Will Vancouver construct on its sturdy common season end and advance within the MLS playoffs? Will a talented-yet-inexperienced FC Dallas aspect put all of it collectively tonight? We requested three pundits to chime in.
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October 29, 2014
2:26 PM
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BRIAN SCIARETTA
That is going to be some of the unpredictable video games of the playoffs. Vancouver has been remarkably sturdy defensively as of late with 4 straight shutouts to shut the season . FC Dallas, nevertheless, has not been as constant however has been a greater crew many of the season. The crew may be very younger and has excelled below Oscar Pareja this 12 months.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Fabian Castillo would be the key participant on this sport. When he’s at his finest FC Dallas can boast a potent assault. When he’s off, Dallas can look slightly bizarre. How Castillo performs early within the sport shall be a giant indicator as to how efficient Dallas shall be breaking down Vancouver’s protection.
PREDICTION
Whereas FC Dallas comes into the sport on the heels of a disappointing loss to Portland, I feel they are going to prevail within the sport. I feel Vancouver spent loads of vitality to make the playoffs and that might harm them on a brief relaxation. Additionally, preserving a fifth straight shutout goes to be remarkably troublesome. FC Dallas 1, Vancouver 0.
BROOKE TUNSTALL
Not surprisingly, each groups mirror each their coach’s enjoying kinds and personalities, creating a pleasant tactical matchup. FC Dallas prime man Oscar Pareja’s has fused a South American possession fashion with American athleticism whereas Carl Robinson’s Vancouver aspect has proven tenacity and chew it hadn’t beforehand exhibited in its MLS existence. This gritty strategy noticed the Whitecaps enter the playoffs with 4 straight clear sheets in video games the place a outcome was paramount.
Dallas most likely has the sting in talent and expertise however the Whitecaps enter this sport in higher kind—which simply provides to the intrigue. If Dallas can management the run of play and create probabilities, they’ve the gamers that may break down Vancouver’s protection. Conversely, if the Whitecaps can keep disciplined and affected person, they’ve loads of gamers who can burn—get it?—Dallas on the counterattack.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Vancouver teen Kekuta Manneh may very well be the distinction maker on this one. He’s maddeningly inconsistent, as one would possibly count on from a 19-year-old, however when he’s on his sport the speedster’s capability to run at defenses can unbalance even essentially the most disciplined of backlines. It may well additionally make groups which can be urgent for a aim pay for committing too many numbers ahead. If Vancouver can hold issues shut and Dallas will get impatient and undisciplined, Manneh may very well be the one to ship a deadly blow.
PREDICTION
Wacky, the MLS playoffs are. Hardly ever does essentially the most proficient crew win, particularly in opposition to a aspect that comes into the playoffs on a roll. However Dallas gained 12 video games at dwelling this season whereas the Whitecaps managed solely three wins away from British Columbia. Location and home-field benefit ought to make a distinction right here. It’ll be shut, however Dallas advances.
BLAKE THOMSEN
All indicators level to this being a unbelievable sport. FC Dallas has been stable all season lengthy, whereas Vancouver has ridden a late surge of kind into the playoffs, highlighted by 4 straight clear sheets and an enormous win at CenturyLink Subject in opposition to the Sounders. It appears that evidently this sport will inevitably be tight from begin to end.
PLAYER TO WATCH
The important thing for me on this matchup is Vancouver’s dynamic teenage winger Kekuta Manneh. Like most speedy youngsters, his ultimate ball will be inconsistent. However when he will get it proper, he will be devastating.
With Dallas enjoying at dwelling, I count on Vancouver to undertake a slightly defensive posture and let Dallas management the circulation of the sport. Manneh could solely get an opportunity or two on the counter to do some injury, and he’ll must be scientific if Vancouver is to flee with a win.
PREDICTION
I feel the Whitecaps edge this one 1-0 with a second-half aim on the counter. As seen in its current 1-0 win in Seattle, Vancounver is comfy absorbing strain and breaking with precision. I feel we’ll see precisely that in opposition to Dallas, with Manneh aiding the winner after a prolonged run on the break. 1-0 Whitecaps.
That is what three ASN analysts suppose. Now it is your flip. Give us your prediction, and a rationale, beneath.
