3 Players the Los Angeles Galaxy Need to be Prepared for on the Vancouver Whitecaps

The last time these two teams faced off, the Los Angeles Galaxy was coming off what many viewed as an upset. The defending MLS Cup champions were shut out at home in the season opener. Anders Dreyer torched the LA Galaxy twice in the 2-0 game.

The Vancouver Whitecaps battled tough on their home field against the LA Galaxy in the first game of March. Gabriel Pec's first goal of the season for him and his team was not enough as the six-time MLS Cup winners fell for the second game in a row.

Not only was it unexpected that the LA Galaxy would be at the very bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings, but to see their first two opponents on the year, San Diego FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps jockeying for the top spot.

One point separates San Diego and Vancouver from first place entering the 4th of July weekend. The Los Angeles Galaxy hope to play spoiler for the Whitecaps and climb the MLS Western Conference standings.

In the meantime, head coach of the LA Galaxy Greg Vanney must prepare his team for these three shining stars on the Whitecaps.

1. Yohei Takaoka

Arguably the best goalkeeper in 2025 thus far, the Japan native has been rather impressive through the Whitecaps first 19 games.

Aside from a strong defense, he is why Vancouver boasts the fewest goals allowed this season. Entering the holiday weekend, the Whitecaps have allowed 19 goals.

The next closest is the Philadelphia Union with 20. They sit atop the MLS Eastern Conference, further illustrating how outstanding play from the goalie can boost your season.

With nine clean sheets on the year already, it's no wonder why Takaoka has averaged half a goal allowed per game

2. Brian White

The Whitecaps' leading scorer is the reason why Vancouver beat the LA Galaxy 2-1 earlier in the season.

Pec's goal for the LA Galaxy appeared to have been the equalizer for Sam Adekugbe's goal in the opening minutes of the game on March 2. Brian White's first goal of the season proved to be the difference maker in that contest.

White is one of many players in the league with ten goals or more. He as three games this season with multiple scores including a four-goal performance at home against FC Austin on April 12.

The Flemington, New Jersey native has not recorded an assist on the season yet. Though, with a 29.4% shooting percentage, why would Vancouver expect him to pass more.

3. Pedro Vitre

While a number of players that lineup on defense for the Vancouver Whitecaps deserve a mention, the LA Galaxy's defense is struggling to shutdown teams.

For instance, the Galaxy recently stumbled in a 2-0 blanking on the road against the Colorado Rapids. Thus, the importance for the Los Angeles Galaxy to be on the look out for this Ecuador-born midfielder.

Vitre is not only Vancouver's second leading scorer with four goals, he is their leader in assists with six. Much like the LA Galaxy's veteran Marco Reus, the 23-year-old Whitecaps players also has ten points on his stat sheet.

White isn't the only player for Vancouver to have multiple goals this season. In a mid-April match against Minnesota United FC, Vitre scored twice in the 3-1 win.

The Los Angeles Galaxy look to avoid White, Vitre or any other member of the Whitecaps when the two teams square off on Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. (CT) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.