Sporting KC vs Vancouver Whitecaps preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Children's Mercy Park
Major League Soccer
Sporting KCSKC
0 3
Vancouver WhitecapsVAN
Full Time
Regular Season
|
Goal
Thomas Müller - 40' (P)
Brian White - 48'

CONTEXT

The match between Sporting KC and Vancouver Whitecaps ended with a final score of 0-3. At halftime the score was 0-1 in favor of the away side. Sporting KC posted 0.59 expected goals against 3.2 for Vancouver Whitecaps creating a differential of minus 2.61. Home possession reached 44 percent while the visitors controlled 56 percent. No red cards were issued to either team. Vancouver Whitecaps as the stronger side produced the winning performance. The outcome proved consistent with xG metrics and showed alignment with projected indicators. Efficiency levels stayed in line without major shifts. Significant deviation appeared in the dominant away display.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Sporting KC 0-3 Vancouver Whitecaps. Vancouver Whitecaps showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift was in line with pre-match expectations.
  • xG alignment: The match outcome was consistent with the xG values of 0.59 to 3.2.
  • Market alignment: The result aligned with market expectations for the stronger team.
  • xG expectations: Expected goals showed a differential of -2.61 favoring the away side.
  • Event impact: The away team scored three goals to secure the victory.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were issued affecting the match outcome.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
M. de Oliveira
M. de Oliveira
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
C. Rockwell
C. Rockwell
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
I. McKay
I. McKay
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
F. Bazakos
F. Bazakos
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Sporting KC R. Wicky
R. Wicky
VS
Vancouver Whitecaps J. Sørensen
J. Sørensen
0.74
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.89
0.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Atlanta United Rank: 56 L
St. Louis City Rank: 65 D
Colorado Rapids Rank: 62 L
Houston Dynamo Rank: 66 L
Los Angeles FC Rank: 71 L
Minnesota United Rank: 64 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Dallas Rank: 67 W
Houston Dynamo Rank: 66 L
Seattle Sounders Rank: 66 W
Los Angeles FC Rank: 71 D
Minnesota United Rank: 64 D
Cincinnati Rank: 69 L
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 5
5

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
51.13
73.52
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Sporting KC
Vancouver Whitecaps
Power Score
51.13
73.52
League Position
15
1
Global Rank
854
175

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Sporting KC — Opponent-weighted form score
Vancouver Whitecaps — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Sporting KC Vancouver Whitecaps

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Sporting KC

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Vancouver Whitecaps

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Sporting KC
vs
Vancouver Whitecaps
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Sporting KC Vancouver Whitecaps
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
26%
50%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 1.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.16 vs -0.61
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Sporting KC Vancouver Whitecaps
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
50%
26%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
1.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.61 vs -0.16
Sporting KC
Vancouver Whitecaps
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Sporting KC
vs
Vancouver Whitecaps
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Sporting KC Vancouver Whitecaps
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Sporting KC 0.00
Vancouver Whitecaps 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Sporting KC Vancouver Whitecaps
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Sporting KC 0.00
Vancouver Whitecaps 0.00
Sporting KC
Vancouver Whitecaps
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • VAN had peak pressure around 88'.
  • VAN started the game with stronger pressure.
SKC Pressure VAN Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: VAN reached the top pressure at 88' (89.85).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 5 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Sporting KC SKC Home
5 matches
Vancouver Whitecaps VAN Away
Match Record
0
Wins
5
0
Draws
0
5
Losses
0
Goals
2
Goals Scored
12
12
Goals Conceded
2
-10
Goal Difference
+10
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-30T00:36:21+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Children's Mercy Park
Capacity
18467
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Marcos de Oliveira
Corey Rockwell
Ian McKay
Fotis Bazakos

Statistics

Possession
SKC
45%
VAN
55%

Top Statistics

0 Goals 3
0 Big Chances Created 4
3 Shots 8
43 Dangerous attacks 38
44 Possession 56
1 Corners 4
21 Free kicks 14
2 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

63 Ball Safe 74
0 Penalties 1
7 Goal Kicks 7
2 Goal Attempts 13
4 Substitutions 5
12 Throwins 19
0 Hit Woodwork 3
20 Dribble Attempts 7
11 Successful Dribbles 4
55 Successful Dribbles Percentage 57

Attacking

91 Attacks 93
0 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

41 Long Passes 43
365 Passes 478
306 Successful Passes 415
84 Successful Passes Percentage 87
5 Key Passes 15
20 Successful Long Passes 19
49 Successful Long Passes Percentage 44

Defensive

3 Saves 0
9 Tackles 14
15 Interceptions 7
46 Duels Won 44

Build-up

18 Total Crosses 14
3 Accurate Crosses 6

Discipline

1 Offsides 0
15 Fouls 21

Lineup

Referee : Marcos de Oliveira

Starting XI ▼

30
Stefan Cleveland
Stefan Cleveland Goalkeeper
6.55
3
Moisés Mosquera
Moisés Mosquera Defender
6.62
5
Or Blorian
Or Blorian Defender
6.67
13
Justin Reynolds
Justin Reynolds Defender
6.7
2
Ian James
Ian James
Defender57'
6.47
18
Emir Karic
Emir Karic Defender
6.85
4
Lasse Berg Johnsen
Lasse Berg Johnsen Midfielder
6.92
7
Capita
Capita Midfielder
6.71
17
Stephen Afrifa
Stephen Afrifa
Attacker46'
6.62
14
Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris Midfielder
6.75
16
Jacob Bartlett
Jacob Bartlett Midfielder
6.48
20
Kwaku Agyabeng
Kwaku Agyabeng
Midfielder66'
6.56
19
Taylor Calheira
Taylor Calheira Attacker
6.62
93
Shapi Suleymanov
Shapi Suleymanov Attacker
6.86
11
André Luiz
André Luiz
Attacker66'
6.81
Referee : Marcos de Oliveira

Starting XI ▼

1
Yohei Takaoka
Yohei Takaoka Goalkeeper
6.72
2
Mathías Laborda
Mathías Laborda Defender
7.13
18
Édier Ocampo
Édier Ocampo Defender
7.15
28
Tate Johnson
Tate Johnson Defender
7.03
3
Sam Adekugbe
Sam Adekugbe
Defender70'
6.46
33
Tristan Blackmon
Tristan Blackmon Defender
6.94
8
Oliver Larraz
Oliver Larraz Midfielder
6.81
59
Jeevan Badwal
Jeevan Badwal
Midfielder62'
6.95
13
Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller Midfielder
7.38
14
Bruno Caicedo
Bruno Caicedo Midfielder
7.06
11
Emmanuel Sabbi
Emmanuel Sabbi
Attacker62'
6.79
20
Andrés Cubas
Andrés Cubas Midfielder
7.13
25
Ryan Gauld
Ryan Gauld Midfielder
7.2
7
Cheikh Sabaly
Cheikh Sabaly
Attacker87'
6.76
24
Brian White
Brian White Attacker
7.09
19
Rayan Elloumi
Rayan Elloumi
Attacker87'
6.53

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Moisés Mosquera
4th Yellowcard
90+5'
90'
Event
Rayan Elloumi
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
87'
Event
Rayan Elloumi → Brian White
8th Substitution
87'
Event
Cheikh Sabaly → Ryan Gauld 
9th Substitution
Event
Stephen Afrifa
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
73'
70'
Event
Sam Adekugbe → Tate Johnson
7th Substitution
Event
Kwaku Agyabeng → Jacob Bartlett
5th Substitution
66'
Event
André Luiz → Shapi Suleymanov
6th Substitution
66'
62'
Event
Jeevan Badwal → Oliver Larraz
3rd Substitution
62'
Event
Emmanuel Sabbi → Bruno Caicedo
4th Substitution
Event
Ian James → Justin Reynolds
2nd Substitution
57'
51'
Event
Tate Johnson
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
48'
Event
Brian White
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
Event
Stephen Afrifa → Capita
1st Substitution
46'
1ST-HALF
45+4'
Event
Bruno Caicedo
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
40'
Event
Thomas Müller
Right foot shot / 1st Penalty

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
90
Attempt Attempt
Rayan Elloumi takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Rayan Elloumi scores with a right-footed shot.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Rayan Elloumi scores, making it 0-3, assisted by Thomas Muller.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
89
Attempt Attempt
Rayan Elloumi takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
87
Update Update
Rayan Elloumi comes on for Brian White.
87
Update Update
Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly is on, and Ryan Gauld is off.
86
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
85
Attempt Attempt
Calvin Harris takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
84
Attempt Attempt
Emmanuel Sabbi takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
79
Attempt Attempt
Brian White attempts a header but misses the shot.
78
Attempt Attempt
Ryan Gauld takes a left-footed shot but misses.
78
Attempt Attempt
Thomas Muller takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
74
Attempt Attempt
Tristan Blackmon takes a left-footed shot but misses.
73
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Stephen Afrifa.
70
Substitution Substitution
Sam Adekugbe is substituted for Tate Johnson.
69
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
68
Attempt Attempt
Kwaku Agyabeng takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
66
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Andre Luiz Inacio da Silva comes on for Magomed Shapi Suleymanov.
66
Update Update
Kwaku Agyabeng is on, and Jacob Bartlett is off.
62
Update Update
Jeevan Badwal is on, and Oliver Larraz is off.
62
Update Update
Emmanuel Sabbi replaces Bruno Quiñonez.
59
Attempt Attempt
Magomed Shapi Suleymanov takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
57
Update Update
Ian James is on, and Justin Reynolds is off.
56
Attempt Attempt
Mathias Laborda attempts a header but misses the shot.
56
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
55
Attempt Attempt
Brian White attempts a header but misses the shot.
55
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
51
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Tate Johnson receives a yellow card.
48
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot on goal! Brian White takes a right-footed shot.
48
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Brian White scores to make it 2-0, assisted by Oliver Larraz.
46
Update Update
On comes Stephen Afrifa, and Capita goes off.
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Bruno Caicedo receives a yellow card.
45
Attempt Attempt
Thomas Muller takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
45
Attempt Attempt
Brian White takes a shot with his head, but it hits the post.
40
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot by Thomas Muller with his right foot results in a goal.
40
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal in the penalty shootout! Thomas Muller scores, making it 0-1.
34
Attempt Attempt
Moises Castillo Mosquera attempts a header but misses the shot.
29
Attempt Attempt
Emir Karic takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
26
Attempt Attempt
Edier Ocampo takes a shot with his right foot, but it hits the post.
21
Attempt Attempt
Capita takes a right-footed shot but misses.
21
Update Update
Offside.
18
Attempt Attempt
Calvin Harris takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
17
Attempt Attempt
Ryan Gauld takes a left-footed shot but misses.
14
Attempt Attempt
Or Blorian takes a right-footed shot but misses.
3
Attempt Attempt
Tristan Blackmon takes a header shot but misses.
3
Attempt Attempt
Brian White takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
3
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Marcos de Oliveira.

CONCLUSION

Vancouver Whitecaps delivered a controlled and efficient display to defeat Sporting KC by a 0-3 margin. Expected goals data accurately reflected the visitors dominance throughout the contest. Possession figures supported the away team's ability to manage the game after taking an early lead at halftime. Absence of red cards ensured the match progressed without external distortions to the flow. Sporting KC created limited chances as shown by their low xG total and failed to mount a sustained response. The final result confirmed the strength of the winning side and the reliability of underlying metrics in predicting the outcome.