The Vancouver Whitecaps will look to bounce back from their disappointing Champions Cup exit when they welcome San Jose Earthquakes to BC Place, in what promises to be a true test of Vancouver’s title credentials.

The Whitecaps have started the season in fine form, becoming the first MLS team ever to win their opening four games with a +13-goal differential. However, the nature of the Champions Cup exit to Seattle Sounders means the fact that they are yet to be properly tested in league play as puts a question mark over their resume. RSL were without key stars and Toronto, Portland, and Minnesota were all ruthlessly put to the sword without really threatening to derail Jesper Sørensen’s side.

In a sentence that will seem remarkable to anyone who watched Vancouver’s 4-1 win over them at BC Place back in October, San Jose will offer sterner opposition than any of the Whitecaps’ past MLS opponents. Spearheaded by offseason signing Timo Werner, this year they have looked impressive and started out with three wins in a row, before a 1-0 loss to Seattle brought them back down to earth.

SJE always had goals in them last season, but after the departures...