Why has set piece defending been such a issue here in the 2023 campaign for the Whitecaps?

It is unexplainable and there isn't a deliberate reason on how and why the Vancouver set pieces defending been subpar this season. As the playoff match against LAFC their weaknesses were exposed by the reigning champions. With different variations of set pieces goals being conceded, some silly some just great soccer by the other team. Now we will need to think on why the Vancouver Whitecaps set pieces defending ability has been so poor this season.

Lack of safety

The main reasons may be because of the defenders being outjumped and outbodied by their opponents. But I believe that is not the case. It is a whole team effort. The frame of Yohei Takaoka certainly doesn't help the solution either. As at times he has been below par in those situations. Where teams have punished Vancouver, for their lack of discipline at times. Especially now every team the opposition takes a corner, there is fright in most Vancouver supporters. As the statistics are evident, where the Whitecaps to commit more than the average team in the fouls department. And it really feels like they have conceded at various different spots, whether if it is central or down wide. There is no safety feeling, it is anxiety and nervy when the opposition has a set play to work with this season. Almost in turmoil, just uncertainty on what's going to occur in the following kick.

Other reasonings/ lack of composure

The confidence may have even dipped slightly, especially now with every set piece being so crucial in the postseason. There is no room for relaxation and they need to be alert, it should be intense and have a safe and composureness to it. Two things the Vancouver Whitecaps seem to be lacking a bit this campaign. There are some unforced errors being made on free-kicks and corner kicks. While Vancouver has been good with their discipline inside the penalty box, only giving away one penalty. Which Takaoka stopped Rubio from the spot earlier on this season. Other than the penalties department, it was close to plain awfulness. The composure and confidence when defending set pieces seem to be a problem. As some players are being to risky, in clearing the ball in fancy manners or just trying to dribble through the press after corner kicks which usually results poorly. The composure and the calmness is also something that I feel like is lacking. The heading clearances, and at times I thought that this team doesn't know how to just simply clear the ball, instead of dribbling and maneuvering through the crowd of opponents. So the decision-making at times I think is subpar. As well, as just the unneeded mistakes and at time I thought the aggression from Takaoka and the taller frames on the pitch just isn't aggressive enough. Sometimes I believe that Takaoka should opt for catches instead of punches.

Change?

Some part of the struggles seems like there needs to be a shift in Sartini's gameplan. As the Whitecaps made it clear that they really value Vanni, extending him until 2025. So Vanni Sartini will have to make adjustments along the way in his extended stint with the Whitecaps. Some portion of it, may be shifting into a different setup on set pieces. Like currently, indicated by the different occasions this season. It really feels like this team, doesn't man to man mark inside the set pieces. They're assigned to a position to deal with the danger. It's either that or it needs to be tighter and more compacted. Not letting the opponent getting free headers. So there may need to be an adjustment and important changes being made by Vanni. As either the marking has to be tighter, and not letting the opposition freely run in the box. I am not completely sure if the startegy is just stay in your position and be aware of your surroundings. But I really believe the Vancouver Whitecaps will have to adjust and tighten their marking ability. Or completely implement a new gameplan when defending set pieces, to prevent more goals from conceding.

Players

Now, also another crucial part that plays into this issue. Is that if the players understand the assignment and the tactics delivered by Vanni Sartini? To expound my point, more specifically is who gets prepared for these different type of situations. Like there should be around one player, prepared for the potential counter attack or clearance to recieve and try to spark something up. As well as in my opinion, players have to be slightly more in charge in the box. That's where the team should be aggressive and being passive or worried for not being able to win the header. As players have to show characteristics, their integrity, their personality. Apart of that major topic, is the style of play that they display on the pitch. While the aggressiveness and the persistence from players is what we need. Players that insists on giving their fullest effort to clear the ball away without fuss. Don't be passive or leave the guy with space, as that might be a indication on future mistakes towards the goals being given away. The leaders really have to step up, as Ranko Veselinovic considered as the Vice Captain currently really has to prove himself. Especially in these set pieces situations, where he has to communicate and organize the defense. The communication aspect is crucial for any leaders, that has the capability to lead the team in the backline. Being organized in set pieces to not let goals happen easily. Make it very difficult, the don't let them roam around aspect too. That I believe is the job of Veselinovic, to strictly organize the defense on set pieces. While Yohei Takaoka could also certainly do a more superior job than his status currently. We saw a glimpse of that at the beginning of the season, seems like it has sort of cooled down. As at first glance, he was terrific while communicating with the defense and even the midfield at times. Which was kind of evident in that game versus St Louis where Hasal started, and the communication dipped a large amount, the squad just is unused to the stuff that Thomas Hasal disclaimed on the pitch. Seems like a regression over the months has happened. Possibly is because of the other teams enterprising and studying the weakness of Takaoka. Which is his structure and frame. Considered one of the shorter goalkeepers in Major League Soccer, which at times causes disadvantages. So the communication and when to punch, when to catch, when to go for crosses all need to be top-notch from him. Due to his height that makes it slightly more difficult.

Main priority to work on in training

It is clear what does the Whitecaps need to work on in this week of training. Set pieces defending. Vanni expressed that conceding 3 goals from corners is just going to cause losses and will never yield you victories. Which is very much the truth, it is super difficult to win while conceding two set pieces goals (not including penalties). That just seems like a extremely difficult task. Now four is just straight up impossible and will always remain incomplete to gain a victory with four set pieces goals conceded. So Sartini and his team really needs to focus and work on the set pieces defending. Or else it will be another battering my LAFC. As that weakness by the Whitecaps costed them excessively in their latest playoff match. They will have to be ready and prepared for different spots, expect the potential unexpected. Limited duration to make further improvements, but I am confident that Vanni and his team will work resiliently and focusing to not commit any more mistakes that will lead to hardships. The Whitecaps will have to go into the match, with the mindset to not worry and not think about the past with the free-kicks. That is how if their defending from set pieces are fantastic and are unconcerned heading into the set pieces, they will get the victory in Game 2.