Lucas Cavallini and Deiber Caicedo scored early and late in the first half, respectively, as Vancouver Whitecaps FC did just enough to beat FC Dallas 2-0 on Saturday in a Western Conference match in Frisco, Texas.
Vancouver goalkeeper Cody Cropper had to stop just one shot to earn his third clean sheet of the year and the 12th of his seven-year MLS career.
The Whitecaps (6-8-2, 20 points) got on the board almost before the fans settled into their seats when Cavallini cleaned up the rebound of a shot by Cristian Dajome in the second minute. Dajome’s shot bounced off Dallas defender Facundo Quignon and out to the front of the goal, onto the foot of Cavallini.
Dallas keeper Maarten Paes deflected the shot, but it floated to the far post and dribbled into the net.
Vancouver added to its lead in the 44th minute as Caicedo ripped a right-footed free kick around the FC Dallas wall and into the bottom-right corner. Paes dove to his left and deflected the shot, but he could not get enough on it to keep it from the net.
FC Dallas (7-4-4, 25 points) outshot Vancouver 16-4 and enjoyed the edge in possession time by 67 percent to 33 percent, but managed only one shot on target. The Whitecaps, meanwhile, scored on both their shots on goal.
FC Dallas was making their return to the pitch after the three-week international break and lost their second straight home match. The losses came after they had won five straight games at home this season.
It’s the second time this year that FCD conceded more than one goal in a home match and the first time it had been shut out on its home pitch in 2022.
The Whitecaps have taken both the games from FC Dallas this year, adding Saturday’s win in North Texas to one on May 18 in Vancouver.
Vancouver has produced four wins and two draws in its past six contests against FC Dallas and is 5-1-4 over the last 10 matches. The Whitecaps are one of the few sides that has enjoyed success on the road vs. FCD, making five consecutive trips to Frisco without a loss and forging two wins over that stretch.
–Field Level Media
