In a thrilling playoff encounter, Vancouver Whitecaps secured a dramatic victory over FC Dallas on Saturday night. Ralph Priso equalized in stoppage time, and Belal Halbouni clinched the win in a penalty shootout. The Whitecaps swept the best-of-three first-round series in the Major League Soccer Cup playoffs after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
As the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, Vancouver will host the Western Conference semifinal at B.C. Place stadium on Nov. 22, facing either Los Angeles FC or Austin in the one-game conference semifinals.
FC Dallas initially took the lead with Petar Musa’s first career MLS Cup playoffs goal in the 25th minute. However, Priso’s late header leveled the score, leading to a penalty shootout. Vancouver emerged victorious as Halbouni converted the decisive penalty, with Nolan Norris missing the final kick for Dallas.
The Whitecaps had previously dominated with a 3-0 victory in Game 1. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka played a crucial role, making two saves for Vancouver throughout the match.