FC Dallas officials believe Kaick da Silva Ferreira, a 19-year-old from Brazil, has a lot of potential even though he doesn't have much professional soccer experience. Photo: Rich Lam/Getty Images
FC Dallas will have another shot at the MLS Cup this year after qualifying for the first round of the playoffs.
Why it matters: Dallas has competed in the playoffs several times but has never won the MLS Cup. The team lost to top-seeded Colorado Rapids in the 2010 championship.
State of play: Three playoff rounds stand between FC Dallas and this year's championship final, and it will be a steep climb.
They begin the first-round series this weekend as the seventh seed in the Western Conference against second-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who also haven't won an MLS championship.
Between the lines: The Whitecaps have several injured players, which could help Dallas' chances.
