Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids – MLS, May 2, 2021

We may only be two games into the 2021 MLS season, but the Whitecaps already find themselves in an unfamiliar position.

Following impressive results against Portland and Toronto, Marc Dos Santos’s men sit fifth in the Western Conference and remain unbeaten this year.

Having taken just one point from a possible six this season, the Rapids will be eager to secure their first win of the campaign when they face Vancouver at RSL’s Rio Tinto Stadium on Sunday, May 2.

Before we get to my Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids prediction and betting pick, let’s assess both sides’ early-season form and check out the odds for Sunday’s clash.

No team in the Western Conference lost more games than Vancouver last year. In fact, the Canadians failed to register a single draw in 2020, meaning they suffered 14 defeats in 23 matches.

If the Caps’ first two games of 2021 are anything to go by, the British Columbia outfit will be a completely different animal this year.

Nobody expected Dos Santos’ men to get anything from their opening match against Portland, but they managed to beat the Timbers 1-0. Toronto was the heavy favorite to beat Vancouver last weekend, but the Caps secured a deserved 2-2 draw.

Lucas Cavallini was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy campaign for Vancouver last year, bagging six goals and one assist. The forward has already notched one goal and one assist this term, underlining his importance to the team.

Of course, Caps fans won’t want to get too ahead of themselves. But the early signs are certainly promising this season.

By contrast, things aren’t exactly going to plan for the Rapids.

Having won six of their final nine regular-season matches last year, they made a late surge for the playoffs, with many believing that Robin Fraser’s men would hit the ground running in 2021.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

A goalless draw with Dallas in Week 1 wasn’t the worst result in the world. However, last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Austin was poor – and the manner of the defeat was arguably worse than the result.

The Rapids took the lead on 36 minutes thanks to Andre Shinyashiki, and they appeared to be in total control. But with a third of the game remaining, they conceded three goals in the space of 11 minutes, allowing the expansion team to make a mockery of their backline.

Frasers’ men chalked up 19 shots against Austin. Still, they only managed to score one goal. Needless to say, they can’t afford to be that wasteful throughout the campaign.

10bet still views the Rapids as favorites to win this one, regardless of their iffy start to the season. Let’s not forget that Colorado (1.56 PPG) finished well clear of Vancouver (1.17 PPG) in the Western Conference last year.

That said, there is no hiding from the fact that Vancouver has made a seriously strong start to 2021. The Caps will be confident of upsetting the odds on Sunday, making the price for the home win hugely attractive.

I believe there is excellent value in the Vancouver win here. The Canadians have already faced two of the strongest teams in the West this year – and they have come away with four points from a possible six.

I expect the Rapids to come good and grow into the season, but right now, they are clearly low on confidence. With that in mind, the home win is my Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids prediction.