The Vancouver Whitecaps defeated FC Dallas 3-1 in fairly convincing fashion. I have to say, I expected Dallas to take some major strides this season but they did not look very good. Vancouver, on the other hand, seems to have worked out whatever growing pains were involved in the switch to the new system.

The big headline going into the game was that Fafa Picault was finally starting. Picault’s speed and hustle made a significant difference to Vancouver’s ability to win the ball back. The front three were more capable of closing down Dallas and that forced a lot more turnovers than we saw from Vancouver’s opponents in previous games. With Kreilach starting, his lack of mobility meant that he could not put the other team under as much pressure, and it also limited what Gauld and White could do because they had to cover for him a bit. But with Picault Vancouver could push harder out of possession which led to worse passes by Dallas and a lot more wins in the centre of the field by Cubas and Vite.

This was also probably Schopf’s best game as a Whitecap, being deployed as a left-wing back. Unlike in the first match against Charlotte, Schopf stayed wide a lot more in this one. Surprisingly, this role seemed to suit him quite well. I think the reason for this is Vancouver’s narrow shape naturally creates a bit more time for their wide players in the final 3rd because the opponent gets sucked into the middle of the field. Schopf has looked a bit tentative throughout his time in Vancouver but with that extra moment, he was able to create a couple of dangerous chances. Schopf has always reminded me a bit of Brek Shea (hear me out) in that you can always see the wheels in his brain turning but it’s like his body can’t keep up anymore. But being wide seems to help with that to a certain extent. I’m not saying he’s about to become Julian Gressel 2.0 but maybe he can give Vancouver something there.

When you look at this Dallas team you would expect them to be an offensive juggernaut. But for the most part, Vancouver limited them to aimless crosses. Vancouver’s ability to protect the centre of the field and swarm opponents who happen to find themselves in a pocket of space has been extremely effective in the first three games. That said, there were some worrying signs on set pieces that hadn’t really popped up to this point in the season. Dallas scored a goal by getting some of their big guys isolated against Vancouver’s many small guys and had a couple of other dangerous looks. They also had some success working overloads against the wide centre-backs later in the game. But, the stats are pretty clear, crossing is not a high percentage way to create chances. So if you’re going to have a defensive weakness, this is the one to have.

Speaking of stats, after a year of terrible xG luck, it felt great to see the ‘Caps score three goals with three shots on target.

Vancouver are three points back of first place in the West with a game in hand. They now begin a four-game home stand against RSL, Portland, Toronto, and the LA Galaxy. Aside from the Galaxy, those are all opponents I would back Vancouver to beat at home comfortably. Of course, they are going to lose a game eventually and it’s too early to say how good they truly are but the ‘Caps could potentially be about to rack up some early season points. A nice change of pace from previous seasons.