In this weekend's final MLS match, Vancouver Whitecaps will face Los Angeles FC looking to maintain their stability at the top. Last Saturday, the Caps beat Real Salt Lake to maintain their lead at the top of the division table, while LA FC climbed to fifth after beating the Houston Dynamo 2-0.
Vancouver Whitecaps in pursuit of Inter Miami record
Even after eliminating Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions League, the team led by coach Jesper Sorensen has maintained its regularity at a high level in the MLS without allowing its rivals to catch up, despite a physically demanding schedule. In their last five games, the Canadian side have won four, leaving them seven points ahead of Minnesota United.
With an average of 2.5 points per game, the Vancouver Whitecaps can even dream of reaching the all-time record of Inter Miami, who ended the 2024 regular season with an incredible 74 points. At the current rate, the Canadians could reach 80 points if they win their remaining games.
For this Sunday's match, top scorer Brian White and defender Mathias Laborda are certain absentees, as well as captain Ryan Gauld, who is still recovering from a knee injury. But expectations are focused on Jayden Nelson, who scored the winning goal with 20 minutes remaining in the most recent game.
Los Angeles FC still need to improve their away record
The Black and Gold seem to have finally achieved a good level of stability this season with a four-game unbeaten run, putting behind them the terrible record of March, when they suffered three defeats in five MLS games. So far, they have conceded 11 goals in 16 games, 12 of them away from home.
Under coach Steve Cherundolo, the team has become competitive again in the search for a playoff spot and is only two points behind second place in the Western Conference, occupied by Minnestoa. However, it's worth noting that all three of their next four league games will be away from home, which is a concern considering LA have only one away game.
It's worth remembering that Odin Holm and Lorenzo Dellavalle were ruled out against Houston due to leg pain, while Maxime Chanot missed out due to a head injury. Experienced goalkeeper Hugo Lloris didn't have to work last week and made it four games without conceding a goal in the MLS regular season.