Vancouver Whitecaps are enjoying their moment of glory in MLS history. Eight wins, one draw, and two losses place them at the summit of the league standings in dominance. The team will play this Sunday at home, at BC Place, against LAFC in a head-to-head match that will further entrench the Canadians atop and herald a shift of power in the Western Conference.
They lead 26 points from 11 games, seven better than the team in second position in the West. The team's consistency is excellent, and they have been able to achieve this level with a packed schedule of matches, long travels, and the missing of major players. The weekend 2–1 win against Real Salt Lake was another testimony to how organized and well-trained the team is to beat any team.
Historic run and impressive numbers
Vancouver has not lost since Jesper Sorensen took over, in their last ten games across all competitions. Four draws and six victories have come their way during this time, with 20 goals scored and four clean sheets. It is the longest unbeaten run in the club's history.
The victory was also the fourth win in a row for the team, a feat that hadn't been seen in years. In addition to that, the performance this season has already led the team to move up to second place on the Concacaf rankings, a big boost from where they stood at the end of last year.
Squad delivers despite key absences
Vancouver has not only surpassed on their record, but they've surpassed due to how well they've adapted. They've still had a solid team without stars like Ryan Gauld, who was the team's top scorer and last month's MLS Player of the Month.
Jayden Nelson and Tristan Blackmon delivered in the last game. Pedro Vite entered double figures for the season across all competitions. Berhalter and Priso also contributed to the attacking play. 19 players have scored or assisted a goal, nearing what the whole last season achieved.
That figure confirms that they have a well-balanced team with plenty of options and players that can contribute value in different ways. It's not a team that's constructed around one or two individuals.
LAFC attempting to keep up competitively on the road
Meanwhile, LAFC comes in with more pressure. Although they sit fifth in the Western Conference with 17 points, their form has been inconsistent. They have five wins, four losses, and two draws. Their current four-game unbeaten run is a sign of improvement, but taking on the league leader away from home will be a real test.
Their standout player in recent times has been Denis Bouanga, who scored four goals and two assists in the last four matches. Nathan Ordaz and David Martínez also stepped up.
The California side also has an additional reason to stay focused: this week they learned they would be playing Club América in a match that might get them into the Club World Cup. That could affect their focus, but it is also added motivation to play better in the coming weeks.
Recent history of matches and growing rivalry
This will be the first meeting between LAFC and Vancouver since the best-of-three series in the first round of the most recent playoffs, when Los Angeles won. Matchups between the two clubs have become a frequent occurrence of late, with 13 of them since last April. Most have been won by LAFC, who knocked Vancouver out of the playoffs both of the last two years.
In spite of the dismal away record, the Canadians' form at the moment is different. There is great confidence, they have been rock solid at home, and consistency has been their biggest strength. The momentum without doubt is with Vancouver, who have made full use of the beginning of the season to build a lead and momentum.