After defeating Supporters' Shield leaders Los Angeles FC thanks to Andrés Cubas' stunning first MLS goal last weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are looking to continue their push up the Western Conference table as they culminate their four-game homestand this Friday, July 8 against Minnesota United FC.
The ‘Caps, who share an identical 7W-8L-3D with the Loons going into Friday's contest, have been the hottest team in the league over the past couple months.
Across their last 10 MLS matches, the 'Caps have tallied the most points in the league with 20 and the most points per game in the league with 2.00 thanks to their 6W-2L-2D record over that span.
The run has featured wins over Supporters' Shield leaders LAFC, Canadian rivals Toronto FC, as well as a pair of road victories against Western Conference adversaries Sporting KC and FC Dallas.
In this piece, we look at the key numbers for the ‘Caps so far this season as the team enters the second half of their 2022 MLS campaign.
Zero goals conceded in last 271 minutes of MLS action
A big part of the 'Caps fine form has been their defensive performances, as they've recorded three consecutive clean sheets in league play and have not conceded a goal in their last 271 minutes of MLS action.
During the run, they've shut down the attacks of Western Conference rivals FC Dallas on the road, reining Supporters' Shield winners New England Revolution and LAFC this past weekend.
Second-most clean sheets in MLS this season
Through the first half of the campaign, Vancouver sits tied for the second-most clean sheets in the league this season with seven, one off league leaders NYCFC.
The 'Caps are also tied for first in the West in the category, with Real Salt Lake tallying the same number of clean sheets.
Five game-changing goals in the 89th minute or later at home
Since May 8th, the Blue and White have scored five goals in the 89th minute or later of a match at BC Place.
Tosaint Ricketts, Lucas Cavallini, Ryan Gauld and Andrés Cubas have each netted late game-winners against Toronto FC, FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake and LAFC, while Érik Godoy headed home an equalizer against San Jose Earthquakes.
The late goals have helped the 'Caps claim a total of 13 points, showing the team's fighting spirit to keep pushing until the end of each match.
El Tanque's game-winners
In terms of individual player statistics, a pair of 'Caps have cemented themselves at the top of certain statistics.
Lucas Cavallini leads the team in goals with five on the year and also sits in a tie for first in the league in game-winners with three across 11 starts and 14 appearances.
El Tanque's game-winners have come against FC Dallas (both home and away) and Sporting KC.
Ranko's clearances
On the defensive aspect of the game, 'Caps centre back Ranko Veselinović currently leads the league in clearances with 105 through his team-high 17 starts.
The Serbian international, who was previously named the 'Caps Most Promising Male Player at the 2020 BMO Awards Ceremony, has also added a game winning goal and a team-high 488 successful passes so far this season.
As shown by all the previous statistics though, it's been a full team-effort by the ‘Caps to put themselves in contention for a playoff spot and prove they're one of the toughest teams to play against in the entirety of MLS.
The ‘Caps will look to continue their fine form in another crucial Western Conference match-up this Friday against Minnesota United FC at BC Place, with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1 and AM730, with the radio pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. PT. Tickets for the match are available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
