Vancouver Whitecaps v Sporting Kansas City: Sartini targeting strong finish after impressive run

Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini believes there are no limits to where his side can finish in MLS if they continue their unbeaten streak against Sporting Kansas City.

The Whitecaps have not lost any of their last five matches in all competitions, winning four and drawing one, leaving them sixth in the Western Conference.

With only eight points separating them from the top of the table, and Vancouver having two games in hand over some of those above them, Sartini is confident his team can challenge for a top spot.

“We have to push for the next two games at home before the rest and the Leagues Cup, so we really need to push, and then we can regroup in the last 10 games to try and get the highest position possible,” Sartini said.

“We need to get points because everyone is getting points. It’s really hard.

“If we keep winning, sooner or later we’ll be higher than fifth or sixth. The only thing we can do is win.”

Sporting Kansas City are on a three-match winning streak of their own, which has lifted them off the foot of the table.

After going through a rough patch of just one win in five before that, head coach Peter Vermes has highlighted how the squad rotation has helped him get the best out of his players.

“I am [proud],” Vermes said.

“Each time, no matter what their responsibility is — whether they are starting, playing 90 minutes or coming in the second half — the responsibility to come in and make a contribution to the team has taken on a much different effect than it did early in the season.

“It’s a credit to the players because they are the ones on the field who have to do the work and make the contributions.”

Forward momentum #VANvSKC | #SportingKC pic.twitter.com/Ehw1RurwZb

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) July 16, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White

Brian White has scored in four straight matches for the second time this season (also in April), the only player in MLS with multiple streaks of four or more games with a goal this season.

The only Whitecaps player to score in five straight league games was Camilo Sanvezzo in June-July 2013.

Sporting Kansas City – Erik Thommy

Erik Thommy scored his first MLS goal since April in Sporting’s win over San Jose on Saturday with a strike from outside the box.

It was Sporting’s 11th goal from outside the box this season, three more than any other MLS team.

MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

The 10 meetings between the Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City since the start of the 2020 season have been split, with each side winning four times and drawing twice. Both sides have recorded at least one win home and away in that time.

The Whitecaps are currently unbeaten in their last five home matches in all competitions (W4 D1), including winning the last two at BC Place. Vancouver have not gone six straight home matches without defeat in all competitions since October-November 2021.

However, Kansas City have won three of their last four regular-season matches after opening the season with three wins in their first 20 games (D5 L12). Saturday’s win, 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes, snapped an eight-match road losing streak in league play for Sporting.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps – 50.2%

Draw – 25.2%

Sporting Kansas City – 24.6%