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Whitecaps' goal vs. LAFC: Avoid wild-card game
Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

For the Vancouver Whitecaps, the stakes of Sunday's match against visiting LAFC are pretty straightforward.

"It's very important," manager Vanni Sartini said. "Unfortunately we didn't do well in the last couple of games. So now this game became a game that can make us get back in the top seven and avoid the first round of the playoffs and to get back basically where we have been for 33 games. So we want to be there at the end."

While Vancouver (13-11-8, 47 points) already has assured itself a playoff spot, the Whitecaps can vault back above Minnesota United into seventh place in the Western Conference with a victory.

That would put Sartini's squad directly into round one rather than in a single-elimination wild-card match against Portland.

But the Whitecaps will be shorthanded in their attempt to earn a result, with MLS MVP candidate Ryan Gauld among the players to miss the affair due to an international call-up. Attacker Fafa Picault and holding midfielder Andres Cubas also will miss out, though team scoring leader Brian White should be available.

LAFC (17-8-7, 58 points) also will have down numbers, with team-leading scorer Denis Bouanga and promising teenage prospect David Martinez among those absent. That duo has combined for four goals and an assist during the Black-and-Gold's three-match winning streak.

Cristian Olivera is also on international duty, which means the offensive burden will fall on France's all-time leading international goal scorer Olivier Giroud and versatile Polish attacker Mateusz Bogusz. It's the latter who has more track record at the MLS level, with Giroud still looking for his first MLS goal since signing this summer.

LAFC, sitting in second place, still could finish first in the conference if they win their final two games and the West-leading LA Galaxy lose their season finale. But head coach Steve Cherundolo appears to be more focused on consolidating his club's current second-seed position.

"I'm not sure it's an extra motivator," Cherundolo said of topping the West. "It's there. It's part of the reality of the makeup of the situation. But winning games at this point of the season is motivation enough. And also to secure up the second spot."

This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.

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Packers HC bothered by rookie's 'unacceptable' behavior during preseason game
NFL

Packers HC bothered by rookie's 'unacceptable' behavior during preseason game

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TSN Analyst Shoots Down Bold Canadiens-Ducks Trade Idea
NHL

TSN Analyst Shoots Down Bold Canadiens-Ducks Trade Idea

Speculation swirled this week about a possible blockbuster trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks, but TSN/Forbes legal analyst Eric Macramalla was quick to pour cold water on the idea. The proposed deal centered around swapping top prospects: Montreal defenseman David Reinbacher and Anaheim forward Mason McTavish. On the surface, the trade has appeal. Reinbacher, a right-shot blueliner with legitimate top-pairing potential, would give the Ducks the kind of defensive cornerstone they’ve been searching for. Meanwhile, McTavish could provide the Canadiens with a much-needed second-line center behind Nick Suzuki, filling a hole that’s lingered for several seasons. But as Macramalla pointed out, the trade simply doesn’t add up for Montreal. Moving Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens dangerously thin on the right side of their defense, an area that already lacks long-term depth. While McTavish would be a strong addition, sacrificing a potential top-pairing defenseman is a price too steep for GM Kent Hughes to consider at this stage of the rebuild. Ultimately, while the concept may generate fan debate, Macramalla stressed that the Canadiens aren’t in a position to weaken their blue line just to address their center depth. For now, the deal “won’t work.” Fan Feedback: A Split Reaction Canadiens fans were quick to weigh in on the trade chatter, with opinions ranging from firm rejection to cautious interest. Some backed Macramalla’s stance, with one fan suggesting Montreal could use “other assets the Ducks would like” and another noting the Habs’ young defense core “will be a strength of the team for the next decade.” The Curfew Boys Podcast called it “1 step forward, 2 steps back.” Others saw more merit. One account argued he’d, “Do it one for one,” calling McTavish “more established at this point.” Another echoed that sentiment: “McT is a proven player, make the trade!!” Skeptics highlighted Reinbacher’s lack of NHL experience, and others questioned his durability. Meanwhile, Gord of Thunder took a playful shot at the concept, invoking The Princess Bride: “You never trade a defenseman with top pairing ability for a second line player — it’s inconceivable.” Even creative alternatives emerged, with one fan proposing a three-way deal involving Calgary. The verdict? While many fans respect McTavish’s value, most agree that giving up Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens with a hole too big to fill.

Proposed Arena Deal Puts Brady Tkachuk in Different Jersey
NHL

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The Dolphins May Have a Jaylen Wright Problem
NFL

The Dolphins May Have a Jaylen Wright Problem

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