Carl's Keys to the Game vs. FC Dallas

FIRST 20 MINUTES

The start of this game will be very important for both teams and could have a big impact on the final outcome. There’s no doubt we have momentum on our side. After grinding out some positive results in our last three games, we should be going into this game in a positive frame of mind.

We need to start off on the front foot and test Dallas early and often. Even if the gameplan is to sit back at times and counter, we have to be a threat going forward and here’s why.

Dallas just had a home game against Portland Timbers, a team that played Champions League soccer in Honduras midweek and a team that didn’t control their own destiny.

You have to believe Dallas were confident in getting the job done and getting a week off before starting the playoffs. Instead, after a convincing Portland win, they will have to get their heads around playing a winner-takes-all contest in a matter of days.

They’re probably a bit shell-shocked and if they don’t get off to a fast start, nerves and self-doubt will creep in again and we should be able to take advantage of that.

SET PLAYS

We know playoff games can be very tense and cautious as both teams try to keep it tight and not make any mistakes that can give the opposition the upper hand.

Teams are usually set up more cautiously in knockout games, which means chances can be limited. That’s why set pieces could play a massive part.

Dallas is one of the best teams in the league when it comes to set pieces. They scored 14 goals from set pieces this season, the second highest total in the league. However, they also conceded nine.

For the first time, with Kendall Waston in our side, we have a huge threat in this department. We also have Mauro Rosales and Pedro Morales, who can whip dangerous balls into the box that Waston can attack just like our winner on Saturday.

There’s no doubt Dallas will be keying on Mr. Waston from set plays and that could work to our advantage with other players potentially being left unmarked or benefitting from knock downs from the big man. He has been called a beast in both penalty areas and he will be a factor in this game.

BLAS PEREZ

In Vancouver’s last visit to Toyota Stadium, striker Blas Perez scored two goals (one lucky one) and was very influential in Dallas’ 2-1 victory.

The Panamanian wasn’t supposed to play in that game, as he was away on international duty, but he played with less than two days rest because he’s so important to this team. A lot of the time, he’s also their link-up man and we’re well aware of how dangerous he can be in the box. Keeping him quiet will go a long way in getting a victory.

There’s no doubt that Dallas has a number of other dangerous players to look out for, but if we can make sure that Perez has a tough night we will make this Dallas team less effective. Perez is a player who can also get under the opposition’s skin, so we need to be disciplined throughout our performance.

There’s no love lost between these teams and things could get quite chippy, especially if Dallas don’t get their way, but we must remain focused and make sure we keep 11 players on the field.

Kickoff for Wednesday’s match is set for 6 p.m. PT. The match will be televised nationally on TSN1, starting with a pre-game show at 5:30 p.m. PT. It will also air live on TSN 1040 and tsnradiovancouver.ca, including a pre-game show at 5 p.m. PT and a post-game show that will run until 9 p.m. PT.