Why Vancouver will make the playoffs:
1. Pedro Morales
The Chilean has been brilliant this season as he leads the Whitecaps with 10 goals and 8 assists. He is clinical, and has been a leader for his squad the entire campaign. Although he missed a penalty kick against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, he more than made up for it by converting a second opportunity from the spot later in the game, and by scoring the winning goal in the 78th minute. Morales is a clutch player and one that Vancouver can rely on down the stretch.
2. They are not in the East
It is a two horse race for the final playoff spot in the West, with the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps battling it out. Vancouver currently occupy the last playoff spot in the West, but would be on the outside looking in if they were competing in the East. While Vancouver is more than capable of edging out their rivals Portland for a playoff spot, it would be much harder for them to sneak past the likes of New York, Columbus, Toronto, and Philadelphia. They are currently in a good situation and control their own destiny in the West.
3. Will Johnson’s injury
Falling to Toronto FC on Saturday was disappointing for Portland, but losing Will Johnson was heartbreaking. The Canadian international is the captain and sole of the Timbers, and his absence will be felt on and off the pitch. A team never likes to see a player go down, but Portland’s loss is Vancouver’s gain, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time for the Whitecaps.
Why Vancouver will not make the playoffs:
1. Weak up top
While Pedro Morales has been a beast all season, the team still lacks the necessary fire power up top to cause serious damage. The Los Angeles Galaxy have Robbie Keane, and Gyasi Zardes, while Seattle have Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey. Vancouver? They have Erik Hurtado and Darren Mattocks who have a combined 11 goals on the season. Even if Vancouver does make the playoffs, their lack of depth of top could really hinder them from making a serious postseason run.
2. Still a young team
Vancouver has a lot of exciting talent, and players with a ton of potential. The aforementioned Hurtado may only have five goals on the season, but the 23 year old, has a bright future ahead of him and could be a real force in the league for years to come. However,he still has a lot to grow, and combined with other young starters like Russel Teibert, Sebastian Fernandez, and Matias Laba, Vancouver may not have the mental toughness needed down the stretch. The Whitecaps have a strong foundation and will be a legitimate contender in the Western conference in upcoming seasons, but that time has not yet come.
3. Lose too many crucial games
Vancouver had a big performance against Real Salt Lake this past weekend, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that they were destroyed 3-0 by Portland the week before. for the second time in less than a month. A win against the Timbers in their most recent meeting and the results over the weekend, would have put Portland in Vancouver’s rearview mirror. Instead, the Timbers still have a fighting chance, especially considering Vancouver’s next two matches are against FC Dallas and Seattle, while the Timbers take on San Jose twice. As difficult as FC Dallas and Seattle are to play against, Vancouver fans are just relieved they don’t hmeet Portland again until next season.