Jesper Sorensen is delighted with the self-belief Sebastian Berhalter is demonstrating as he bids to make the United States' World Cup squad.

Berhalter netted for the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes last time out.

The draw kept Vancouver within three points of the 'Quakes at the top of MLS' Western Conference.

"He has a great belief, and he's also very optimistic in his play," Sorensen said of Berhalter.

"That's why he ended up in situations where he can also be decisive, and score goals, like that run he took in for the goal was not necessarily a run you often take from a No. 6 position.

"He has the self-belief. It's small things that he brought on a lot of good from last season."

Next up for the Whitecaps is a trip to FC Dallas, who have won back-to-back matches.

Dallas sit seventh in the West, on 19 points.

Wednesday's match is the third of an eight-game road run for the Whitecaps, who have drawn their last two games.

"Points are always important, but it's also important how we play," Sorensen said.

"We have played and approached the games as if they were home games, hopefully we can take a couple of victories before the break."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas - Petar Musa

Musa recorded his 12th goal contribution of the season (10 goals, two assists), assisting Santiago Moreno's opener against Real Salt Lake last weekend.

The forward has contributed to at least one goal in seven of his last eight regular-season appearances (eight goals, two assists).

Vancouver Whitecaps - Sebastian Berhalter

Berhalter has recorded 11 goal involvements in MLS this season (four goals, seven assists), scoring the equaliser in Vancouver's draw with San Jose.

He has contributed to at least one goal in eight of his 11 appearances this season, including the last three in a row.

MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WIN

Dallas and Vancouver are meeting for the first time since the Whitecaps eliminated Dallas from last season's playoffs with a home win and an away draw (advanced after penalty shoot-out).

The Whitecaps have lost just one of their last nine competitive road games at Dallas (W4 D4) after losing each of their first eight visits.

Dallas have lost only one of its last 13 regular-season home matches (W7 D5) dating back to last August, including a 3-1 win over RSL. They have managed just two wins in their last seven home matches (D4 L1), however.

Vancouver came from 1-0 down to earn a 1-1 draw at San Jose. The Whitecaps have lost only two of the last nine regular-season matches in which they have trailed (W3 D4) dating back to last August.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Dallas - 26.3%

Draw - 25.2%

Vancouver Whitecaps - 48.5%