Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes credited his team's desire to remain focused in 2023 for the 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.

The Western Confernce team is slowly climbing the table, after a disappointing start to the 2023 campaign. But with Designated Player Alan Pulido back in the fold, Vermes' side could once again become playoff contenders.

"I don't think that anything we did tonight is so different than who we are when we're on," Vermes asserted. "I just think that we got back to being ourselves again. The idea is to be the best version of yourself as you possibly can be each game. I think tonight we were close to that."

Sporting KC currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference table with 24 points, just one point outside of a playoff position. They quickly closed the gap on ninth place, standing just one point behind Vancouver, who were riding a four game unbeaten run going into the game before losing to KC on Saturday.

Though Pulido contributed to the team's rise with eight goals, Erik Thommy four goals and four assists also continues to propel Kansas City upward.

"What I first think is that the preparation and the game plan was very good, but it doesn't mean anything unless you execute on it. Wednesday and Thursday, they're both very tactically-oriented trainings. The guys were very in tune and then they came out and executed today very well. To me, that's the difference in the game."

Kansas City has now won five out of their 11 games played at home this season. Remi Walter, who scored in the win against Vancouver, echoed his coach's sentiments about the importance of winning at home, adding he wants to make Children's Mercy Park a fortress.

"We have to take some points at home," said Walter. "It's very important if we want to make the playoffs and we know that. I think we were on a good way to get some results, but the last few weeks was a bit difficult and a bit hard."

Sporting KC will take on Houston Dynamo, who are seventh in the West with 27 points, in a Western Conference clash on July 8.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Sporting Kansas City's preparation "the difference" in 3-0 triumph over Whitecaps.