Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps with AFTN

(image via Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

The Houston Dynamo return to Shell Energy Stadium for a match up against the best team in MLS. We talked to our friend Michael McColl from AFTN to get some insight on the Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of tonight’s match.

Bayou City Soccer (BCS): First, what can you tell us about the latest with the Whitecaps and their future in Vancouver?

AFTN: It's been a very fast moving couple of weeks but in short, there's two main issues and they're both interlinked - finding new owners that want to keep the team in the city and getting a new stadium deal. Without the latter, there's no-one interested in ownership. There's been a series of meeting recently, the latest of which was on Wednesday between the club, MLS, local and national politicians, and the three First Nations group. Although there's nothing concrete been signed or announced, the belief is that both short-term and long-term deals are on the table to sort out the stadium, which would see the Whitecaps operate BC Place while getting to build a new stadium somewhere within the 5 to 10 year range. If/when that is signed off, there is at least one ownership group that will be more interested in buying the club, maybe more. So although nothing has been officially agreed, the signs from all parties is at least positive.

BCS: Vancouver surprised a lot of people last season and have sustained that success in 2026. What has led them to continue being a top team in MLS?

AFTN: Jesper Sorensen's style of play has been the big factor. His teams want the ball, want to recover the ball quickly when they lose it, and really be on the front foot. It's been a style that all the players have bought into and recruitment has been good at finding the right players for that style, even with the departures the team has had. A slate of injuries last year meant the depth was called upon early and often and it has led to a very strong depth chart where every player can come and go in the team without really weakening too many areas. The belief and expectations of the team is high and they go into every match fully believing they can win. Just missing out on the Champions Cup and MLS Cup last year has also lit a fire under the players to go one better this year.

BCS: Sebastian Berhalter has burst onto the USMNT scene with his performances for the Whitecaps. How important is he to the team's success?

AFTN: It's been great to see his growth since coming here. He arrived as a depth player and has got better and better every season to make him one of the first names on the teamsheet. He's really put the work in too to keep improving and his set piece deliveries have been a huge part of the team's success. He's now chipping in with more goals too this season, which has taken the pressure of the likes of Brian White to keep getting the goals. The midfield pivot partnership he has with Andres Cubas really is one of the main keys to how the team has been so strong. They compliment each other so well and when one is missing, you do notice the difference.

BCS: The Whitecaps have conceded just 9 goals in 12 league matches this season. What makes them so sound defensively?

AFTN: It's been quite a consistent backline this year, although we may see a couple of tweaks this weekend with it being the third match in 8 days. But again, every player that comes in knows his role and the system and the understandings are immediately there. Having Cubas in front of the back four helps solidify them and stops so many attacks going through the middle and every attacking player is expected to come back quickly and defend. Most of the goals they've conceded this year have been from outside of the box. They don't allow a lot of room in the box and that's with the two centre backs loving to get forward into the attack.

BCS: Do the Whitecaps have any injury concerns heading into this match and what do you expect the Vancouver lineup to look like?

AFTN: Aside from the long term injuries, most of which are close to clearing up, there's some doubt over two of our wingers - Emmanuel Sabbi and Bruno Caicedo. Both tweaked something against Dallas and may moss out, or have to start on the bench. That will likely see Kenji Cabrera, AZ Jackson, and Cheikh Sabaly battle for the two starting wing spots, although Thomas Muller may start in the 10 role allowing Jeevan Badwal to play on the wing and keep a couple of speed options off the bench. Andres Cubas looked to have some sort of knee problem towards the end of the Dallas game, but was cleared and good to train on Friday. Defensively may see Ranko Veselinovic come in and get his first start since his injury 9 months ago. That would allow Mathias Laborda to move to one of the full back positions and give some rest to either Tate Johnson or Edier Ocampo, both of whom have been excellent this season so far, but played almost every match.

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We want to thank Michael for his time and wish our friends in Vancouver the best of luck tonight.