FC Dallas suffered a significant setback in the first game of their Best-of-Three playoff series against the Vancouver Whitecaps, losing 3-0 on Sunday night [1]. The Whitecaps showcased a dominant performance at BC Place, leaving FC Dallas struggling to find an answer [11, 10]. Meanwhile, in other MLS news, Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC has been awarded the 2025 MLS Goal of the Year for his stunning free kick against FC Dallas earlier in the season [6, 8].
Key Moments
The Whitecaps established an early lead, putting FC Dallas on the back foot. German World Cup winner Thomas Müller scored his first MLS Cup Playoff goal from the penalty spot [10]. Vancouver's Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer also contributed with first-half goals [9]. FC Dallas struggled to generate offensive momentum, with few clear-cut chances [1]. A missed header from Vancouver's Thomas Müller, assisted by Sebastian Berhalter, nearly extended their lead [4]. The match saw substitutions from both sides, with Kenji Cabrera replacing Emmanuel Sabbi for Vancouver [4], and Abubakar coming on for Kaick for Dallas [3].
Son Heung-min's Acclaim and Foundation's Work
In a separate highlight for the league, Son Heung-min was selected as the first Asian player to win the MLS Goal of the Year [6]. His debut goal, a breathtaking free kick against FC Dallas on August 23, earned him the title, surpassing even Lionel Messi [8]. Off the field, the FC Dallas Foundation, in collaboration with Gallagher, Toyota, and UMB Bank, recently unveiled a refurbished soccer pitch at Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep [7]. This project highlights the foundation's commitment to community development through soccer [7].
TL;DR
* The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated FC Dallas 3-0 in the first game of their MLS playoff series [1]. * Thomas Müller scored his first MLS Cup Playoff goal [10]. * Son Heung-min of LAFC won the 2025 MLS Goal of the Year with a free kick against FC Dallas [8]. * The FC Dallas Foundation continues its community outreach with a newly refurbished soccer pitch [7].