San Diego have had a brilliant campaign, and our expert expects them to defeat the the Whitecaps and progress.
Best predictions for San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps
- San Diego Moneyline @ +135 with bet365
- Both teams to score @ -200 with bet365
- Anders Dreyer @ +120 with bet365
- Get more sports bonuses with the bet365 promo code
- Find out how to claim even more in sports bonuses with our guide to the best sportsbook promos in the US
- Read our expert’s view on the best betting apps to use in the US in 2025
Backing the favourites
San Diego are the favourites for this clash, but only by a very small margin. One reason for this is that the hosts netted five against the Canadian side in a 5-3 victory in June. The Whitecaps scored more and conceded less than SDFC did in the Western Conference, but haven’t been as convincing in the playoffs.
Belal Halbouni’s injury and Tristan Blackmon’s suspension present further setbacks for the visitors, as they will lack players at centre back. Brian White’s return from injury is a boost, but the home side appear to be the stronger outfit in terms of player availability.
Around 32,000 will cheer on San Diego as they aim to clinch their spot in the final, and that will count for something. Mikey Varas’ side are likely to come out on top.
- San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction 1: San Diego Moneyline @ +135 with bet365
Goals at both ends
The Californians have been impressive in their debut season, and have become only the second team to reach this stage in their first campaign. They’ve also set plenty of new records during their season. However, their defence has certainly not been impenetrable.
Although SD have kept several clean sheets recently, they’ve conceded 41 goals in the league, which will give the Whitecaps confidence. With White leading the line and Thomas Muller also playing, the visiting side possess real quality. Jesper Sørensen will have confidence that his side can cause problems.
However, Varas’ men could be better rested, given that they didn’t need extra time in the last round, but they are still vulnerable defensively. Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes, and other teams have managed to net against them recently. So, the Caps are likely to do the same.
- San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction 2: Both teams to score @ -200 with bet365
Dreyer in red-hot form
Anders Dreyer has been a revelation this season. The Dane has played in every MLS game, including the playoffs, and has scored an impressive 23 goals. The 27-year-old also recorded 17 assists along the way.
So, it’s no surprise that he is the bookies’ favourite to find the net. On top of that, he’ll certainly be backing himself to get on the scoresheet. He enters this clash having scored four goals in four playoff games.
Dreyer will undoubtedly be the main threat, and after his goal sealed victory in the last round, his confidence will be high. The Village could struggle in the match if he performs well at the Snapdragon Stadium.
- San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions 3: Anders Dreyer @ +120 with bet365
Our analysis: Form of both teams
- Score prediction - San Diego 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
- Goalscorers Prediction - San Diego: Anders Dreyer x2 - Vancouver Whitecaps: Thomas Muller
San Diego had a great season in the Western Conference this season, having finished top of the table with 63 points. They also go into this tie with five wins from their last six fixtures, across the league and playoffs. Moreover, they’ve kept three clean sheets in the same period, so it’s clear why they’re favourites.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Whitecaps are in good form as well. They got 63 points, but finished second after winning one fewer game. They didn’t have a straightforward route to this stage, winning two penalty shootouts this month against Dallas and LAFC. However, they’ve only lost once in 15 matches and have proven very difficult to beat.
Probable lineups for San Diego vs Vancouver Whitecaps
San Diego expected lineup: Fink, Pilcher, McVey, Duah, Bombino, Valakari, Tsverkov, Godoy, Dreyer, Baird, Pellegrino
Vancouver Whitecaps expected lineup: Takaoka, Ocampo, Halbouni, Priso-Mbongue, Laborda, Cubas, Berhalter, Sabbi, Muller, Ahmed, White