FC Dallas Faces Whitecaps in Crucial MLS Playoff Opener

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs begin Sunday as the FC Dallas squad takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps in Game 1 of their best-of-three series. The match kicks off at 6:42 CT at BC Place.

Dallas, seeded 7th in the Western Conference with 44 points, will face the second-seeded Whitecaps, who amassed 63 points during the regular season. The stakes are high, as each game in this playoff series has a decisive winner; ties will lead directly to penalty shootouts.

FC Dallas coach Eric Quill expressed confidence in his team’s potential despite the absence of key player Patrickson Delgado, who is sidelined with an upper leg injury. “We’ve got a strong lineup that has shown resilience down the stretch,” Quill stated.

Vancouver Whitecaps coach Jesper Sørensen is equally optimistic, having watched his team set numerous club records this season. The Whitecaps achieved milestones in points, wins, goals scored, and goal difference. “We are excited to carry this momentum into the playoffs,” Sørensen said.

Both teams face challenges in their lineups. Alongside Delgado’s absence for Dallas, the Whitecaps will also miss several key players: Sam Adekugbe and Mathías Laborda due to injuries, and Sebastian Schonlau and Ranko Veselinović will not play due to suspension.

FC Dallas will benefit from the return of suspended players Petar Musa, Ramiro, and Logan Farrington, crucial figures in the team’s recent success. Farrington noted, “It’s always nice to be the villain in situations like this, especially against teams expecting to win.”

Vancouver has a notable home advantage, coming off a strong finish to the regular season with an impressive unbeaten streak, while Dallas hopes to leverage its recent performance that included an eight-game unbeaten run earlier. Both teams will be eager to prove themselves as they aim for a crucial first win in the series.

The broadcast will be available on Apple TV and MLS Season Pass with multiple commentary options for fans.

As excitement builds for the playoffs, both teams will look to make their mark in this pivotal matchup.