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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas will renew their bubbling rivalry on Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas with a spot in the MLS semi-finals against the Seattle Sounders on the line. Vancouver earned a spot in the playoffs as a 5th seed thanks to as seventieth minute goal by Kendall Waston in a crucial 1-0 win over Colorado.
The Whitecaps have never earned an away victory against FC Dallas, but they have also never played an elimination playoff match in Texas before. Carl Robinson's team have been on fantastic run as they clawed their way into the playoffs in the final match day. The lone Canadian MLS team in this year’s MLS playoffs are not the favourites to prevail on Wednesday night, and that's just fine for Robinson as he is more than comfortable being an underdog.
"We got nothing to lose. No one expected us to get in the playoffs except me and that group of players on the club. We had a quiet belief about us without an arrogance. We did and now who knows. Spin that wheel."
Pedro Morales, Mauro Rosales will once again be called on to lead the way for Vancouver offensively. The Whitecaps skipper finished his first MLS season with 10 goals and 10 assists. Darren Mattocks (6), Erik Hurtado (5), and Sebastian Fernandez (5) were the top scorers behind Morales.
Vancouver's defense was the key to their success this season. The addition of Kendall Waston was just what the Whitecaps needed to qualify for the playoffs. Waston and Andy O'Brien have anchored the Vancouver defense in front of outstanding keeper David Ousted. In his first full season with Vancouver, Ousted posted a league high 13 clean sheets.
Vancouver lost its only matches at Toyota Stadium this season. Erin Hurtado scored in the second half on Saturday, September 13 in Texas, however a Blas Perez brace earned FC Dallas a 2-1 win. The Whitecaps played well for stretches of that match but could not contain the Panamanian striker. David Ousted remembers that showing and believes Vancouver now has a great opportunity to go and prove that they can win in Texas this week.
“We had a decent performance a month ago. I think we have a chance to go there a win. They’re a good team and they've showed that, that’s why they’re in the playoffs but we have to go in and see if we can find our style of play there and get a win.”
FC Dallas did not fare well in two matches against the Whitecaps at BC Place this season. Oscar Pareja's team played Vancouver to a 2-2 draw on Sunday, July 27 and most recently played poorly during a 2-0 loss to Vancouver on Saturday, October 4. Central-defender Matt Hedges was disappointed in his team’s slow start, but insists that both teams play intriguing games against each other in what can only be called a naturally growing rivalry.
“I think it was already there. Last year and the year before, there have been some interesting games between the two teams and I think it’s continuing to grow as a rivalry. It’s good for the league when you have rivalries like that, having rivalries grow organically like this instead of being forced.”
Oscar Pareja and Whitecaps assistant coach Martyn Pert exchanged shoves and a few pleasantries on October 4. Both coaches were fined by MLS and when Parjea was asked about the incident he said, "nothing happened."
The Whitecaps Welsh gaffer has a lot of respect for Pareja as he has done a wonderful job in his first season as FC Dallas coach. Pareja is a great coach and has taken over a side that's fun to watch and can put on a track meet. Robinson isn't letting his guard down against Pareja and FC Dallas come Wednesday night.
"They’re a very very strong team and Oscar’s done a great job there."
FC Dallas has a well-balanced attack that will look to counter Vancouver with a fast break opportunities through the midfield. FC Dallas scored 55 goals this season compared to Vancouver's 42. Blas Perez (11), Fabian Castillo (10), and Michel (8) are the biggest scoring threats. David Texiera and Andreas Escobar have also proven that they can get hot and contribute as well. Canadian rookie Tesho Akindele is also a player Vancouver must be cautious of.
The 22 year-old Calgary, Alberta native scored 7 goals in 26 games this season and provided much-needed depth for his team. The matches Vancouver and FC Dallas played were tough and contested with battles all over the pitch. Akindele knows that it doesn't take long for tension, tempers, and clumsy fouls to show up in a match between these teams.
"Playing in the Western Conference, you see the same teams three times a year. Especially with how the schedule was, we’ve seen these guys three times now in just such a short time, and there’s definitely a little bit of tension coming.”
Matt Hedges can't wait to play Vancouver on Wednesday night. A match between these sides brings out the best in each player on the pitch. The competitive spirit is at a high when these teams play, and it can only soar higher in the playoffs.
"We look forward to it, we want to get another chance at them."
Steven Beitashour will not play for Vancouver due to a hamstring injury sustained in the season finale. New options at right-back include Jordan Harvey switching over from his natural left-back position or inserting Ethan Sampson at right-back. Whoever fills in for Beitashour will most certainly be targeted by FC Dallas on the right flank.
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