MLS Major League Soccer

Expected Goals: Upcoming Milestones for Matchday 24

Published on July 7, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


Vanni Sartini Magic Propelling Vancouver Home Run

Vanni Sartini and the Vancouver Whitecaps have created a special environment at home in 2023. BC Place has become an incredibly difficult place to play for opponents as the Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last nine home matches (5-0-4), dating back to March 11. Vancouver's hot streak has also come against some of the top teams in the league, as FC Cincinnati, Seattle Sounders FC, and FC Dallas are just a few who have failed to win when traveling north of the border.

With a win or draw against Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday night (10:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass), Vancouver would tie for the longest home unbeaten stretch in club history, which they set from March 2 to July 14, 2013. Leading the line at home has been Brian White, who has five goals and an assist in front of the Vancouver faithful this season. White has scored just once in six career appearances against Seattle.

Stefan Frei on Historic Shutout Pace

The Seattle Sounders will be going north in a Cascadia Cup matchup as they look to snap Vancouver's nine-game home unbeaten streak on Saturday evening (see above). To get a win, they'll look to their 'keeper to provide a clean sheet, and goalkeeper Stefan Frei has been accumulating those at a record pace in 2023. Frei has a remarkable 11 clean sheets this season, which is the most in MLS.

With a shutout this weekend, Frei would produce the second-most clean sheets in a single season in Sounders history and would mark the second time that he has eclipsed 12 clean sheets in a single season. Frei already holds the club's single-season record with 13 clean sheets in 2017, but MLS history is also in his sights. Tony Meola remains the only goalkeeper in league history with 16 clean sheets in a season; however, Frei is currently on pace to smash that record with 18.

Thiago Almada Going for First Double-Double

Thiago Almada scored his eighth goal of the season in style last Sunday against the Philadelphia Union, rocketing a volley from outside the box for the opening goal of the match. The Argentine has been firmly in the Landon Donovan MLS MVP conversation this year, producing eight goals and 10 assists in just 18 appearances for Atlanta.

Almada and Atlanta United travel to face CF Montréal on Saturday night for Matchday 24 action (7:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass). With a brace against a stout Montréal defense, Almada would become just the third player in club history to register double-digit goals and assists in the same season. The last player to do so was Miguel Almirón in 2018, who was named to the MLS Best XI that season.

Martín Ojeda Leading the Charge for the Lions

In his first season in MLS, Orlando City SC midfielder Martín Ojeda has been instrumental in leading the Lions attacking, recording 12 goal contributions including a club-best eight assists. Ojeda has a helper in three of his last four games for Orlando City, while helping the club go unbeaten across their last four matches and surge up the Eastern Conference standings.

With a pair of assists, the first-year midfielder can join an exclusive list of club standouts and become the sixth different player in team history to record at least 10 assists in a single season. Ojeda's current teammate, Mauricio Pereyra, set the team record with a career-high 11 assists in 2022, his second season with double-digit assists (10 in 2021).

Reynoso Eyes Minnesota United History

In just four matches with the club in 2023, midfielder Emanuel Reynoso has sparked the Minnesota United attack, providing an instant goal-scoring presence for the Loons. Reynoso has three goals in his last two matches, including a pair of scores in a 4-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on Matchday 22.

With his next goal, Reynoso will become just the fifth player in club history to eclipse 20 career goals with team. He sits just three goals back of the Loons record, currently held by his teammate, Robin Lod, who has scored 22 goals in 93 matches with the club.

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