Vancouver Whitecaps fall short in last game of the regular season

MEGAN SWAIN/GATG

The Vancouver Whitecaps took on FC Dallas on October 18, 2025, in their last game of the regular season. Currently on a winning streak of 11, they were aiming for 12, but unfortunately suffered a 2-1 loss. 

A win or a draw for the Whitecaps would have clinched them first place in the Western Conference, something they have yet to achieve, but they had to settle for second. FC Dallas needed a win to skip the wild-card round, finishing seventh in the Western Conference.

For a majority of the match, the Whitecaps played a man down. In the 11’, Mathias Laborda was red-carded for taking away a goal scoring opportunity. Laborda will miss the opening match of the MLS Playoffs, serving a 1 game suspension.

From there, FC Dallas put pressure on the Whitecaps, getting a couple shots-on-target, before eventually getting one past Yohei Takaoka in the 18’. It was hardly noticeable they were playing down a player.

10 minutes later, in the 28’, Müller tied it with a penalty kick. He got the goalie to go left, putting the ball right. In eight appearances for the team, Müller now has 8 goals and 4 assists.

At half-time, the score was tied 1-1.

FC Dallas started the second half strong, taking another lead over the Whitecaps in the 47’. With lots of time left in the second half to get one back, the Whitecaps played hard, applying lots of pressure.

The sellout crowd of 26,741 were on their feet, getting loud about some missed calls by the referees. They were also loudly cheering for their Whitecaps.

There were lots of opportunities for the Whitecaps, especially young players Rayan Elloumi and Jeevan Badwal. Müller also got opportunities in the later minutes of the game.

FC Dallas’ goalkeeper played very well, tipping shots wide and stopping 6 out of 7 shots-on-target. Takaoka also played very well for the Whitecaps, making late saves to keep the Whitecaps within one.

By the end, the Whitecaps could not get another goal, and FC Dallas won with a final score of 2-1.

Up next, the Whitecaps face FC Dallas again, this time in Round 1 of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This best-of-3 series kicks off at BC Place on October 26 at 4:30pm, before travelling to Dallas, then back to Vancouver if needed.