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Dallas edges Vancouver to advance to third place

Oct 16, 2011 - 3:09 AM Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - FC Dallas improved its playoff position with its second-straight league win, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday.

Having already clinched a playoff spot, FC Dallas is now competing with Real Salt Lake for the final automatic qualification spot in the Western Conference.

Martin Chavez and Brek Shea scored on opposite sides of halftime to help see FCD move level with RSL for third place in the West, as both teams are tied on 52 points.

Chavez opened the scoring in the 35th minute with his sixth goal of the season. After Kevin Hartman produced a save to keep FC Dallas in the game, they quickly countered with Chavez cutting inside and curling a shot into the upper corner.

Shea doubled the lead early in the second half, crushing a first-time volley from close range past Joe Cannon for his 11th goal of the year.

Vancouver saw its two-game winning streak come to an end and will also end its first MLS season without a road win. The Whitecaps will close out their season on Oct. 22 when they host the Colorado Rapids.

FC Dallas will aim to steal the third spot from Real Salt Lake next Saturday when it travels to Buck Shaw Stadium to face the San Jose Earthquakes. RSL will face a tougher test, hosting the playoff-hopeful Portland Timbers at Rio Tinto Stadium.