Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Jesper Sorensen believes Vancouver Whitecaps’ strength will be put to the test as they prepare to face Los Angeles FC in MLS without Thomas Muller.
Muller suffered a hamstring injury during the Whitecaps’ 3-1 loss to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, though Sorensen did not reveal the severity of the issue or how long it will keep the German sidelined.
It comes at a bad time for Vancouver, who sit top of the Western Conference with only a three-point cushion to St. Louis City SC and FC Dallas in second and third, respectively.
Vancouver have won just two of their last six MLS games (D1 L3), and are winless in their last two, having also drawn 3-3 with D.C. United before their loss to Chicago.
But Sorensen expects his team to overcome their recent issues without Muller and is confident they have the squad depth to do so.
“That’s why we have more than just 11 players,” said Sorensen.
“And you know what? This is also a situation where things are not just going our way, and that’s also a good challenge.
“That’s what you have to grow from. You cannot always have it your way and then believe you will get stronger.”
As for LAFC, they have seen a lot of change over the international break, with head coach Marc Dos Santos sacked following a run of one win in 10 regular-season matches (D5 L4) dating back to the start of August.
That run has seen them drop down to sixth in the West, and they are nine points behind Saturday’s opponents after a run of three without a victory.
Xavi Tamarit has been appointed as Dos Santos’ successor on an interim basis, and he has high hopes for what they can do in their last six games of the regular season.
“First of all, I’m really happy to have this opportunity,” Tamarit told reporters. “I appreciate the club trusted [in] me and the players.
“What we want to improve is to give very simple but clear concepts in the tactical aspects and give clear roles for each player on the pitch to have a really clear idea and a really clear identity.”
“It’s about being well structured and well prepared for what they will bring.” Jesper Sørensen Media Availability | Oct 8, 2026 #VWFC https://t.co/lNcVgHXUDj
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 8, 2026
Denis Bouanga has 16 career goal contributions in 15 matches in all competitions against the Whitecaps (nine goals, seven assists), his most against any MLS club.
Vancouver have limited Bouanga to just one goal and one assist over the last six meetings in all competitions dating back to November 2024.
Vancouver Whitecaps – Mathias Laborda
Mathias Laborda scored Vancouver’s lone goal in their defeat to Chicago on Tuesday, his 12th regular-season MLS goal.
The only defender to score more in league play since Laborda made his MLS debut in 2023 is Anthony Markanich with 18 goals.
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
Vancouver are unbeaten in four straight meetings with LAFC in all competitions (W1 D3), with the lone win coming in the only match played at BMO Stadium in that time.
That win, a 1-0 victory in June 2025, is one of two Whitecaps wins in 14 all-time away matches against LAFC (D4 L8).
And the Whitecaps have won seven of their last 18 regular-season matches (D5 L6) after opening the season with eight wins in nine (L1). They have not lost consecutive league matches in over a year, since losing against the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids in July 2025.
LAFC’s eight points over the last 10 regular-season matches equal their fewest in any 10-match span in club history (June-September 2023), but given their home advantage, the Opta supercomputer is backing them for a much-needed victory.
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