Vancouver Whitecaps 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
After a year out, the Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2023.
Vanni Sartini's side could only manage a ninth-place finish in the Western Conference, missing out on the post-season by four points.
However, VWFC have been busy strengthening their roster and will now hope they've done enough to get back above the line.
So, here's everything you need to know about the Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions.
How did Vancouver Whitecaps perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 9th in Western Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: Didn't qualify
- Canadian Championship: Winners
Vancouver Whitecaps transfer activity
Transfers in
Player | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Sergio Cordova | FC Augsburg | $2.2m |
Mathias Laborda | Nacional | Free transfer |
Karifa Yao | CF Montreal | Draft |
JC Ngando | UNCG Spartans | SuperDraft |
Levonte Johnson | Syracuse | SuperDraft |
Yohei Takaoka | Yokohama F.M | Undisclosed |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Derek Cornelius | Malmo | $480k |
Lucas Cavallini | Club Tijuana | Free transfer |
Janio Bikel | Khimki | Free transfer |
Jake Nerwinski | St. Louis CITY SC | Free transfer |
Marcus Godinho | Korona Kielce | Free transfer |
Michael Baldisimo | San Jose Earthquakes | Draft |
Leonard Owusu | - | Released |
Florian Jungwirth | - | Retired |
Cody Cropper | - | Released |
Tosaint Ricketts | - | Retired |
Evan Newton | - | Released |
David Egbo | - | Released |
Vanni Sartini: Tactics and style of play
The Whitecaps began the 2022 season in a 3-4-2-1 shape but by the end of it, they were running a 4-4-2 diamond.
In theory, width is created by the full-backs pushing high and the two outermost central midfielders drifting onto the wings, which all creates space for Scottish playmaker Ryan Gauld to get to work.
Unfortunately, through a mixture of injuries and bizarre decision-making, VWFC's plans never really came to fruition, especially early in the season when they endured their worst start in club history.
Things went better in the Canadian Championship, though, where the Whitecaps lifted their second title.
Vancouver Whitecaps predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Takaoka; Blackmon, Laborda, Veselinovic, Raposo; Cubas; Gressel, Schopf; Gauld; Caicedo, Cordova.
Who is Vancouver Whitecaps' key player?
Ryan Gauld
For all Vancouver's struggles last season, Ryan Gauld continued to show himself as one of the best No.10s in Major League Soccer.
The former Sporting CP midfielder chipped in with eight goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions last season, extending his tally for the club to 14g/12a in 52 games.
Gauld is capable of the spectacular and can open up a defense from pretty much anywhere on the pitch with his dynamic dribbling and precision passing.
If the Whitecaps are to challenge in 2023, they'll need another huge season from their Scottish No.10.
Vancouver Whitecaps 2023 season prediction
You can never write off a team with a difference-maker like Gauld, but the key for Sartini is finding a system that plays to his strengths without sacrificing in other areas.
That balance eluded the Whitecaps last season, resulting in pretty much the most inconsistent form in the league. There are a lot of teams in the West heading into the new season much stronger than 2022 and it really is difficult seeing Vancouver doing enough to keep up.
Will the Vancouver Whitecaps qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? No