Vancouver Whitecaps v Portland Timbers: Sorensen focused on performance rather than standings

Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen insisted he is more focused on his side’s performances rather than their league position.

The Whitecaps are currently second in the Western Conference, but could move above San Diego FC if they beat the Portland Timbers in their next match.

That will be the first of two games in hand for Vancouver, who recently beat Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia Union 7-0 and qualified for the Canadian Championship finals.

The Whitecaps’ 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City last time out saw them set a new club record for regular-season points, reaching the 55-point mark for the first time in their history.

Despite their strong campaign, Sorensen is not giving too much thought to their position in the West.

“What we have seen for a while now is that we are looking strong. The entire squad have been ready for the games and we are performing at a good level,” said Sorensen.

“I just think throughout the season we have just been playing well and focusing on performance rather than results or the standings.

“So, I don’t know if everything is coming our way, but we are playing up to our standards and our standards look good.

“The most positive thing is that we look solid again defensively and we create a lot of chances, and that’s what I am looking at.

“The standings are not something we can do much about.”

The Timbers, meanwhile, lost ground in their playoff push after they lost 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo in their last match.

That defeat saw Phil Neville’s side drop to seventh in the West, three points ahead of the Colorado Rapids in the play-in positions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps – Emmanuel Sabbi

With Brian White out injured and Thomas Muller’s availability in doubt, Sabbi will look to step up for the Whitecaps.

The 27-year-old is in good form, providing an assist against SKC while also scoring twice in their win against Philadelphia.

Portland Timbers – Felipe Mora

Although Mora has not enjoyed his usual success in front of goal this season, scoring just five times compared to his 14 last season, the Chilean enjoys facing Vancouver.

Mora has scored five regular-season goals against the Whitecaps, only netting more against the LA Galaxy (eight) in his career. Mora’s five goals are tied for the most by a Timbers player in regular-season MLS play against Vancouver with Diego Valeri.

MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

After winning only three of their previous 10 regular-season matches (to draws, five losses), Vancouver have produced three consecutive wins, outscoring opponents, 12-2, in those matches.

The Whitecaps’ only four-match winning streak since the start of the 2022 season came in their first four matches of this season.

Portland have managed just one win in their last 10 away matches in all competitions (drawn three, lost six). The Timbers have also scored just three total goals over those 10 games.

Vancouver have won consecutive matches against Portland, recording a 5-0 win in the play-in round of last year’s playoffs before scoring a 4-1 road win on February 23. The nine goals are the most Vancouver have ever scored in a two-match span against a single opponent in the MLS era (regular season and playoffs).

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

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps – 55.2%

Draw – 23.1%

Portland Timbers – 21.7%