2023 MLS Regular Season Record: 12W - 12D - 10L
Key Takeaways from 2023
What I said last winter:
If they qualify for playoffs, it’ll be at a higher seed
They waste to many big chances and need to improve on finishing
They’re unpredictable in form
They have a good shot at winning the Canadian Cup again and qualifying for Champions Cup
What happened:
They finished sixth in the West, qualifying for playoffs
Brian White emerged as their prime goal scorer, but they still struggled with wasting big chances
I want to say they were more consistent, and really surprised me with a tough road win more often than a blowout loss
They won the Canadian Cup again and qualified for Concacaf Champions’ Cup.
Building Blocks
Let me start by saying Vanni Sartini is my favorite coach in all of MLS. It's not only because of the success he's brought to Vancouver with silverware in back-to-back seasons but also his antics on and off the field. If you need to smile, watch this video of Vanni playing DDR prior to a match.
Now, turning to the analysis, the Whitecaps improved on their 2022 successes with a myriad of achievements. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions’ League, won the Canadian Cup, and made it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, LAFC knocked them out of both the CCL and playoffs by wide margins.
Vancouver predominantly lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, but occasionally pivoted to a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3. The midfield quartet frequently rotated among listed positions, but the group below were the most consistent starters by the season’s end.
The Whitecaps' attack proved lethal throughout the entire season. They ranked high in creating big chances, goals scored, and entries into the penalty area. However, despite their proficiency, they did miss quite a few significant opportunities. Yet, it's somewhat expected when you're consistently creating the third-most chances in the league.
Vancouver ended with a slightly negative difference between Goals and Expected Goals, but not by a large margin. However, I’d like to see them finding the back of the net more often, because I think it cost them points in the table this year. It might sound overly optimistic, but improving their finishing while sustaining their attacking prowess could position them to contend as the highest-scoring club in MLS.
The leading scorer this year for Vancouver was The leading scorer this year for Vancouver was Brian White, tallying 16 goals, tallying 16 goals, and almost in-line with his expected goals — 15.5. Meanwhile, Ryan Gauld fell short by around three goals compared to expectations, partially attributed to missed penalty kicks. Together, they accounted for nearly half of Vancouver’s total goals. Other contributors included Pedro Vite (4 vs. 2.9), Simon Becher (4 vs. 2.4), and Julian Gressel (3 vs. 2.6).
Designated player Sergio Cordova managed to score only 2 goals before his transfer to Alanyaspor in September. This highlights an ongoing issue for the club over the past few seasons: finding the right and final designated player to compliment their playstyle.
In the 3-1-4-2 formation, Vancouveraims to assert control over the midfield while retaining flexibility to shift between a more defensive or attacking tactic depending on the situation or score. They won duels and possession on average more than other teams in MLS, which translated to success in penetrating opponents' final third and creating scoring opportunities.
In regards to defense and goalkeeping, Vancouver finished at around the average for shots saved and shots on-target from opponents.
Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka completed the season with a slightly positive post-shot expected goal performance.
I like the direction Vancouver is heading in, especially considering they'll likely retain most players from the previous season. he transfer funds received from the departure of former left-back Alphonso Davies seem to have been wisely reinvested, but they still always struggle to find consistent form and finish near the top of the table.
If Vancouver want to take the next step, they need to secure a marquee signing. Otherwise, I fear they might stagnate, particularly when other Canadian clubs like Toronto finally get their act together again.
Top Sorare Fantasy Performers
Goalkeeper: Yohei Takaoka | L15: 44 | 60+ pts games: 10 | Clean sheets: 9 | Penalties saved: 1
Defender: Richie Laryea | L15: 51 | 60+ pts games: 5 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 2 | Clean sheets: 3
Midfielder: Ryan Gauld | L15: 62 | 60+ pts games: 22 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 17
Forward: Brian White | L15: 56 | 60+ pts games: 20 | Goals: 19 | Assists: 4
Extra: Andrés Cubas | L15: 51 | 60+ pts games: 10 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 2
2024 Outlook
Last Updated 2/4/2024
Sartini Rating:
Outgoing Players
Thomas Hasal - Goalkeeper - Option Declined
Matteo Campagna - Centre-back - Option Declined
Kamron Habibullah - Winger - Option Declined
Karifa Yao - Centre-back - Out of Contract
Junior Hoilett - Winger - Option Declined (in talks for new contract with club)
Richie Laryea - Left-back - Loan ended (in talks for new loan or transfer with club)
Caio Alexandre - Central Midfielder - Transfer to Fortaleza
Incoming Players
Damir Kreilach - Central Midfielder - Signed as a free agent
Fafà Picault - Centre-forward - Signed as a free agent
Bjørn Inge Utvik - Centre-back - Transfer from Sarpsborg 08
Sartini…
As 2023 kicks off for Vancouver, they'll miss head coach Vanni Sartini for the first six MLS matches due to a red card he received in their playoff loss to LAFC. Sartini had… choice words… for the ref after multiple controversial calls and the ref nearly tackling a Vancouver player to a near LAFC score.
Most players will return, but Richie Laryea and Caio Alexandre will not. Laryea is currently back with Nottingham Forest and isn’t even on matchday rosters. So, I wouldn’t rule out a return to MLS for him. Alexandre has since been transferred to Fortaleza where he was on loan at.
The club, so far, has signed Damir Kreilach and Fafà Picault as free agents, while securing the transfer of Norwegian centre-back Bjørn Inge Utvik from Sarpsborg 08. Kreilach slots into one of the midfield spots, and Picault likely is a rotation/off-the-bench option. Utvik’s signing is interesting because I did think Vancouver needed another centre-back. He’ll compete with Mathías Laborda for the final spot in the backline.
Overall, I like what Vancouver have built and that most players will return, but honestly, I don't think they've done quite enough to really amp up my preseason expectations… yet.
Projected Starting Lineup
If they play in a formation requiring more natural full-backs, I’d expect to see Adekugbe.