“The first step toward success is taking responsibility for your actions.”
Mark Cuban
After last week’s late-game meltdown, the word this week is accountability. So let’s see how the team reacts to Coach Eric Quill‘s mea culpa.
9th in the West FC Dallas (4 points, 1-1-1) hosts 1st in the West Vancouver Whitecaps (9 points, 3-0-0) at 7:30 pm CT at Toyota Stadium. In the Supporters Shield Standings, the Caps are 1 goal difference behind Philadelphia Union.
The Caps are coming off a 2-2 draw at Monterrey on Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a fantastic result for them as they progress to the Quarterfinals. Perhaps they will rotate a bit at Dallas?
Broadcast Info
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
– Apple TV English: Josh Eastern, Jamie Watson
– Apple TV Spanish: Francisco X. Rivera, Nacho Garcia
– Local Audio: Ryan Figert and Steve Davis.
MLS Injury/Player Availability Report
FC Dallas
Out: Show Cafumana – Upper Leg
Out: Geovane Jesus – knee
Out: Paxton Pomykal – knee
Out: Anderson Julio – personal (picking up green card)
Vancouver Whitecaps
Out: Sam Adekugbe – Quad
Out: Ryan Gauld – Knee
Out: Emmanuel Sabbi – Ankle
FCD Lineup Prediction
FC Dallas played solidly for 80 minutes and then went to pieces against Chicago Fire.
Logan Farrington played well enough to keep his spot but with no Anderson Julio, Coach Quill will need to pick a new wing. Given the lack of MF help and the very high positioning of Lucho Acosta, I predict Pedrinho will be in as a false wing. It might be a good game to finally get Leo Chu some minutes.
Nothing else will change, I don’t think, because… there really isn’t anyone on the bench who could provide anything unless you think Tsiki Ntsabeleng‘s offense (and poor defense) is worth taking out Ramiro‘s defense.
Bench Prediction
Michael Collodi
Lalas Abubakar
Enzo Newman
Tarik Scott
Tsiki Ntsabeleng
Nolan Norris
Patrickson Delgado
Léo Chú
Bernie Kamungo
MLS Kit Assignments
FC Dallas is thankfully back to the primary kit at home.
Officials
REF: Jair Marrufo
AR1: Adam Wienckowski
AR2: Stephen McGonagle
4TH: Brandon Stevis
VAR: Ricardo Montero Araya
AVAR: Jozef Batko
Oh no, FCD is about to get Marrufalo’d.
More Game Info
- FCD vs. VAN all-time: 11-10-9 (37 goals scored, 38 goals conceded)
- FCD vs. VAN home: 8-3-3 (23 goals scored, 18 goals conceded)
Dallas is unbeaten in the last 21 MLS matches when leading at halftime (W15, D6) since May 19, 2022, against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1-2).
The Caps have won 3 straight to open the regular season for the first time in their MLS era.
Vancouver has also won 2 of their last 3 games in Dallas.
FCD has scored five right-footed goals this season (t-2nd best, Seattle).
FCD ranks fifth in MLS in clearances with 29.
Dating back to last summer, the Caps hold a 4W-2L-2D record in their last eight MLS regular season away matches, scoring 17 goals across that span.
FC Dallas ranks seventh in xG across MLS with 5.96 xG.
The Caps lead the league in expected goals (8.09), shots (52), and corners (24). They are second in goals (8), passing accuracy (89.5%), and tied in key passes (36).
The Caps are outshooting FCD 17 to 11 per game this year. 7 to 5 on target. Maarten Paes will need to be big today.
Defensively, the Caps are tied for the lead in fewest shots against (7), second-best in aerial duels won (69.2%), and have allowed just two goals, which is tied for the fifth least goals against.
Bernard Kamungo has the fastest speed recorded for FC Dallas this season at 34.19 km/h (21.25 miles per hour). He ranks 15th across MLS.
Sebastien Ibeagha ranks third in MLS in clearances with nine.
Marco Farfan ranks 20th across MLS in total distance covered with 34.99 km (21.13 miles).
Shaq Moore is tied for fourth in MLS for successful crosses from open play with three. Moore is also tied for second in successful balls into the area from open play with four.