The Vancouver Whitecaps sealed their post season Playoffs spot with a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park, according to FOX Sports. It was striker Erik Hurtado that scored the decisive goal of the encounter in the fifty-third minute. However, Sporting Kansas had the upper hand in the early minutes of the game, dominating possession, and they almost grabbed the lead on numerous occasions. Certainly, SKC head coach Peter Vermes will be disappointed losing at home to Vancouver and having seen his attackers squandering chances in front of the goal.
The victory gives the Vancouver Whitecaps a four point advantage over Sporting Kc, who're second in the race for Western supremacy. Here's an analysis of the match.
Sporting Kansas City outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tim Melia (6.37). Defender - Graham Zusi (six points), Ike Opara (6.44), Erik Palmer-Brown (6.54), Seth Sinovic (5.78). Midfielder - Jimmy Medranda (6.46), Roger Espinoza (6.55), Ilie Sánchez (6.40). Forward - Gerso Fernandes (6.47), Diego Rubio (6.48), Dániel Sallói (6.59). Used substitutes - Latif Blessing (5.88), Cristian Lobato (six points), Benny Feilhaber (6.24).
Team's strength and weakness: SKC were good at creating chances in front of goal through long range shots.
However, they were weak at scoring and apparently gave away lots of free kicks within their half.
Style of play: Sporting attacked through the middle and held more possession on Vancouver's half. They favored short passes.
Vancouver Whitecaps outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Stefan Marinovic (8.44).
Defender - Jakob Nerwinski (seven points), Kendall Waston (seven points), Tim Parker (6.63), Jordan Harvey (7.32). Midfielder - Marcel de Jong (6.76), Aly Ghazal (6.54), Alphonso Davies (six points), Nicolás Mezquida (six points), Brek Shea (6.38). Forward - Erik Hurtado (7.60). Used substitutes - Russell Teibert (six points), Christian Bolaños (5.15), Yordy Reyna (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Whitecaps often stole the ball from SKC players and went on to create goal scoring chances from counter attacks. In their weaknesses, the Caps were aggressive in their tackles and in the process, they gave away several free kicks around the box.
Style of play: Carl Robinson's side attacked through the middle and had high shot frequency when in possession. They favored long shots and long thrusts.
Man of the Match
Vancouver goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic's performance was heroic. Marinovic's saves prevented Sporting Kansas from taking the lead in the first half. The Australian was just solid in the game.
Upcoming fixtures
Vancouver Whitecaps will play another high profile match when they face New York Red Bulls on the road on Saturday 7 October. A day after, Sporting KC will slog it out with Minnesota United.
