitions and strong defensive organization. The flexibility in Quill’s 3-4-2-1 setup allows his wing-backs to push high, while Farrington and Musa alternate between pressing and playmaking. The chemistry between the two has been building, and against a weakened Vancouver back line, Dallas will look to exploit mismatches early.

Without Delgado, the midfield connection becomes more direct. Asier Illarramendi will shoulder more responsibility in dictating tempo, while Sarver’s inclusion gives the attack a vertical threat. Defensively, Dallas will count on Moore’s leadership and Collodi’s confidence to keep things steady.

For Vancouver, head coach Vanni Sartini faces the difficult task of reorganizing his defense while maintaining attacking structure. With Brian White sidelined, the offensive burden falls on Ryan Gauld, the team’s creative heartbeat. However, without consistent service and against a Dallas defense that has conceded just three goals in its last four matches, opportunities may be scarce.

Key Players to Watch

• Petar Musa (DAL): Dallas’ leading scorer returns from suspension and will look to add to his clutch reputation. His link-up play with Farrington and Sarver could be decisive.

• Michael Collodi (DAL): The young goalkeeper has been in superb form, anchoring the team with crucial saves and composure in high-pressure situations.

• Ryan Gauld (VAN): The Whitecaps’ attacking midfielder remains their best hope of unlocking Dallas’ organized defense.

Prediction: FC Dallas 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 0

With Vancouver decimated by injuries and suspensions, and Dallas regaining key players at the perfect time, this matchup tilts heavily toward the visitors. Expect the Broncos-red-hot defense and revitalized attack to set the tone early and carry the momentum into the series.

Dallas’ balance, depth, and form make them the clear favorites — and a statement win at BC Place would put them one step closer to advancing in the MLS Cup Playoffs.