10/6 - CHI vs VAN

Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Chicago got the win in a 3-1 victory over Vancouver in this cross country match up. While this game took place during the international window, both teams were able to field strong starting lineups. While this match may have been headlined by the battle between Bayern Munich legends Lewandowski and Muller, it was more importantly a battle between top teams from each conference. This game was fast-paced and entertaining, with both teams trying to press high to control how the game was played. Chicago's press proved to be too much for Vancouver to handle, and Chicago were able to take the early lead thanks to an incredible shot from distance by Johnathan Bamba. The Fire doubled their advantage early in the second half via a great team goal finished off by the other DP winger, Philip Zinckernagel. Maybe the Fire's press lost some of its intensity, maybe the Whitecaps were able to institute their gameplan more, or maybe it was simply game state, but the rest of the game played out as one would expect: the Whitecaps controlled most of the possession while the Fire looked to threaten on counterattacks. Mathias Laborda was able to get one back for the 'Caps on a set piece, but Maren Haile-Selassie would eventually restore Chicago's two goal advantage late on in the game to seal the points. This match was crucial for the standings in both conferences, as Chicago look to cement themselves as an Eastern Conference contender and get a home playoff spot. In the west, Vancouver missed an opportunity to put some space between themselves and the pack, as now FC Dallas and St. Louis City SC are just 3 points behind.

Following a tough stretch at the end of the summer, this was another great result for Chicago, but an even better performance. Their high press was very effective, even against a Vancouver side that is usually very comfortable in possession. Chicago played out of a 4-4-2, with Johan Gomez and Haile-Selassie starting up top. While neither player is a typical number 9, they were both very good at applying pressure to Vancouver's backline and indeed their goalkeeper. Yohei Takaoka is one of the better ball playing goalkeepers in the league, but you wouldn't know it if this was your first time watching the Whitecaps. The Fire were able to smother the Whitecaps, leading to high turnovers and ensuring that Vancouver could never really establish a rhythm in the first half. Their press was of particular note in this game for a couple of reasons. Number one, it is the second straight game that young center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has started since returning from his injury. He is one of the best center backs in the league, and it has shown this season for Chicago. His lockdown defense, intelligent distribution, and athleticism enable him to thrive in a high line. Number two, it is the best that they have looked against the ball since Hugo Cuypers was leading the line. His defensive work rate was one of the reasons that made Chicago such a threat in the east before his departure. Lewandowski didn't start in this one following international duty for Poland. But without him in the starting lineup, Chicago look more solid against the ball than they do when he is included. Lewandowski looks like he still needs to get used to the league: far too often, he has looked lethargic in possession and doesn't provide much against the ball. He hasn't been very clinical when he gets into good goal-scoring positions, which is puzzling given how lethal he has been throughout his career. That being said, Lewandowski's hold up play has been good and he has actually done very well in tricky situations. For example, his first touch on Chicago's third goal was phenomenal to take the ball in stride so he could set up Haile-Selassie. Unless Lewandowski can find a way to be effective in the press, Berhalter might have to consider whether his abilities when they have the ball are worth sacrificing their defensive set up that has been so impressive over the last couple matches.

Individually, Chicago had stand out performances across the field. Bamba had perhaps his best performance of the entire season in this one, and that's not just because of his impressive opening goal. He looked more effective when he got the ball and linked up well with Zinckernagel, which is something that we saw last year when Chicago was so successful down the stretch. Leonardo Barroso shifted to left back in this one and deputized very well. He was confident in possession despite being played on his non-dominant side. Maren Haile-Selassie continued his breakout season with a goal and an assist, but also combined well with the rest of the attack. Djé D'Avilla was great in this one, proving once again that he is a top level defensive midfielder when he is at his best. If he can be more consistent, the Fire are definitely going to be a much stronger team, not just defensively, but across all phases of play. Mbokazi was terrific again, Johan Gomez was more impactful, and Zinckernagel responded well after missing his penalty to get what proved to be the game-winning goal for Chicago. It was a very promising performance from Chicago that exemplified just why they are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Now the key for them will be staying healthy and consistent down the stretch as they aim to leapfrog New England and Miami, both of whom are above the Fire by a solitary point, and get home field advantage in the postseason.

Vancouver struggled in possession in this game, which is rare for a side that ranks fourth in the league in possession. When they are at their best, they are able to create lots of opportunities for Brian White. This season, the American is third in the league in goals scored, with 17 goals in the MLS. But in this match, he wasn't given any service. One thing that Vancouver loves to do under Jesper Sorensen is quickly switch the ball to isolate their wingers, allowing them to create chances for box runners or for themselves. Last year, with Ali Ahmed and Emmanuel Sabbi, the Whitecaps were incredible at this and were able to generate high quality chances consistently. They have struggled to replicate that success this season. Due to injuries and just poor additions to the squad, Vancouver haven't looked nearly as dangerous when they have possession, an issue that has been exacerbated by the departure of Sebastian Berhalter, whose long distance strikes and service from deep made him a game breaker in midfielder. Bruno Caicedo has been their best signing over the two transfer windows, but injuries have hampered his season just when it seemed as though he was going to become a breakout star. Cheikh Sabaly was utterly ineffective in this match, which has been the story of his season, as were newcomers Aleksa Cvetković and Rui Modesto. Overall, Vancouver's recruitment since last season has been underwhelming and is a key reason why they have been unable to build upon last season.

Vancouver sorely missed Andrés Cubas in this one, as they did earlier in the international break against DC United. This game was the second straight game that they've conceded 3 goals in his absence. Cubas is at the heart of everything Vancouver wants to do without the ball. The Paraguayan's ability to press out of midfield is second to none, and he's a big reason why the Whitecaps are able to pin opponents into their own half. Without him, and indeed Sebastian Berhalter, the Whitecaps looked far too open in the midfield. This was a evident on Chicago's first goal, where Bamba cut inside without any pressure from midfield before finding the bottom corner. Additionally, the Whitecaps looked porous defensively in transition. After going down 2 goals, Chicago settled into a lower block and Vancouver sent more numbers forward, increasing the amount of dangerous counterattacks. If Chicago had been even a little bit cleaner in transition, the score could've gotten out of hand for the 'Caps. Their defensive structure in transition can be shaky at times, as their right back is usually very advanced, but without Cubas in the lineup to single-handedly erase this problem, Vancouver were far too open in midfield and looked fragile on the counter. For Vancouver, this was a disappointing performance that leaves them only 3 points of wiggle room over St. Louis and Dallas. But it's not just the implications in the table that's troubling, it's that they haven't looked very convincing for a while. They now have just 6 wins in their last 20 matches since the World Cup break. At times this season, they've been able to bounce back from a poor performance by coming up with a dominant display at BC Place. However, this match marked the beginning of a 5 game road stretch for the 'Caps. It is going to be important for them to stabilize themselves and get back to what they did so well to dominate games if they want to enter the playoffs at the summit of the Western Conference