Fortunate Whitecaps Extend Lead in Western Conference

With their 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake in their last match, the Whitecaps extended their lead to six points over the second-place Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference. Vancouver has not extended their lead because of stellar play, as they have lost two of their last four matches. However, they have been fortunate that the Dynamo have hit a lull.

Houston Has Had Missed Chances 

Houston has had their chances to move up in the West but have not taken advantage of them. On August 19, they won a big match on the road against the Whitecaps to take a one-point lead over them atop the Western Conference. However, in the six matches since, they have picked up only six points with one win, three draws, and two losses.

Another Vancouver Clean Sheet Win 

In the 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake, the Whitecaps recorded their fourth clean-sheet win in their last six matches. I wrote last week that the club has been inconsistent. While they have four wins in their last six matches where they outscored their opponents 14-0, in the two losses in their last four matches they were outscored 5-2. Both losses were at home, and the last was against an Austin FC team that was near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Brian White, Thomas Müller, and Yadaly Diaby all found the back of the net in the win over Real Salt Lake, where they had six shots on goal and only allowed three.

White ranks tied for third in the MLS with 16 goals and has been white-hot, scoring six in his last six matches.

No Place Like the Road 

The Whitecaps are at home in their next match on Saturday, but then their next five matches are on the road. However, they have won their last three road matches, all with clean sheets.

Tied at the Top 

The Whitecaps lead the Western Conference, and Nashville leads the Eastern Conference. These teams are tied for the best odds to win the MLS Cup at Bet365 Sportsbook at +450, with Miami just behind at +500.