The Western Conference playoff race heats up as Vancouver Whitecaps FC returns to BC Place for their 12th annual Pride Celebration Match, hosting Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, July 26, 2025. With Vancouver chasing the top spot and SKC fighting to stay in postseason contention, this Major League Soccer showdown promises high energy, emotional stakes, and tactical intrigue.
Match Details
Fixture: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM PT / 10:30 PM ET
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TSN
Team Form & Standings
| Team | Record | Points | Last 5 Matches | Conference Rank |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 12-5-6 | 42 | W-L-L-W-D | 2nd (West) |
| Sporting Kansas City | 6-11-6 | 24 | W-T-L-T-W | 13th (West) |
Vancouver is unbeaten in 5 of their last 7 home matches and boasts the highest points-per-game average in the West.
Sporting KC has shown resilience, coming from behind in 6 of their last 11 fixtures.
Tactical Breakdown & Key Players
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Manager: Jesper Sorensen
Formation: 4-3-3
Key Players:
Brian White – 17 goals in all competitions; scored in the MLS All-Star Game
Sebastian Berhalter – midfield engine; All-Star selection
Yohei Takaoka – 10 clean sheets; leads MLS in shutouts
Strategy:
High-tempo flank play with overlapping fullbacks
Strong defensive shape anchored by Takaoka
Creative midfield transitions through Berhalter and Cubas
Sporting Kansas City
Manager: Kerry Zavagnin
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Players:
Daniel Salloi – 6 goals, 4 assists; scored equalizer vs. NYCFC
Dejan Joveljic – 5 goals; clinical finisher
John Pulskamp – emerging goalkeeper; vocal leader
Strategy:
Counter-attacking setup with wide overloads
Midfield pressing to disrupt Vancouver’s buildup
Reliance on Salloi and Joveljic for final-third creativity
Injury & Suspension Report
Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
Ranko Veselinovic – OUT (ACL tear)
Ryan Gauld, Sam Adekugbe, Ahmed Ali – OUT (knee, Achilles, ankle)
Sporting Kansas City:
Erik Thommy – OUT (undisclosed injury)
MATCH ODDS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 195 Draw + 330 Sporting Kansas City + 400
Over 3.5 + 125 Under 3.5 – 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
