After holding LAFC to a 1-1 draw with ten men on the weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps continue their long road stretch when they travel to Western Conference contenders St. Louis City in a game that may decide the top seed in the West.

This game needs no introduction. These two are the only sides in the West to have booked their place in the postseason, and with both having amassed at least 50 points, they have enjoyed excellent campaigns to date. With just a one-point gap in Vancouver’s favour separating the two at the summit of the standings, the top spot could be decided at Energizer Park.

Starting with the hosts, after a blistering recent run of form that has seen them go 20 games unbeaten in all competitions, St. Louis City are the team to beat in the Western Conference. That brilliant sequence has seen them secure a first-ever spot in the US Open Cup final, and they also defeated Vancouver 3-1 at BC Place in the first meeting between the two sides this season.

This remarkable resurgence has transformed them from arguably one of the worst teams in the West to the best, and despite losing key midfielders Marcel Hartel and Eduard Löwen over the summer, City have just kept rolling.

Their latest win was also one of their biggest statements, as former talisman João Klauss’ effort was in vain when LA Galaxy were put to the sword in a 6-2 annihilation. That result was spearheaded by summer signings Raffael Navarro and Carlo Holse, who combined for seven goal contributions in the encounter and have both been excellent since arriving in Missouri.

For the first time in a long while, Vancouver come into a league game as underdogs. Having themselves thrashed the Galaxy, the Western Conference was theirs to run away with, only for a run of one win in five league games, alongside a Canadian Championship semifinal exit, to see that grip slip away.

A point at LAFC last time out, especially after playing with ten men for about 90 minutes, is not a bad result. However, the Whitecaps need to start picking up wins, and fast, if they are to bring MLS Cup home.

In terms of team news, it’s fairly as you were, with the only key distinction being Tristan Blackmon’s suspension. There are questions about who will start alongside Ralph Priso in his absence, with Mathías Laborda the favourite. However, Ranko Veselinović made his first appearance since July in the final throes of the match in California over the weekend and could be in contention.

If Vancouver can earn three points, it would alleviate a lot of pressure, as a four-point cushion with five games to go should be enough to win the West. With LAFC and a flying Seattle Sounders currently occupying sixth and seventh in the standings, the difference between finishing top and just below is currently a significant one. Further, with Dallas, San Jose and Houston all breathing down Vancouver’s necks, if Jesper Sørensen’s side do not pick up their form quickly, the Whitecaps could find themselves slipping further down the table.

It’s a tough ask to stop this St. Louis train. But in the last two years, this Vancouver Whitecaps side have surprised time and time again. I personally feel playing as underdogs has suited them, and I predict that they will come away from St. Louis with a result, hopefully keeping the destiny of the Western Conference in their own hands.