Vancouver Whitecaps v San Diego FC: Valakari excited for top-two clash

Onni Valakari has revealed his excitement ahead of San Diego FC’s upcoming top-of-the-table tussle against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

San Diego are second in the Western Conference, two points behind leaders Vancouver, but they have played one additional match.

The visiting side are entering the match in good form, beating Minnesota United 4-2 last time out. Anders Dreyer and Milan Iloski both scored twice in that match.

Ahead of Wednesday's huge matchup, midfielder Valakari revealed he had circled the fixture in the calendar long ago.

“We’ve been looking forward to this game for a long time,” said Valakari.

“It’s two good teams. I think it’s going to be a really good football match. I think it’s going to be really exciting, a lot of tactical stuff, but we are ready. I hope they are ready also and I’m looking forward to the game.

“I think overall they are a really strong team. They are good on the ball, they are also good defending, pressing and in the defensive transitions... they are really good.

“They obviously have a lot of good players but I’m really excited for the game. It’s going to be a good football match and these are the games every football player wants to play, fighting for something, fighting for top positions.

“The identity we have is really strong. We have a lot of good players here, a lot of smart players. We wouldn’t be able [to be this good] without all the players working on the same idea, how we want to play with the ball... without the ball.

"There is a lot of stuff we need to work on and I think it’s no coincidence how we are playing because we do it every day in training.”

The Whitecaps lost their last match 2-1 to the Columbus Crew, though that was their first defeat in the competition since March.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecap – Pedro Vite

With top scorer Brian White on international duty at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Vite will need to step up for the Whitecaps.

The Ecuadorian midfielder has scored four times this season while also registering one assist.

San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer

San Diego's most prolific player has been Dreyer, who has netted on eight occasions.

His three goal contributions against Minnesota last time out also came off the back of a goal and assist for Denmark against Lithuania.

MATCH PREDICTION – VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

The Whitecaps are expected to make the most of their home advantage in this important match.

Across all competitions this season, the Whitecaps have lost just once at home (W8 D4), while amassing a goal difference of +15 (25-10).

Vancouver are taking on San Diego for the first time. The last time the Whitecaps played an expansion team was in October 2023, when they scored a 3-0 home win against St. Louis City.

In their last six league matches, the Whitecaps have won two, drawn three and lost one. San Diego, meanwhile, have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six.

San Diego have earned 12 points from 24 available this season in league matches on their travels, however, with most of their best results coming at home.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps – 54.6%

Draw – 23.4%

San Diego FC – 22.1%