St Louis City FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps preview (4/19/2025)

Amidst all the drama of the Miami game and the five-goal humiliation of Austin, one game has been tucked under the rug. St. Louis away.

STL is coming off a frustrating but promising loss against the Columbus Crew last Sunday and will look ahead to their second home game in a row against a red-hot Whitecaps to build momentum off of.

City SC surprised most at the beginning of the season, having a fiery hot start, undefeated in four of four games. Although they weren’t rather clinical at attacking, St. Louis was amazing defensively, allowing a record zero goals in four games. They seemed to be a mystery package for the 2025 season.

St. Louis would soak up pressure against their opponents, allowing them to control possession yet still keeping a strong defensive shape. They would often win important duels and would send their opponents on the chase. Roman Burki was the main man for City, making heroic save after save to add to their already outstanding defensive accruements. Up front, however, was a different story. STL was very unlucky not to score in their first two games, having great chances they just couldn’t capitalize on. The breakthrough would finally come as they scored their first goals against the Galaxy, an impressive 3-0 away win to give them their first win of the season. They would then travel back to Energizer Park, tasked with defeating Seattle, this time without Burki, who broke his hand in training and would be back sometime in late April. How did STL fare against the Sounders? Once again soaking up the pressure and letting the defence work its magic. Backup keeper Benjamin Lundt seemed promising enough, yet he would have to prove himself more. St. Louis’ magic wouldn’t last much longer, as they would lose their next four games in a row. Their first loss against Philadelphia could be excused, as at this point in the season, Philly was top of the East and ravaging all teams they played. Not to mention St. Louis was down a man past the 66th minute but ended the game lucky enough, only conceding one goal due to Lundt's stellar performance in net. Okay, no longer undefeated, but it had to have happened eventually. Against an in-form Austin at home, they could show promises of the dark horses they showed signs of being.

Once again, the offence failed the Citizens, as they lost 1-0. It was a promising performance, to be fair. St. Louis dominated possession, something they hadn’t done much, and came so close on many occasions.

Okay, things are starting to get a bit worrisome, but at least now they get to play the bottom of the West, Sporting KC, looking to take their anger out on their rivals. Surely a team like St. Louis couldn’t stoop that low to lose to them, right?

2-0. A brace from Dejan Joveljic gifted Kansas their first win of the season, a victory that would simultaneously crush red Missouri hearts and lift the spirits of blue Missouri hearts. STL and SKC were both near toe-to-toe with each other, and it was once again a promising performance; the finishing was just not there.

Now that we’ve identified the problems and adjustments have been made, could the City SC get a result at home against Eastern heavyweights Columbus Crew?

St. Louis made their mark early in the 6th minute, ending their three-game goal drought through Joao Klauss, who, by the way, has one of the most interesting personal identities I’ve ever seen in sports. Brazilian nationality, German father, and Italian passport. Next you’re telling me he’s a descendant of Thomas Jefferson! (which makes sense why he resides in Missouri…)

Columbus would quickly pick themselves up, controlling possession. On the stroke of halftime, Columbus found the breakthrough. A delicious cross from Max Arfsten into the box was found by Steven Moreria to tie it up at 1 all. The crew were unlucky not to score more coming into halftime, missing four big chances in the first 45 minutes alone. This was a major wake-up call for St. Louis, one that they never answered.

Columbus would control the game once again from the get-go and scored 10 minutes in to make it 2-1. STL would fight back, edging oh so close to getting that needed goal, yet just like time and time again, they were unable to finish their chances.

Full time blew, and it was now four losses in a row with only one goal scored in four games. The city’s season has had a drastic turn, and although it’s still early, are they really this helpless without Bürki?

The mighty Whitecaps, fresh off a masterclass win against Austin, will look to continue their great form heading into St. Louis.

With news coming out of Pedro Vite’s supposed soon-to-be departure, Sorensen will have to rotate the squad more cleverly until a replacement can be found. Keeping the preferred 4-3-3, I’m going for this starting 11.

I’ve only made two changes from last week: Ali Ahmed for Rios on the wing and Berhalter for Priso. Berhalter was on the bench last week just to rest, and I assume he’ll take his place over Priso against St. Louis. Ali looked sharp against Austin, and I think he’ll have an impact in the first 45.

INJURY REPORT

GOOD GUYS

UNAVAILABLE

Ryan Gauld (Knee)

Sam Adekugbe (Quad)

Jayden Nelson (hamstring)

Mathias Laborda (hamstring)

BAD GUYS

UNAVAILABLE

Rasmus Alm (Hip)

Roman Burki (Hand)

Eduard Lowen (Personal Reasons)

Jay Ried (Foot)

Chris Durkin (knee)

QUESTIONABLE

Joakim Nilsson (Knee)

In the last two games between the Caps and STL, the Whitecaps have scored 8 goals. Four in a 4-3 victory at BC Place in late June and another four in a 4-1 victory away just weeks later. Brian White scored four of those, and I predict him to get on the scoreboard, continuing his form. I’m going for a 2-0 win. Up the Caps!