Vancouver Whitecaps set new playoff attendance record at BC Place
The MLS Cup Playoffs began with a bang at BC Place for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
They won in dominant fashion, beating FC Dallas 3-0, to take a 1-0 series lead.
That score actually flattered the visitors, as the Whitecaps outshot them 22-0 and held a 62.02 per cent edge in possession. Vancouver is just the second team in MLS history to hold an opponent to no shots in a playoff game.
More history was made at the box office, as the Whitecaps set a new club record for attendance at an MLS Cup Playoff match.
Announced attendance was 32,066, which included a packed lower bowl and a long stretch of the upper bowl filled at BC Place.
Rob Williams/Daily Hive
“I think it was unbelievable. I loved it and I know the players did as well,” said Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen. “Coming in and watching all the flags and the excitement and really all the support, all the love of the team, it was such a great game and such a great atmosphere. We really wanted to pay [them] back, and I think we paid back well on the pitch, so I think that was really great.”
Whitecaps have dominated the first half and now they have a goal.
Daniel Rios header in the 43rd minute gives Vancouver a 1-0 lead.
BC Place is going bananas. pic.twitter.com/IRsgCSmOyk
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) October 27, 2025
The Whitecaps took the lead late in the first half on a goal from Daniel RĂos, before Thomas MĂĽller converted a 60th-minute penalty drawn by Emmanuel Sabbi, who was named the Man of the Match. Kenji Cabrera put the game away in the 83rd minute.
“We have an amazing crowd here in BC Place,” said MĂĽller.
“It was very loud today, so it was great for us. It continued to give us energy throughout the game,” said Sabbi. “As you can see, when we have a crowd like that, it was nearly impossible to lose, so we thank them and we appreciate them.”
This is without a doubt the best Whitecaps club ever assembled in the MLS era, following a regular season that saw Vancouver nearly top the Western Conference. A win in Dallas on Saturday would put Vancouver into the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“This team has a strong bond,” MĂĽller added. “We feel quite comfortable as a group, as a whole club, also the connection with the fans is growing and growing. So we are ready for more, and I want to have fun with these guys.”
The Whitecaps are guaranteed to host another playoff match, and it’ll be a do-or-die match. It’ll either be Game 3 against FC Dallas or a single-game knockout match against the winner of the series between LAFC and Austin FC.