Michel's penalty lifts FC Dallas, eliminates Whitecaps from playoffs

FRISCO, Texas - Michel scored on a penalty kick in the 84th minute and FC Dallas beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on Wednesday night to advance in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Dallas was awarded the penalty kick after Vancouver's Kendall Waston was whistled for a handball inside the penalty area.

Dallas (17-12-6) took a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute on Tesho Akindele's slotted shot. Mauro Diaz dribbled through two defenders near midfield, worked his way down the field and fed an open Akindele inside the box.

The goal ended Vancouver's four-game shutout streak. The Whitecaps hadn't given up a goal since the 57th minute against Real Salt Lake on Sept. 27.

Erik Hurtado tied it at 1 in the 64th minute for Vancouver (12-9-14). A deflected ball fell to Hurtado's feet and his shot deflected inside the near post.

FC Dallas will play top-seeded Seattle in the Western Conference semifinals.