VANCOUVER, B.C. — FC Dallas are still in the hunt. Continuing their push for the playoffs, the Texan side scored two goals within 10 minutes to defeat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0 at BC Place in front of 19,006 fans.
Fabián Castillo opened the scoring on 60 minutes, receiving a flick on from fellow Colombian David Ferreira before juking past a couple of ‘Caps defenders and slotting a ball in off the post. The play started from a Zach Loyd throw in, and when the ball came to Castillo, he did well to get off his shot despite falling on the play.
Ten minutes later, Dallas made it two through substitute Jonathan Top. Ferreira made the play once again, outmuscling Andy O’Brien and beating Martín Bonjour on the dribble before setting Top up for the tap in.
The Whitecaps had their chances too.
In a first half that lacked much in the way of many real opportunities for either side, it was the final couple of minutes that brought the most action. First, Vancouver forward Atiba Harris won a free kick in a dangerous position at the edge of the area in the 43rd minute.
Camilo’s ensuing free kick brought about an even closer free kick due to a Daniel Hernandez handball, and the Brazilian once again stepped up to take. His curling effort ricocheted off the crossbar, however, meaning the teams went into the break scoreless.
The home side also had a chance in the 75th minute, as Jun Marques Davidson’s shot was redirected by Camilo, but went just wide of the goal from close range.
Five minutes later, the ‘Caps came close again, as second-half sub Michael Nanchoff’s ball over the top intended for Kenny Miller was directed just wide of his own net by FCD defender Jair Benítez.
In the 84th minute, Alain Rochat won a header in the Dallas area from a Robson free kick, but couldn’t hit the target.
Five minutes from time, a kerfuffle between Davidson and Ferreira following a Lee Young-Pyo foul resulted in all three players getting booked.
OPTA CHALKBOARD: FCD make the most of their chances
FC Dallas, now 7-11-8, are back in action on Saturday, when they travel to Rio Tinto Stadium to face Real Salt Lake (8 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest).
