Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction, Preview and Odds -5/12/21

Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver 5-10

Minnesota has gotten off to a bad start and they look to change that at home hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Vancouver is coming off a win in their last match and they are 2-1-1 early on in the season. The club is tied for third place in the Western Conference with seven points after four matches. The Whitecaps kept a clean sheet in their last match after getting shutout in their previous one.

Minnesota made the playoffs last season but they have gotten off to a terrible start this season with four losses in four matches. They have a goal differential of -7 and they have struggled in the early going on both sides of the pitch.

The two D’s of Dájome and Defense Leads to Win

In Vancouver’s last match, they were at home and beat Montreal 2-0 behind solid defense and Cristian Dájome, who scored both of the goals. The Whitecaps got the win even though they had six fewer shots and lost the time of possession battle 61% to 39%. They came out aggressive and had four yellow cards and were solid on the attack after getting shutout in their previous match. G Maxime Crépeau kept a clean sheet, for his second of the season, after giving up three goals in the previous two matches.

Dájome leads Vancouver with three goals and Lucas Cavallini and Andy Rose have also found the back of the net. Cristián Gutiérrez leads the team with two assists, which came in the first two matches. The White Caps have a goal differential of +2 and while they have only conceded three goals in four matches they have only scored four goals. Vancouver does have some injury concerns, as MF Michael Baldisimo is questionable, DF Erik Godoy is doubtful, and FW Tosaint Ricketts is probable. The Whitecaps played to a draw in their only road match this season.

Offense is There, Defense is Not

Minnesota was on the road in their last match and while they doubled their season goal total scoring two goals their defense gave up three goals in the 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids. United scored the first two goals of the match with Emanuel Reynoso and Hassani Dotson each tickling the twine and they had a 2-0 halftime lead but were outscored 3-0 in the second half. In the match Minnesota lost the time of possession battle 57% to 43% and they played poorly in the midfield in the second half.

No player for Minnesota has more than one goal and they are tied with Cincinnati FC for giving up the most goals (10) in the league. It is no surprise the club is the only one in MLS with no points, as they have been shut out in two matches and are averaging less than a goal per match. For the match against Vancouver MF Robin Lod is listed as questionable and DF Nabi Kibunguchy is listed as probable. This is United’s third match of the young season and in losing those two they only scored one goal.

Side: Vancouver

In the last five matches between these teams, each squad has two wins and there was one draw. Minnesota is off to a really bad start this season, as they have struggled on both sides of the pitch only scoring three goals while giving up 10, which is tied for league-high. Vancouver is come off a shutout win and they only have one loss in four matches. They have been led by a defense that has only allowed three goals and their D has been key, as through four matches they only have five goals. I look for the Whitecaps to win this match, as while this match is on the road Minnesota has only scored one goal in two home matches. Vancouver will win this match in the midfield, where they have been solid while United has not. I look for a close match but for the Whitecaps to come away with a W.

Total: Under 2.5

The total for the last match for Minnesota was Over while for Vancouver it went Under. I am leaning towards the Over in this match and the main reason being the Minnesota defense. They are tied with Cincinnati FC for giving up the most goals (10) and they have given up at least two goals in three of their four matches. Vancouver has not been great on the attack scoring five goals in four matches, but I see them scoring at least two goals in this match. United did score two goals in their last match and they will not get shut out in this one. In this Western Conference affair the Under is the pick.