The red-hot Vancouver Whitecaps have already clinched a spot within the MLS Cup playoffs. Their subsequent step is claiming the Western Convention’s high seed.
The Whitecaps, who haven’t misplaced in two months, go to Orlando Metropolis on Saturday within the penultimate regular-season match for each golf equipment.
Vancouver (17-6-9, 60 factors) is at present second within the West and degree on factors with conference-leading San Diego FC, who personal the tiebreaker on wins (18 to 17). Los Angeles FC (59 factors) and Minnesota United (58 factors) stay within the hunt for the West’s high seed.
The Whitecaps are 4-0-3 of their final seven MLS outings and 6-0-4 of their final 10 matches throughout all competitions, together with a fourth straight Canadian Championship triumph on Oct. 1. That run is due partly to Thomas Muller, who has six targets and 4 assists throughout all competitions since his Aug. 17 debut.
Because of the FIFA worldwide break, Vancouver’s lineup will likely be thinner, as Canada’s Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson, together with Paraguay’s Andres Cubas, are away with their respective nationwide groups.
“We’ll simply take it one sport at a time and simply do our greatest,” Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter mentioned. “We’ll be down some guys (however) everybody (has) stepped up tremendously this yr. So, it is about taking it one sport at a time after which carrying that into the postseason.”
Orlando (14-7-11, 53 factors) is in seventh place within the East, however a top-four end stays potential. The Lions are three factors behind fourth-place Charlotte FC with two matches left.
Although Orlando Metropolis could have gamers like second-leading scorer Marco Pasalic (Croatia), Alex Freeman (United States) and David Brekalo (Slovenia) on worldwide responsibility, it isn’t a significant concern for head coach Oscar Pareja.
“You’re feeling sorry since you (are lacking) some gamers, however you’re feeling comfortable as a result of that is going to be a chance for us to develop into the roster towards the playoffs. So, I see it that approach,” Pareja mentioned.
Orlando is 1-0-3 in its final 4 matches after enjoying to an identical 1-1 attracts in opposition to FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew.
Saturday’s match was initially set for Aug. 30 earlier than being rescheduled attributable to Orlando’s qualification for the semifinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
–Area Degree Media