A fantastic campaign for FC Dallas will continue this weekend when they take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Toyota Stadium.
Sitting pretty in second place of the Western Conference, Dallas will be hoping to cut the gap to first with a win.
Match preview
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Having lost just three of their opening 14 games of the season, attention has turned to a potential MLS Cup win for Dallas.
Level on points with Real Salt Lake in second of the Western Conference, Dallas sit just four behind leaders Los Angeles FC, with first place in the Texan side's sights.
After topping the Western Conference in back-to-back seasons six years ago, Dallas have struggled to impose themselves on the division, only qualifying for the playoffs three times since.
Finishing 11th last season, Dallas failed to make it to the playoffs, with the Texan outfit now confident of an improved campaign this time around.
By contrast, things are not looking great for Vancouver, who are currently flagging down in 11th having endured a troublesome campaign so far.
With one finish inside the playoffs since 2017, confidence is low among the Vancouver ranks, but with time left to amend for their errors, the Canadian side will be confident that improvements can still be made.
Shipping goals have been one of Vancouver's biggest problems, as the Whitecaps boast the division's second-worst defensive record.
In addition to their defensive woes, Vancouver have also struggled to find the net in their 15 outings so far, with only two sides in the Western Conference having scored fewer goals.
Regular opponents in recent years, Vancouver will take confidence from their strong record against Dallas, with the Whitecaps having gone unbeaten in their last five MLS meetings.
It is four years since Dallas last secured a victory against the Whitecaps, with the Western Conference's second-placed side no doubt confident of prevailing this weekend.
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Team News
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While their performances have excited this season, a lack of injuries for Dallas has allowed them to rocket up the table.
Forward Jesus Ferreira has impressed for Dallas so far, netting nine goals and assisting a further four, with the USMNT international expected to start up front for the hosts.
Similarly, Paul Arriola netted twice last time out for Dallas, and the 27-year-old will be keen to add to his seven goals for the campaign.
As for Vancouver, an eye problem is likely to keep Russell Teibert out of action this weekend, with the midfielder expected to return before the end of June.
Teibert's teammate Thomas Hasal will also be missing until the end of the month, with a hand problem forcing the goalkeeper into the treatment room.
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Twumasi, Hedges, Martinez, Farfan; Pomykal, Quignon, Servania; Velasco, Ferreira, Arriola
Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:
Cropper; Godoy, Veselinovic, Nerwinski; Godinho, Gauld, Jungwirth, Owusu, Martins; White, Caicedo
We say: Dallas 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver has struggled for much of the campaign, with goals leaking at the back and not much in the way of success going forwards.
Sharp contrast to the way that Dallas have operated so far,as the hosts eye up another victory this weekend.
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Top tip
Amos Murphy
