Pre-Match/Series Thoughts: LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps: A new rivalry potentially in the making

It is extremely absurd in the MLS where two teams collide with each other 6 times in a season. But that is the exact case between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles FC. Where it really feels like an new rivalry is being formed in these matches. With the reigning MLS champions, taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps for the fifth, sixth and possibly the seventh time this campaign.

Storylines

The treat that has been distributed towards the neutral Major League Soccer supporters. These two teams were respectively good and bad during the regular season. But now all focus slides forward to the postseason. Obviously facing off on Decision Day, where former coaches and players from LAFC goes eye to eye with Vancouver. Marc Dos Santos now being an assistant for LAFC, some people considered it to be savage for announcing the Sartini deal, when Dos Santos was inside the stadium. While the main storyline, that triggered and frustrated numerous Whitecaps fans. Maxime Crepeau. The Canadian leaving without an particularly specific reason, requesting to be out. That already sparked hate and made supporters livid. Now his mind games and antics distracting Gauld on the penalty. While the reception from Vancouver supporters was also furiously disclaiming their unhappiness towards him. With the previous matches where Vancouver slithered over LAFC on a statement like win. Then the Concacaf Champions League obliteration by LAFC. Then the highly controversial Decision Day matchup.

Rivalry

Looking forward to this, with the amount of storylines and matches these two franchises has faced each other this season. I can very much see an upcoming rivalry, maybe not as big as the Cascadia one's but still rivals on the pitch. Especially if this series is made up of intensity, dedication, determination and toughness then that's the recipe for an rivalry in the making. With the numerous amounts of times where the Whitecaps stun LAFC, with the acquisitions by LAFC it really felt like they were the ones who invented this tension nowadays when these two face off. So potentially an start of two teams, disliking each other because of the previous experiences and battles. Starting on Saturday, and this upcoming playoff series between the two sides.

Playoff anxiety

There is an certain level on playoff anxiety. As it feels like two completely different worlds from the postseason to the regular season. With Vancouver not being known as an playoff successor, only successfully being in the Conference Semi-Finals twice in the Whitecaps history, back in 2015 and 2017. With their last playoff match being an 3-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas City. It is different levels and anxiety levels to the postseason. Both teams with desperation to go deep in the playoffs. Most people view LAFC as contenders and having an real possibility of winning the MLS Cup. While for the Whitecaps, they aren't considered to be in the contenders tier. But some Whitecaps supporters and some neutral MLS fans sees upside and talent from this club to be an potential dark horse. Now with the first time trying an Best Of 3 probably in the eternity in Soccer, where it isn't Home-Away or just a simple one match tie. Instead the first round will be unique and intriguing, as even if you get obliterated you will still have a pretty decent chance. As in that scenario, it wouldn't be completely over since your previous matches scoreline would not apply to the following match. I have heard some analysis say that Gauld and White might not be the "playoff type of players" to be that is just false. As I believe the opposite, the duo is made for the big moments like the playoffs. Despite Gauld missing two crucial penalties in the last matchday, in an monumental match. I heavily doubt that, that occurrence will happen again. Where both players were practically uninvolved with the game last time out on Decision Day. I don't think that both Gauld and White will be so ineffective again. As both of them played in the Whitecaps' playoff game in 2021 where both White and gauld were starters in that game. So will the nervousness get to the Caps in this one? Or will they sustain trust and bravery to secure a massive performance against Los Angeles FC on Saturday?

Decisions

Talk about vital decisions in this playoff matchup. As Vanni Sartini has loads of decisions that is splattered on his face that will most likely be crucial in this upcoming match. With one simple mistake, the Whitecaps may not remember this as an good run anymore. So with Cubas being 100% set to play being confirmed midweek, where it really felt like his presence was missed on Decision Day. While some supporters really wants Vanni to utilize the 4-3-2-1 formation. I've always stuck my opinion out as, that having one outstanding way to play is better than having multiple alright styles to play. So I have always wanted Sartini to just persevere on one structure. And with how far it has taken us, I believe the three at the back will be the more deliberate choice here. While it seems like Vanni cherishes Raposo's skills and flair over Adekugbe's defensive abilities and crossing skills over the last couple of games. But I really do believe that Sam Adekugbe would be more optimal to stop the LAFC attackers as he is more defensive minded than Raposo, while preventing the through balls or open crosses from occurring. As well, as I believe that his defensive presence is enough to start both Ahmed and Vite as he can cover the center at times, with both of the youngsters being so vital they have to start I feel like. Next decision is the corners duty. Who will take the corners in this crucial environment and occasion. It really feels like Gauld is the obvious choice for one of the flanks. But the other one has been rotated quite a bit. With the acquisition of Hoilett, Adekugbe with Raposo being popular too and Berhalter occasionally. So it always felt like Gauld and somebody else that is in charge of corners every game. This is the worst time to experiment, so I would not advise Vanni Sartini to try anything too outside the box. Then, despite Gauld missing two last match I still back him to take the penalties. As he has the most experience with penalties by far, and there doesn't seem like there is anymore great options for penalties. Finally, the two center-backs who has secured their position is I believe Blackmon and Veselinovic. While Laborda and Brown has been rotating for that final position. I just feel like there is a state of calmness with laborda on the ball, that is missing from Javain Brown. So if I was Vanni Sartini I would line-up my best 11 which will be like this. Including the potential substitutions, that I believe they should utilize.

Prediction

This series is very difficult to predict. Especially with all the storylines and propaganda within this series possibly. Both teams spreaded out with immense talent. I will make a bold prediction saying that LAFC will win a nail-biter in Game 1. As I believe it'll go to penalties, and the difference will be made here where LAFC won the MLS Cup last season as they will take the first game. I predict an 2-2 draw at the end of 90 minutes, and it goes straight to penalties. Where I believe LAFC will take the cake. Nextly, I believe the Whitecaps will utilize BC Place well with an victory. That somehow leads me to believe with the momentum gained from their Game 2 win, Vancouver will somehow see out an victory in Game 3 to beat LAFC. But for the Game 1 prediction, I believe it'll be a battle on the pitch. Both teams showing desperation to win the MLS Cup, with entertainment being spreaded. With a fun match to watch for the neutrals. With the loyal supporters being super nervous is a perfect indication of Game 1 in my prediction.

Game 1 Score Prediction: LAFC 2-2 Whitecaps (5-3) (Won by LAFC)

Series Score Prediction: LAFC 1-2 Whitecaps (Vancouver Whitecaps advances)

Man Of The Match

Finally to where I believe would be the standout in tomorrow's match. As with numerous players that I can anticipate having a great match. From the forwards all the way to Takaoka. I believe the superior standout will be Ryan Gauld. As after a disappointing performance with the two missed penalties, and failing to create as normal. I believe that Gauld will again be at the twelve yard mark once this match, and I will use the previous insight that Gauld will draw the foul himself. While converting the penalty and ignoring the potential antics by Crepeau. While I believe his distribution in such a big match will be superb. With him getting by the opposition defenders and being brave and not worried about the possible bad things and taking on defenders 1v1. So I predict Gauld will have an goal and an assist displaying great ability on passing and dribbling. I believe that Ryan Gauld will have an redemption performance in Game 1 against LAFC and win man of The Match for the Whitecaps.