Published Nov 25, 3:55am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Nov 25, 3:55am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Nov 25, 3:55am ET
An exciting Western Conference Final in the MLS Playoffs is set for Saturday, November 29, as the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC collide. Find our picks here.
Little separated these sides during the regular season, with San Diego and Vancouver sitting level on points. However, San Diego finished top of the standings courtesy of their better scoring record.
Both teams endured scares to book their spot in the Conference Finals, with San Diego winning by a single goal, and the Whitecaps requiring a penalty shootout.
Only the Chicago Fire in 1998 has won the MLS Cup in their inaugural season.
However, that is a feat that San Diego FC could match this term. It has been an excellent start to life in the competition for the Californian team, winning 19 of their 34 regular season matches.
But, they showed their fight in the conference semi-finals, overcoming Minnesota United 1-0. Anders Dreyer scored the winning goal in the first 20 minutes.
But, it was a nervy showing by the team, as they registered just a single shot on target despite having 65% of the ball.
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It has been a welcome return to form in the playoffs for the Vancouver Whitecaps this season. They had either failed to qualify or suffered elimination in the opening round in each of the last five seasons.
Their overall form this season is very solid, winning 13 of their 34 games, and scoring 52 times.
However, they needed huge luck to secure their spot in the final after overcoming LAFC in a penalty shootout on Saturday.
Tristan Blackmon was sent off in the eventual win, meaning he will be unavailable for the conference final on Saturday.
| TOTAL | San Diego | Vancouver | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Goals | 10 | 6 | 4 |
San Diego FC appeared incredibly nervous in their conference semi-final on Monday, and that doesn't bode well for what is likely to be an intense final on Saturday.
Vancouver have incredibly experienced stars throughout their team, and that could be the difference maker in this clash between evenly matched sides.
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Pick
Vancouver Whitecaps
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