The Vancouver Whitecaps are a middling team in the Western Conference despite their underlying numbers, which suggest a team that is more goal-dangerous than they appear. Still, their poor defensive play in two recent road games is cause for concern. Meanwhile, the first-place Sounders have lost consistency over the last month and racked up some bewildering losses to Western Conference basement-dwellers. Let’s look deeper at the struggles of both teams, and how Seattle might end their week on a positive note in Vancouver.

What’s up with the Whitecaps?

Away in Dallas midweek, Vancouver went conservative with their typical 4-3-2-1 formation.