Mar 16, 2024; Frisco, Texas, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Ali Ahmed (22) and FC Dallas midfielder Ema Twumasi (22) battle for control of the ball during the second half at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Fighting to get into the playoff picture, FC Dallas could benefit against a short-handed Whitecaps roster Saturday in Vancouver.
The Whitecaps (12-8-5, 41 points) enter the weekend in fifth place in the Western Conference and fresh off a 1-0 win over Austin FC, but they will have five starters missing due to the international break against FC Dallas (9-12-6, 33 points).
Captain Ryan Gauld, Ali Ahmed, Andres Cubas, Fafa Picault and Pedro Vite are all playing internationally. The group has contributed 19 goals and 20 assists combined this season for Vancouver.
Their absence opens the door for former Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong of Scotland, signed earlier this week by the Whitecaps. While his role may be limited this weekend, the 32-year-old veteran adds Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Scottish Premiership experience to the roster.
“Hopefully I can bring transition of play from back to front and connect the midfield to the forward line,” Armstrong said. “Hopefully I can chip in with some creativity and some goals and assists too.”
The Whitecaps’ new signing previously played with Gauld at Dundee United, although supporters will have to wait to see that connection.
As for FC Dallas, Saturday is a chance to bounce back following last weekend’s 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids. Despite going ahead twice, the Texas side couldn’t hold on and gave away a 93rd-minute goal to Darren Yapi.
Points are much needed for Dallas, sitting three points out of the final spot in the Western Conference. Fortunately they are only missing two regular starters, although one is goalkeeper Maarten Paes. That means Jimmy Maurer, who hasn’t suited up as a starting goalkeeper in the regular season or Leagues Cup, is the likely choice Saturday.
For only the second time this season, all three of FC Dallas’ designated players are available. Jesus Ferreira, Alan Velasco and Petar Musa all made it into the match against Colorado as substitutes. Musa made his presence known, scoring a goal five minutes after coming into the match.
“To see all those players coming back is good,” said interim coach Peter Luccin. “We’re going to need them.”
The last time these two teams met in the regular season, Vancouver beat Dallas 3-1 on March 16 in Frisco, Texas.
–Field Level Media
