FC Dallas-Whitecaps FC Preview

FC Dallas missed out on postseason play the last two years but is one win away from making a return.

The club figures to like its chances to end its brief drought considering its dominance over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Dallas seeks its eighth win in 11 all-time meetings Saturday night in Vancouver.

Dallas (14-10-6) can clinch its first playoff appearance since 2011 with a victory. A postseason trip would also be guaranteed if Portland beats San Jose later Saturday.

Dallas still has work to do even if it is able to wrap up a playoff spot. The team is eight points ahead of the fifth-place Whitecaps but one behind Real Salt Lake. A third-place finish in the West would help Dallas avoid playing in the knockout game, from which it was eliminated in 2011.

The club owns a 7-1-2 all-time record against the Whitecaps. It played to a 2-all draw in Vancouver on July 27 and won 2-1 at home Sept. 13.

Blas Perez has three goals in the season series with two in the victory. He's scored in both of Dallas' matches since, finding the back of the net on a header in the 88th minute of a 3-1 victory over Seattle on Sept. 24.

David Texeira scored two goals against the Sounders in his first start since May 7, snapping a personal nine-match scoreless streak.

"Forwards have good moments and bad moments in their career but the most important thing is to always be (ready) and always expecting more and wanting more," Texeira told the team's official website. "I wanted more so as I said before I just wanted to help the team and be ready and I think I did a good job."

Vancouver (9-8-13) has found some offense with five goals in its last four matches after a four-match scoring drought. The Whitecaps won 2-1 over Real Salt Lake last Saturday, pulling ahead of Portland for the West's final playoff spot with four matches to play for both clubs.

Pedro Morales scored two goals to match his total from his previous 16 matches, pushing his season total to 10. He didn't express any concerns regarding his stamina despite playing almost non-stop since the beginning of the 2013-14 La Liga season last August.

"I know I've had a long season, but I feel good," he told the team's official website. "My legs are good. Every game is different. I want to play here and forget my situation regarding fatigue ... it's a massive game for us."

Keeping Morales in check will be crucial for Dallas, as Vancouver is 4-8-10 when he doesn't score.

Dallas has dropped three straight away from home.