How Jesper Sørensen revolutionized the Whitecaps

When the Whitecaps decided to part ways with fan-favourite head coach Vanni Sartini's contract, many people doubted the decision. Fans were upset that Sartini was fired. The Whitecaps spent a long period of time doing their coaching search, in the end there were multiple candidates, but Vancouver went for Danish coach Jesper Sørensen. Sørensen had good managerial experience in Europe, but has never served as a coach in North America. Some supporters were hoping for someone with more MLS experience like Giovanni Savarese.

Sørensen’s previous managerial experience consisted of being the manager of three Danish clubs: Silkeborg, Frederica and Brøndby. Sørensen has 200+ games of head coaching experience and 300+ games of playing experience before joining Vancouver. Last season in 2024, Sørensen led Brøndby to second in the Danish Superliga. Sørensen achieved 1.75 points per game managing Brøndby. Another achievement that Sørensen has under his belt is a promotion to first-tier Danish football with Frederica.

Sørensen in media availability

There are three primary things that Sørensen brings to the table, one of them is a new playstyle which brings the most exertion for the players and entertainment for the supporters. Secondly, is the set pieces and variety of scoring the team has now. Lastly, it's the freedom to rotate the squad.

Firstly, let's talk about Jesper Ball. Sørensen has drawn new attention for Vancouver with his new dominant style of play. Sørensen has been able to successfully integrate this new system and tactics really well. Vancouver has had more possession than the opposition in seven out of eight games this season. This proves the system has players fully engaged and Sørensen demands tactical discipline. Sartini used to be unconcerned about keeping possession, especially in 2022 where Vancouver retained the least amount of possession among all the teams in MLS with 41.7%. So far four games into the campaign, the Whitecaps are fifth in overall possession across the league. Sartini also used to implement a style of defence named Catenaccio, it had its moments but also had some trouble keeping other teams at bay at times.

Offensively, Sørensen’s system provides stability and dictatorship. The brand of soccer that the Whitecaps play is really appealing to the Vancouver fanbase as the players are always controlling the game and are mostly on the upper hand. This system is really effective for players like Pedro Vite, who has shined brightly through this system, always being in the mix of things and has been one of Vancouver's most notable players so far this season. In possession, you can see Vancouver sending numbers forwards and always brings intimidations and decoys to the attack. The team isn't heavy-reliant on one way to score goals too, they have numerous ways of getting it to the back of the net. These ways include, crosses, set-pieces, deflections, cutbacks, through balls, etc. those are many techniques the Whitecaps used to score goals or nearly scored goals this season. It is also encouraging to see the midfield looking controlling, with multiple players really dictating the games like Sørensen wants. This is how Vancouver usually sets up in possession (ignore the numbers and names):

Defensively, Sørensen has definitely implemented different tactics. Like a 4-3-3 instead of Sartini's usual 3 at the back. The Whitecaps have conceded 7 goals in 8 games, which is under a goal a game. What really stood out to me was this team's way to close out games. Vancouver lost one game in their season opener against Deportivo Saprissa in leg one of the CCC, that had a late stoppage time winner from the opposition. Afterwards, except for a controversial handball decision, the Whitecaps have been nearly-perfect to end games. Their conclusion to these games are great, they sit back and don't give up anything major to the other team. After White scored in the 87th minute against Galaxy, they held their own, Ramos scoring that penalty in stoppage time to make it intense, nothing happened afterwards, Dallas attempting to get an equalizer after Vancouver got the breakthrough in the 54th minute, failed. These examples are truly impressive, especially when what felt like an abundance of late goals being scored on the Whitecaps in Sartini's reign.

Secondly, I'd like to look at how Sørensen plays set-pieces and has a huge variety of scoring. Sørensen has had a different set-piece approach compared to Sartini. Sørensen during corners begins with placing three players inside the six-yard box, while others who make runs outside serve as decoys, then two others (or one) runs inside the 6-yard box looking to head it home. With players surrounding the goalkeeper, it makes it harder for the opposition goalkeeper to come out and retrieve the ball. Vancouver has already scored four goals off set-pieces (not directly) but plays after the corresponding set-piece. Goals from White, Halbouni, Laborda and Blackmon against Deportivo Saprissa, Monterrey (first-leg), Montreal and Dallas. Here's a video example on how Vancouver sets up for corners:

Credit: Major League Soccer YouTube

Other than numerous goals from set-piece positions, Vancouver has gotten seven goals from defenders.

• Sam Adekugbe (2)

• Balal Halbouni

• Mathías Laborda

• Édier Ocampo

• Tristan Blackmon

• Tate Johnson

Vancouver has already had 10 players score goals this season. Brian White, Ryan Gauld, Jayden Nelson and Pedro Vite have each also banged in goals along with the defenders I mentioned. It is really attractive to see the balanced scoring among the players. During the previous couple seasons, there was a heavy reliance on the duo of Ryan Gauld and Brian White. Now, Sørensen attempts to create a more balanced scoring output with Vancouver Whitecaps.

The last primary factor to Sørensen’s current success is squad rotation. During this current stretch, Sørensen and the Whitecaps had to face a difficult challenge playing 8 matches in 24 days. Sørensen did a prominent job rotating the squad while still getting results. In a more technical standpoint, Sørensen has not been punished with poor starting eleven or squad decisions. His open-mindedness to play Johnson, Ngando, Boemher and Priso have given key rests to core players. Although some might doubt his trust in these rotation players, they have really had good performances in which they had to step-up and be a starter or an impactful substitute.

Jesper Sørensen smiling after a win

Sørensen has won all the MLS matches and both the Concacaf Champions Cup ties. The most notable accomplishment so far being the CCC win in the tie against Monterrey due to away goals. That was truly outstanding, and has brought newfound joy in the Vancouver fanbase. The 4-0-0 record in Major League Soccer could be equally as impressive. All wins against Portland, Galaxy, Montreal and Dallas, four teams who aren't considered extremely strong this season, but for me personally, the Dallas win was the hardest win so far in MLS.

Vancouver now has to maintain consistency, not let fatigue bother them and not let this positive start affect their mindset and attitude. Starting this positively has never really been something the Whitecaps commonly do. Last season the Whitecaps were also first in the Western Conference after six games, but a falloff in May primarily due to fatigue found them in the middle of the pack again. This Whitecaps team also has to quickly forgive, there isn't any time to be unhappy if they lose a game or things start going downhill, there should be determination to help the situation if it goes downhill. Anyways, this start from Jesper Sørensen and the Whitecaps has really been engaging to watch, now let's see if they can continue their momentum and keep up the same dominance.

Jesper Sørensen greeting the fans pre-game