Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps produced another very respectable campaign under Vanni Sartini in 2024. Notoriously poor travelers, the Italian coach was able to improve their away form again, as they picked up as many points on the road as they did at home. Despite a late slump that saw them go winless in their final seven games of the Regular Season, the Caps had enough in reserve to make the play-offs, where they came to life again. A thumping 5-0 win over Cascadia rivals Portland was followed by a narrow and unlucky elimination over three games against LAFC, the same side that dominated them in the 2023 post-season. Despite those signs of progress and an unprecedented third straight Canadian Championship trophy, the club decided to get rid of the hugely popular Sartini. The decision was based around the hierarchy having higher goals than the results Sartini was able to deliver, but it is a huge and potentially disastrous gamble if it goes wrong. Danish coach Jesper Sørensen is the man the club have put their faith in and it remains to be seen if he can produce. Sørensen has already had to endure his first off-field drama, with Stuart Armstrong’s sudden departure from the pre-season camp in Marbella to join Sheffield Wednesday. The Scottish midfielder had only arrived at the club in September as a Designated Player and was just starting to show his undoubted quality. Another big loss in the transfer market was forward Fafà Picault, who was the Caps’ third highest contributor in terms of goals and assists. The Whitecaps hopes will again rest of the dynamic duo of Ryan Gauld and Brian White who combined for over 50 goal involvements last season. Only the likes of Messi and Suárez could better those numbers. Keeping them fit and firing is paramount. The club have yet to do much business in the transfer market, with wingers Jayden Nelson and Emmanuel Sabbi the only notable arrivals. The new manager will need to be given more backing if the club want to fulfill their lofty ambitions.