Sporting KC 0-3 Vancouver Whitecaps: Ratings and analysis from a fifth straight defeat

Sporting Kansas City conceded another three goals on Friday night in a 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Conceding three goals per game has become a recurring theme of the 2026 season. In each of Sporting KC’s last five games in all competitions, all defeats, they conceded at least three goals.

Since defeating the LA Galaxy 2-1 on March 15, Sporting KC have gone backwards, looking nothing like the team that showed up in the opening four MLS regular season games. 

With another 3-0 loss and the club still bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings, it’s time to break down the player ratings according to Fotmob and what they actually reveal.

Goalkeeper

John Pulskamp – 5.2

Pulskamp continues to post low ratings, although this week’s 5.2 is an improvement on the 4.9 he recorded against Real Salt Lake. He made four saves while conceding three goals, and once again received very little help from the defense in front of him. The goals came from a variety of angles, low to his left, high to his right, and nearly straight down the middle, highlighting just how exposed he was throughout the match. Two of his saves were strong diving stops, but the broader issue remains unchanged.

Defenders

Right-back
Justin Reynolds – 5.4

It was neither a good nor a long night for Reynolds at right-back. He lasted just 51 minutes, and his heatmap shows him pinned to the right touchline for most of his time on the field. Reynolds managed only 25 touches, failed to register a tackle, and finished with one interception and a 71% pass success rate. It was a quiet and ineffective performance before being taken off.

Center-back
Ethan Bartlow – 5.7

Bartlow returned to the starting XI, and based on recent matches, the pairing of Bartlow and Wyatt Meyer has looked like Sporting KC’s most stable option at center-back. All four of the club’s points this season have come with that duo in central defense. Bartlow completed 95% of his passes and recorded 74 touches, along with seven clearances and two blocks. However, the absence of tackles and interceptions is concerning, especially for a central defender in a team constantly under pressure.

Center-back
Diego Borges – 5.8

Borges’ start to life at Sporting KC has been underwhelming. The Brazilian has yet to be part of a winning performance and continues to look off the pace against MLS attackers. He finished with 50 touches, a 79% pass completion rate, and seven clearances, six of them with his head. Like Bartlow, he failed to register a tackle or interception, which speaks volumes about Sporting KC’s defensive structure and inability to engage opponents early.

Left-back
Kwaku Agyabeng – 6.0

Agyabeng’s inclusion at left-back was a surprise, with Jayden Reid left on the bench. The 19-year-old, naturally a midfielder, is still adapting to the role. He struggled early but grew into the match, showing energy and willingness to get forward. Agyabeng recorded 63 touches, completed 88% of his passes, and made six passes into the final third, along with two tackles and one interception. His development is evident, even if the situation around him remains on shaky ground.

Midfield

Center midfielder
Cielo Tschantret – 5.2

Tschantret made his 2026 debut in what was a surprising selection from Raphael Wicky. The 20-year-old will be remembered for the blind pass that led directly to Vancouver’s second goal. While Wicky spoke positively about his performance, the numbers tell a different story. Tschantret had just 22 touches, far too few for a central midfielder expected to influence the game. His 95% pass completion rate lacks context, as many of those passes appeared to be safe, short, or backwards.

Center midfielder
Jacob Bartlett – 6.4

Bartlett, still developing at the professional level, showed signs of improvement. Coming off his first career goal the previous week, he appeared more involved and assertive. He recorded 78 touches, completed 51 of 57 passes, created one chance, and contributed eight defensive actions. This was a more complete performance, suggesting he may be starting to take on the defensive responsibilities that had previously been missing from his game.

Center midfielder
Manu Garcia – 6.7

Garcia returned from a knee issue and played the full 90 minutes, finishing with 83 touches. His heatmap reflects a player heavily involved across the pitch, and he completed 45 of 52 passes. However, the same attacking issues persist, particularly the inability to convert crosses, as he failed to complete any of his four attempts. Garcia won 53% of his ground duels, but without Lasse Berg Johnsen alongside him from the start, his ability to dictate play was limited.

Attack

Right wing
Calvin Harris – 6.1

Harris continues to suffer from a lack of involvement. He had just 26 touches in 71 minutes, completing all 16 of his passes and creating one chance. While tidy in possession, he struggled physically, losing six of eight ground duels. The recurring issue is not necessarily Harris’ performance, but the team’s inability to consistently get him the ball in dangerous areas.

Striker
Dejan Joveljic – 6.0

Joveljic remains isolated. Only two of his 35 touches came inside the Vancouver penalty area, which makes scoring nearly impossible. Sporting KC’s failure to supply their striker is one of the defining problems of the season. He lost six of seven ground duels, a stat that reflects the lack of support around him rather than individual failure. Joveljic’s happiness in Kansas City has to be waning. If this continues, how long will it be until he wants out?

Left wing
Capita – 7.2

Capita earned the highest rating on the team, but even that comes with caveats. He clearly possesses a higher technical ceiling than many of his teammates, yet he remains underutilized. Capita had 39 touches, but his positioning often kept him in non-threatening areas according to his heatmap. He recorded just one touch in the penalty area, although he did complete three of five dribbles. The talent is obvious, but the system is not maximizing it.

Substitutes

Ian James – 6.2

James entered just after halftime as Sporting KC adjusted their tactics. Playing at right-back, he pushed forward and had a noticeable impact. He completed 85% of his passes, registered one shot, and had two touches in the penalty area along with two defensive contributions.

Lasse Berg Johnsen – 6.7

Despite not starting, Johnsen once again stood out. He recorded 39 touches in 39 minutes and was active across the pitch, as reflected in his heatmap. He completed 94% of his passes and provided the kind of stability and presence Sporting KC lacked in the first half.

Jansen Miller – 6.8

Miller benefited from a short 20-minute cameo, during which he made four defensive contributions and won his only aerial duel. His rating reflects efficiency in limited action rather than sustained impact.

Stephen Afrifa – 6.6

Afrifa continues to make a case for more playing time. In just 19 minutes, he completed 11 of 12 passes, had two touches in the penalty area, completed two dribbles, and made one pass into the final third. Given Sporting KC’s attacking struggles, his lack of consistent playing time is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.

Shapi Suleymanov – NR

Shapi played only three minutes, possibly due to recent disciplinary issues or form. Despite limited time, he still managed a shot, albeit off target. His role in the squad appears increasingly uncertain with better players capable of playing the same position.

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