Vancouver Whitecaps vs Minnesota United

BC Place plays host to a high-stakes Major League Soccer encounter between the two playoff-bidding sides, Vancouver Whitecaps and Minnesota United.

Time is becoming a sensitive mission for MLS Cup playoff hopefuls Vancouver Whitecaps, who have alternated between winning (3) and not winning (D1, L1) across their last five league outings. However, a lack of consistency cannot be pinned on Vancouver’s home performances, as they’ve won three of their four previous MLS home fixtures (D1), each by a single-goal margin. Minnesota’s upcoming visit to Canada could help improve Vancouver’s paltry scoring average of 1.33 goals per home MLS game. Indeed, the ‘Village’ have netted 2+ goals in each of their five previous top-flight H2Hs on home turf (W3, D1, L1). The hosts’ home action usually sparks into life beyond halftime, as 11 of their 12 MLS home goals this season have come in the second half of play.

As for Minnesota United, a goal-friendly 3-2 home triumph over Real Salt Lake made it two MLS wins in a row. That’s a noticeable upturn in form compared to an underwhelming run of three consecutive league defeats beforehand. More importantly, the ‘Looms’ have whittled down the gap on the Western Conference playoff line to a mere two points. But Minnesota’s lacklustre eight-game away form during this MLS season (W3, D1, L5) suggests there’s no room for complacency. High scoring has been a common theme on the visitors’ recent MLS travels as their last five away league matches have seen 3+ goals and both teams scoring.