Vancouver Whitecaps will be seeking successive wins when they take on defending champions LA Galaxy.
The Vancouver Whitecaps have the opportunity to start their MLS campaign with two consecutive victories for the first time since 2018 when they host LA Galaxy at BC Place on Sunday. Confidence is running high in the Whitecaps’ camp following a dominant 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers, while the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, come into this match needing a response after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to expansion side San Diego FC.
New head coach Jesper Sorensen could not have asked for a better introduction to Major League Soccer. His Vancouver side produced a commanding attacking performance against Portland, controlling 67% of possession and registering 10 shots on target. Benefiting from an early numerical advantage, the Whitecaps capitalised ruthlessly to secure an emphatic victory. However, despite this promising start, Vancouver’s home form in recent seasons has been inconsistent.
They ended last year’s regular season with three straight home defeats and have won just one of their last seven MLS matches at BC Place, excluding playoff fixtures. The Whitecaps have also struggled in their home openers in recent years, last winning their first home game of the season in 2021, when they edged out Portland 1-0 at their temporary COVID-era home, Rio Tinto Stadium.
Despite these struggles, Vancouver Whitecaps have typically thrived when scoring multiple goals at home. In 2024, they won six of the seven regular-season matches at BC Place in which they netted at least twice, with their only defeat in such scenarios coming in a 4-3 thriller against the Houston Dynamo. However, they have found it difficult against California-based opposition, losing four of their six matches against teams from the Golden State last season, with both of their victories coming against San Jose Earthquakes.
LA Galaxy, meanwhile, will be looking to put their opening-day disappointment behind them. For the second year in a row, they failed to win their first match of the season, falling to a 2-0 defeat against San Diego FC in a game where defensive frailties were exposed. Greg Vanney’s side also struggled in their final pre-season fixture, losing 1-0 to the Chicago Fire, meaning they have now failed to score in back-to-back matches against MLS opposition.
The away form has been a concern for the Galaxy in recent times. They lost four of their final five regular-season road games in 2024, with their only win during that stretch coming in a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids in October. However, they have tended to start well on their travels, winning their first away match in three of the last four MLS seasons.
As the highest-scoring team in the Western Conference last year, with 69 goals, the Galaxy will be eager to rediscover their attacking rhythm. If they fail to score again on Sunday, they will match their longest goalless streak from the previous campaign, which lasted two games.
Encouragingly, they held the upper hand in this fixture last season, completing a season sweep over Vancouver with an aggregate score of 7-3 across two meetings. That record could provide a psychological boost as they aim to get their season back on track. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps were without Emmanuel Sabbi in their opening match due to an ankle injury, while Damir Kreilach remained unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf strain. Both players remain doubts ahead of the clash with LA Galaxy.
In a boost for the club, Vancouver Whitecaps recently secured the future of their all-time leading MLS goalscorer, Brian White, by extending his contract until 2027. The striker will be expected to lead the line once again after an impressive start to the season.
Ryan Gauld, Pedro Vite, Sam Adekugbe, and Jayden Nelson all made their mark in the season opener by getting on the scoresheet, with Nelson registering his first goal since joining the club. Their attacking contributions will be crucial as Vancouver looks to build on their strong start.
Head coach Jesper Sorensen is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Yohei Takaoka is set to continue in goal, with Mathias Laborda, Ranko Veselinovic, Tristan Blackmon, and Sam Adekugbe forming the defensive line. In midfield, Ali Ahmed, Andres Cubas, and Ralph Priso will look to dictate play and provide balance. Up front, Jayden Nelson and Ryan Gauld will support Brian White in attack, aiming to break down LA Galaxy’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Takaoka; Laborda, Veselinovic, Blackmon, Adekugbe; Ahmed, Cubas, Priso; Nelson, White, Gauld
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy were without Riqui Puig in their season opener as the Spanish midfielder continues to recover from the ACL rupture he suffered a few months ago. Joseph Paintsil also missed the match due to a quad injury, while Mauricio Cuevas was sidelined with a hamstring issue. All three players remain doubts for the upcoming clash with Vancouver.
In their defeat against San Diego, Christian Ramirez made his club debut, leading the line and playing 63 minutes in attack. Meanwhile, Novak Micovic started in goal, making four saves, while last season’s first-choice goalkeeper, John McCarthy, was named on the bench.
The last time the Galaxy faced the Whitecaps, Gabriel Pec was instrumental in their 4-2 victory, scoring once while also assisting goals for Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil, as well as contributing to an own goal by Sebastian Berhalter. His creativity and attacking influence could be key once again in this matchup.
Head coach Greg Vanney is expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Novak Micovic will likely retain his place in goal, with Miki Yamane, Carlos Garces, Maya Yoshida, and Julián Aude forming the defensive backline.
In midfield, Elijah Wynder and Edwin Cerrillo will operate as the double pivot, aiming to provide defensive stability and ball progression. Gabriel Pec, Marco Reus, and Diego Fagundez are set to support Christian Ramirez in attack, as the Galaxy look to find their offensive rhythm and secure their first win of the season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Micovic; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Aude; Wynder, Cerrillo; Pec, Reus, Fagundez; Ramirez
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
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The Galaxy have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning both of their matches against Vancouver last season. They outscored the Whitecaps 7-3 across those two games, including a 4-2 victory where Gabriel Pec was involved in all four goals.
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The Whitecaps struggled at BC Place towards the end of last season, losing their final three regular-season home games. However, they won six of the seven home matches in which they scored multiple goals, highlighting their ability to capitalize when in attacking form.
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The Galaxy ended last season with four losses in their final five regular-season road matches. Their only away win in that stretch came against the Colorado Rapids (3-1). They will be looking to improve their travel record this year.
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The Whitecaps opened their 2025 campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers, marking the first time they have won their opening MLS match since 2018. They will now aim to win their first two games of a season for the first time in seven years.
Player to Watch
Marco Reus
Marco Reus will be the key figure to watch in this match-up as he looks to make an impact for LA Galaxy. The former Borussia Dortmund captain, renowned for his creativity, vision, and technical quality, has the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and unlock defences with his passing.
Despite LA Galaxy’s struggles in their season opener, Reus showed glimpses of his class, linking up well with the attack. With Riqui Puig still recovering from injury, the German playmaker will be expected to take on a more central role in orchestrating the team’s offensive play. His ability to find space between the lines and deliver key passes could be crucial against a Vancouver side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities in the past.
Reus will also be looking to form better chemistry with Christian Ramirez up front while providing support to Gabriel Pec and Diego Fagundez on the flanks. If he can influence the game as expected, LA Galaxy’s attack could find the spark needed to get their first win of the season.
Prediction
Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 LA Galaxy
The hosts are in good attacking form, but LA Galaxy’s firepower should help them avoid back-to-back defeats. Expect an entertaining contest with goals at both ends. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-2 draw between Vancouver Whitecaps and LA Galaxy.
