The MLS playoffs are getting underway in grand fashion as Los Angeles FC takes on Vancouver Whitecaps in this high-stakes, best-of-three series. Both teams come into this round with distinct form patterns: LAFC red-hot with six consecutive wins, while Vancouver snapped its recent losing streak with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Portland. Given the consistent dominance of Steven Cherundolo's LAFC and the search for form by Vanni Sartini's Vancouver, this first match sets the tone for the rest of the series.
With each team attempting to gain early control, this playoff game is sure to have some tactical adjustments, fierce competition, and a battle of passion.
Claim Welcome BonusLos Angeles FC
Los Angeles FC enter the playoffs as one of MLS' hottest teams, having six wins in a row and flexing some serious offensive muscles. That was evident in the 3-1 win over San Jose on the final weekend of the season, where their 3-4-3 setup gave them excellent midfield control and depth going forward. Known for their assaultive style, LAFC have shown absolutely no mercy in front of the goal, recording "over-over" results in seven of their last nine matches, and securing over 2.5 goals in four of their last five. At the back, they've been poised, with only mid-range card discipline-under 4.5 cards in four of their last five.
LAFC have been efficient with scoring first in five of their last six games, and they often dominate the first half, taking a lead in five out of six. They maximize scoring opportunities, with over 10.5 corners in five of their last six.
Cherundolo's 3-4-3 gives LAFC more balance in structure, width in attack, and decent protection in defense. In this system, the flexibility of the system allows them to transition between defense and offense, taking advantage of high wing-backs to press forward and inject numbers into the final third. While that might be subjective, the ability of LAFC to sustain pressure through possession and maintain much-needed discipline on the pitch with minimal cards might just be what the team needs to keep Vancouver back. With such an in-form midfield that dictates the pace of the game, LAFC's tactical efficiency will most likely be key in their quest for the control of events right from the outset.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver's run in the past has indeed been difficult as they have lost four from their last five. They did respond in emphatic style, though, when they battered Portland 5-0 in the playoffs, something that should give them a much-needed morale boost ahead of the game.
Sartini's team usually sets up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with the emphasis on defensive solidity, though discipline still needs to be worked on, as they have gone over 4.5 cards in four of the last five. Vancouver can also be involved in high-scoring games: the hosts' defense is very shaky - conceding many times and allowing their opponents to create lots of dangerous moments.
Still, Vancouver's defensive lapses have truly been costly, having allowed nine goals across recent matches. Their attack does show some promise, though, with games frequently hitting over 2.5 goals - such has been the case in four of their last five. They've also conceded first in five of their last seven, too - a habit they'll need to break if they are to cause trouble for LAFC.
For Sartini's Vancouver, the 4-2-3-1 is an attempt to combat LAFC's dominance by strengthening the midfield while relying on wide players to stretch play. They have shown attacking firepower in fits and starts, as recently witnessed in their thumping win over Portland 5-0, but defensive frailties remain a worry. Sartini needs to make sure that Vancouver's backline is tight, with the utilization of midfield pivots to disrupt the rhythm, quick transitions to expose the space behind the wing-backs of LAFC. That will be quite a disciplined task and not concede early to allow them to capitalize on counterattacks.
Head to Head
Historically, LAFC has led in this series with 10 wins for Vancouver's six, including four draws.
In the most recent battle, LAFC managed to edge Vancouver in a 2-1 victory amidst composure and effciency in breaking down Vancouver's defense.
Goals galore have been scored when these teams meet, as four of the last five meetings have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Having witnessed both sides score in five of the last seven meetings, both teams look good to score.
Corner count is usually on the side of LAFC, while matches are highly disciplined, staying below 10.5 corners and lower card totals.
Expert Betting Tips
This is in huge contrast with Vancouver's recent struggles. LAFC has been nothing but consistent, even starting matches by scoring the first goal, which might give them the psychological edge. However, for Vancouver, their recent resurgence into form came with a 5-0 victory that may have given them an emotional lift but perhaps not enough to counter the sustained form of LAFC.
The dividends it seems to have come with are an approach to goal-getting for LAFC, consistently over 2.5 goals in their matches. The defensive troubles Vancouver is facing will be well-tested in the highly corner-filled and fluid attacks of LAFC.
LAFC's much more conservative card discipline may be in their favor, keeping their heads and not giving away too many opportunities from set pieces, which is crucial for a team trying to break the rhythm of LAFC.
- Over 3 Goals @ 1.75 Odds
- GG (yes) @ 1.6 Odds
- GG (yes) @ 1.66 Odds
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