THREE THEMES TO THE GAME

CAPS NEED TO WING IT

The Whitecaps need much more out of wingers Kekuta Manneh and Cristian Techera, who combined on a slick winning goal against FC Dallas last August. Dallas counters with perhaps the best one-two wide punch in MLS in Fabian Castillo and Michael Barrios, a pair of speedy, skilled Colombians who can break a game wide open. Barrios is off to a flying start with four goals. Caps fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Fraser Aird have a tough task tonight.

PEREZ TO PLAY OLD MATES

Blas Perez, the Panama international, joined the Whitecaps this season after four years tormenting them with Dallas. Carl Robinson will be tempted to start the 35-year-old target man against his former club, although Perez is coming off a hamstring strain. He’ll likely be involved at some point, though, and he won’t have MLS defender of the year finalist Matt Hedges to battle. Dallas is without its captain for four to six weeks because of a torn meniscus.

DIAZ DUE FOR DALLAS

Mauro Diaz, FC Dallas’ super-skilled playmaker, was the difference the last time these teams met, a 2-0 Dallas win at Toyota Stadium last October. The Argentine has been out with a hamstring strain but trained this week and should make the trip. A wizard with the ball, he can kill you with a defence-splitting pass or kill the game off with his possession skills. If he doesn’t start, Dallas can go more direct with the likes of Canadian Tesho Akindele up front.