BRIAN SCIARETTA

This is going to be one of the most unpredictable games of the playoffs. Vancouver has been remarkably strong defensively as of late with four straight shutouts to close the season . FC Dallas, however, has not been as consistent but has been a better team most of the season. The team is very young and has excelled under Oscar Pareja this year.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Fabian Castillo will be the key player in this game. When he is at his best FC Dallas can boast a potent attack. When he is off, Dallas can look rather ordinary. How Castillo plays early in the game will be a big indicator as to how effective Dallas will be breaking down Vancouver's defense.

PREDICTION

While FC Dallas comes into the game on the heels of a disappointing loss to Portland, I think they will prevail in the game. I think Vancouver spent a lot of energy to make the playoffs and that could hurt them on a short rest. Also, keeping a fifth straight shutout is going to be remarkably difficult. FC Dallas 1, Vancouver 0.

BROOKE TUNSTALL

Not surprisingly, both teams mirror both their coach’s playing styles and personalities, creating a nice tactical matchup. FC Dallas top man Oscar Pareja’s has fused a South American possession style with American athleticism while Carl Robinson's Vancouver side has shown tenacity and bite it hadn’t previously exhibited in its MLS existence. This gritty approach saw the Whitecaps enter the playoffs with four straight clean sheets in games where a result was paramount.

Dallas probably has the edge in skill and talent but the Whitecaps enter this game in better form—which just adds to the intrigue. If Dallas can control the run of play and create chances, they have the players that can break down Vancouver’s defense. Conversely, if the Whitecaps can stay disciplined and patient, they have plenty of players who can burn—get it?—Dallas on the counterattack.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Vancouver youngster Kekuta Manneh could be the difference maker in this one. He’s maddeningly inconsistent, as one might expect from a 19-year-old, but when he’s on his game the speedster’s ability to run at defenses can unbalance even the most disciplined of backlines. It can also make teams that are pressing for a goal pay for committing too many numbers forward. If Vancouver can keep things close and Dallas gets impatient and undisciplined, Manneh could be the one to deliver a lethal blow.

PREDICTION

Wacky, the MLS playoffs are. Rarely does the most talented team win, especially against a side that comes into the playoffs on a roll. But Dallas won 12 games at home this season while the Whitecaps managed only three wins away from British Columbia. Location and home-field advantage should make a difference here. It’ll be close, but Dallas advances.

BLAKE THOMSEN

All signs point to this being a fantastic game. FC Dallas has been solid all season long, while Vancouver has ridden a late surge of form into the playoffs, highlighted by four straight clean sheets and a huge win at CenturyLink Field against the Sounders. It seems that this game will inevitably be tight from start to finish.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The key for me in this matchup is Vancouver’s dynamic teenage winger Kekuta Manneh. Like most speedy teenagers, his final ball can be inconsistent. But when he gets it right, he can be devastating. With Dallas playing at home, I expect Vancouver to adopt a rather defensive posture and let Dallas control the flow of the game. Manneh may only get a chance or two on the counter to do some damage, and he’ll need to be clinical if Vancouver is to escape with a win.

PREDICTION

I think the Whitecaps edge this one 1-0 with a second-half goal on the counter. As seen in its recent 1-0 win in Seattle, Vancounver is comfortable absorbing pressure and breaking with precision. I think we’ll see exactly that against Dallas, with Manneh assisting the winner after a lengthy run on the break. 1-0 Whitecaps.

That's what three ASN analysts think. Now it's your turn. Give us your prediction, and a rationale, below.