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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Sporting Kansas playoff preview

By Angelo Zarra

Khiry Shelton #11 Sporting KC with the ball during a game between Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Khiry Shelton #11 Sporting KC with the ball during a game between Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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Vancouver’s Erik Godoy (left) celebrates after scoring against visiting Austin FC in the Whitecaps’ 2-1 victory on Sept. 4, 2021. (Photo by Christopher Morris – Corbis/Getty Images)
Vancouver’s Erik Godoy (left) celebrates after scoring against visiting Austin FC in the Whitecaps’ 2-1 victory on Sept. 4, 2021. (Photo by Christopher Morris – Corbis/Getty Images) /

The Whitecaps recent form saw them close the season on a five-game unbeaten run (2-3-0). In their last 10 games, the Whitecaps lost just once, to the archrival Seattle Sounders. Their top goal scorer was Brian White who found the back of the net 12 times while also providing 6 assists.

Sporting Kansas City’s recent form have them heading into the playoffs on a three-game losing skid (going 2-0-3 in their last five) that cost them the No. 2 seed in the West. As a result, they face one of the hottest teams in MLS. Sporting Kansas City’s top goal scorer this year was the Hungarian international Daniel Salloi.

The game should have decent soccer weather with the forecast calling for mostly cloudy, nothing more. This should allow both clubs to play to their maximum potential.

The Whitecaps are much improved since the change in manager

The clubs split the season series with a win each. Sporting Kansas City won the first match 3-0 on May 16. The new and improved Whitecaps got their revenge on Oct. 17, winning 2-1. Since 2018, Sporting Kansas City have owned the Vancouver Whitecaps, boasting a 5-1-1 record.

Will history be kind to Sporting KC? We will find out.

Sporting KC scored 44 times vs 29 for the Whitecaps. As for goals scored from set pieces, the advantage goes to Vancouver, 10 to 5. Both clubs play stingy defense. The Whitecaps gave up 1.2 goals per game while Sporting KC conceded 1.3.

Going back to September, the Whitecaps record was six wins, two loses and five draws. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand was six wins and six losses.

Now, Sporting KC don’t look like they are a lock to win their matchup as a No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Since the appointment of Vanni Sartini, Vancouver has drastically improved as a club.

Next. Midseason turnaround has Whitecaps in playoff push. dark

It should be a fun first round MLS playoff game as Vancouver has been hot recently while Sporting Kansas City played well until their last few matches. Don’t be fooled by the seedings, once MLS playoffs begin, it is all unscripted. Buckle up! It should be a fun game.

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