MLS Western Conference Final Preview, Prediction: San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

It all comes down to the MLS conference finals, with the West introducing two new teams that have never before seen a conference final: San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

San Diego becomes the second team in history, after the 1998 Chicago Fire, to reach an MLS Conference Final in its inaugural season (2025), as well as the first in the West to achieve such a feat. But, after 15 seasons, it’s also the furthest the Vancouver Whitecaps have ever advanced in the MLS postseason, which will surely make for a historic matchup at Snapdragon Stadium, with kick-off set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.

San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Western Conference Final Odds and Betting Trends

Since it’s San Diego FC’s opening season, they’ve only played the Whitecaps twice, winning their first meeting in June 5-3 at BC Place, followed by their more recent bout in July at Snapdragon Stadium that resulted in a 1-1 draw. As far as historical records go, the Whitecaps have never beaten San Diego FC.

This weekend, San Diego takes home turf advantage as the No. 1 seed, set to win at +130 during regulation, with odds to advance marked at -135. They are the slight favourites over their second-seed Whitecaps counterparts, priced at +180 to win during regulation on the MLS odds and +110 to advance overall. A draw (+245) could be on the horizon by the end of 90 minutes, considering how these high-stakes playoff games and finals are tight-nit.

San Diego FC

San Diego’s conference semifinal match was much more straightforward than the Whitecaps. Midfielder Andres Dreyer tucked away his fourth playoff goal and game-winner against Minnesota United in the 72nd minute to have San Diego FC progress to the conference final. The team only had one shot on target throughout the match, although they did see 65 per cent possession with nearly 600 passes to carry out the win.

Andres Dreyer is the game’s most likely goalscorer, set to do so anytime at +145 odds, followed by teammate Hirving Lozano (one playoff goal) at +205. Striker Pellegrino also has three goals so far in the postseason, marked to score this match at +250 odds.

Vancouver Whitecaps

Through sheer grit and determination, the Whitecaps somehow held on to a 2-2 draw to advance over LAFC in penalties during the Western Conference semifinals last weekend. They were leading with two quick first-half goals by Sabbi in the 39th minute and Laborda just before halftime. LAFC’s Son Heung Min sparked a comeback with a goal in the 60th minute and then secured his brace with a clutch free-kick in 90+5 to send the game to extra time. The Whitecaps played a man down for the entirety of extra time with Blackmon sent off in the 90+2, but ultimately, they held on until penalties, which concluded 4-3 in their favour to go through to the finals.

Brian White comes in as Vancouver’s highest anytime goalscorer at +170 with 16 goals during the season, although he has yet to score in the postseason. Daniel Rios is one of the many Whitecaps players with a single playoff goal, and he’s the next highest likely Whitecaps goalscorer of the night, priced at +255.

MLS Western Conference Finals Prediction: Who Will Win San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps?

The stakes have never been higher for either side, both of which concluded incredible regular seasons. San Diego boasts a goal differential of plus-six in the playoffs, while Vancouver boasts a differential of plus-three, although seven of SDFC’s postseason goals are between two players.

When it comes to penalty kicks, though (a likely possibility), San Diego failed to win their only penalty shootout against Portland, while Vancouver has won both, one against Dallas and one against LAFC, meaning extra time could be in their favour.

Even though San Diego takes home-field advantage, Vancouver has a tough spirit, and with their ability to see out games (even underhanded) and score goals, I’m expecting a 1-1 draw in regulation, before the Whitecaps seal the deal in extra time or penalties, which hits your under 2.5 at +130.