Whitecaps @ Seattle Pre Match Thoughts: Battling in a Cascadia Derby for a automatic playoff spot

Secured

The playoff position is secured but an automatic spot is not. It would be very not ideal to finish in that wildcard match positions. But with a victory against Seattle, the chances are pretty good for Vancouver securing an automatic playoff position. As the only possible team catching up to the Caps in the area below the automatic zone if the Whitecaps win is FC Dallas as they have a game in hand and can reach a maximum of 50 points. While Vancouver with a win tonight will only have 49 to their total. So it will be interesting to see how the Whitecaps will approach it. As Sartini and supporters will very much preferred to be in a top 7 to get the automatic playoff spot. If we are feeling ambitious then top 4 will probably be the potential target. The Whitecaps 5th in the West currently so very close to the top 4 that'll give them home advantage in the first round.

Environment

The environment in yet another Cascadia Derby this time in the turf of Lumen Field. Inside of Emerald City only around 3 hours away from Vancouver a road trip where it seems like the Vancouver Southsiders express is ready to go. While some other Vancouver fans will be inside the stadium of Lumen Field. Cascadia Derby's are arguably the best derby inside of the MLS most prestigious derby. Probably the derby with the most history one of the oldest derbies in Major League Soccer and they're going again here in the final regular season Cascadia Derby in the 2023 campaign. While the Vancouver Whitecaps has already officially secured the Cascadia Cup after a 2-2 draw between the other two Cascadia sides in Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders. Another intriguing battle will come again, this time there is not only bragging rights on the line but a potential top 4 spot on the line for both sides. As if Seattle messes up heavily and play super poorly in this final 2 matches of the season. There is possibility where Seattle will slip out of the top 4 area. So both sides with have important points on the line here. With multiple supporters groups from Vancouver travelling to Seattle it'll be great to see and hear them on the television. While the Emerald City Supporters and other groups will try to overshadow the Whitecaps supporters travelling with passion cheering on the Blue And White.

Last meeting/Seattle

The last time these two teams faced each other was when the Seattle Sounders visited BC Place on July 8th. And that was a unpleasant experience for the Whitecaps. As the defending was not very good in that match conceding 3 goals. With Seattle's backup goalkeeper I recall making to sensational stops to get Seattle a 3-2 victory. The Whitecaps had the lead twice in that match taking 1-0 and a 2-1 lead both times Seattle found a way to get through and battle hard to at the end with perseverance. That was also arguably the lowlight of the season and the point where it was unsure if they'll fold like a paper or they'll fight through the hardships and gain back form. As at that moment, fans were unhappy after the defeat that the Caps should've probably won. The attendance was at an all time low in a Cascadia matchup. So there were just multiple downsides of that match and it was a tough one to swallow for some Whitecaps fan in that match. Now the Whitecaps is pretty stable after a 3-0 victory. The last time Vancouver faced Seattle away from their home ground it was an even more unpleasant experience. As a absolutely horrific showing by the Whitecaps a 4-0 defeat was suffered. Just a horrible experience there. But Seattle currently in 2nd of the Western Conference and playing pretty good soccer. After a stoppage time winner in their last match, 6 minutes into stoppage time against LA Galaxy. A crucial goal scored to boost their chances a lot so Seattle and Vancouver coming into this match with a victory with teams eager and persistent to get this victory over their rivals.

Vanni

Vanni as multiple anticipation and decisions to make here, first of all Cubas will be out after suffering a injury in the match against St Louis on Wednesday. Vanni did once stated that Boehmer will get a match when they clinch the playoffs and they did. So maybe some Isaac Boehmer minutes? This is finally the last match of the 7 games in 22 days stretch, so they don't really have to worry about fatigue too much as after this they get a two week international break before Decision Day. With Luis Martins being available for selection for the first time since July 21st it will be questionable to see if Sartini will back Martins for some minutes. A lot of crucial decisions will have to be made here by Vanni.

Prediction

I predict it'll be a feisty affair between these two Cascadia rivals. Both franchises will show why they deserve a top 4 spot early on, with chances being very nicely created. I believe that Seattle will strike first around the middle of the first half. But Vancouver will be reselient and nice in generating and building off opportunities with them equalizing before the first half whistle. And I believe Vancouver will take the lead early on in the second half, but Seattle will respond late on so it'll be a 2-2 draw between these two foes.

Final Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2-2 Whitecaps