Jesper Sorensen defends Vancouver Whitecaps after recent attacking output concerns

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Jesper Sorensen says the Vancouver Whitecaps’ recent attacking struggles have been overstated as the Western Conference leaders prepare for Saturday’s match against Austin FC.

Vancouver have not won any of their last four games following a goalless draw with second-place St. Louis City SC. They previously drew 1-1 with Los Angeles FC despite an early red card for defender Tristan Blackmon, and then lost 3-1 to the Chicago Fire.

Against St. Louis on Wednesday, Vancouver limited the high-flying opponents to just eight shots and kept them to 0.8 expected goals (xG), while Sorensen said his side still created chances.

“I don't think that's fair to say,” Sorensen said when asked whether Vancouver’s defensive strengths were affecting their attacking play. “I think we generated chances [against St. Louis]; it was a difficult team we were up against.”

Sorensen also pointed to Vancouver’s circumstances in the LAFC match. “Also, considering we played 10 against 11 for almost the entire game in LA, I think we actually produced more chances than you would expect to begin with.”

He added that he sees their overall attacking rhythm as intact. “So, I think the fluidity in our game is okay. We create some good chances; we don't concede much as well.”

Vancouver have already secured their playoff spot, having done so after drawing with LAFC, and Sorensen said he is not concerned about the team’s output ahead of the trip to Austin.

Austin enter the match in 14th place in the West, seven points outside the playoff positions with five games remaining. The club last played a 3-1 loss to LAFC, which extended its MLS winless run to four games.

Players to watch include Austin’s Brandon Vazquez, who has scored in three consecutive regular-season matches for the third time in his MLS career, and Vancouver’s Oliver Larraz, who recorded four shots and 0.2 xG against St. Louis despite Vancouver failing to hit the target.