FC Dallas vs Vancouver Whitecaps - MLS Cup Playoffs: Lineup notes
The 2025 season is on the line for FC Dallas as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second game of a Best-of-Three series in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Whitecaps dominated Game One with a 3-0 win. Can FC Dallas respond tonight at home?
The lineups are in for each side, so let’s dive into them along with some questions.
The XI + Quick Thoughts
If you are like me, you're probably very intrigued or excited by this lineup. For one thing, Nolan Norris is getting his shot in the center defense next to Osaze Urhoghide and Sebastien Ibeagha. Shaq Moore returns to the right wing, opposite of Bernard Kamungo.
That group will be protecting Michael Collodi in goal, who continues to get the start over Maarten Paes.
The other shift is in the midfield, Ramiro returns to the center of the park to help Kaick out in the defensive side, while Chris Cappis will be pulling some strings to connect them with the attacking group.
Up top, Logan Farrington returns to the starting lineup next to Petar Musa.
Who is on the bench?
There are plenty of options tonight for Eric Quill. He's got Sebastian Lletget, Pedrinho, Lalas Abubakar, Patrickson Delgado, Anderson Julio, Paxton Pomykal, Josh Torquato and Sam Sarver. Should Collodi need a sub, they have Paes on the bench as well.
Who should come off the bench?
In a game like this, any bets are off on who could come in. If they are chasing the game, I would expect Delgado, Julio, and Sarver. If they need to bottle up a lead, then Abubakar, Lletget and Pomykal make sense.
Big question for tonight: Can Dallas respond in Game Two?
It is truly do-or-die tonight for FC Dallas. A win extends the season one more week with a Game Three back in Vancouver next weekend, while a loss will begin the offseason for this club. FC Dallas looked awful in Game One, but without aggregate goals in these series, it isn’t over. But, the club has to respond tonight. The midfield has to figure out how to handle the pressure from Vancouver and the attack has to find more than one shot tonight if they want to move on.
Suspended: none
SEI List: Geovane Jesus (Right knee), Enzo Newman (knee), Herbert Endeley (knee)
Out: none
Questionable: none
On Loan: Tomas Pondeca (New Mexico United), Carl Sainte (Phoenix Rising), Tarik Scott (Monterey Bay FC), Diego Pepi (Texoma FC), Tsiki Ntsabeleng (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
International Duty: none
It’s playoff time, and FC Dallas is ready to make noise. Get full access and support independent coverage — 70% off for a limited time.
Here is what Vancouver is working with
The Whitecaps seem slow with their social graphics in this series. So, back to the league's lineup card.
How to watch
📅 Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
⚽️ Kickoff: 8:30 PM
🏟 Venue: Toyota Stadium
📺 Streaming: MLS Season Pass
💬 Gameday Social: #FCDvVAN
☀️ Weather: 58, cloudy
Big D Soccer Staff
BigSoccer.com
