SEATTLE, WA – Vancouver are headed down the I-5 on Saturday for an afternoon affair against longtime rivals Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field.
KICKOFF: 1 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are the key storylines to watch.
STORYLINES
Cascadia clash: This will be Vancouver’s first Cascadia Cup match of 2018 and their first meeting with Seattle since last year’s playoff defeat. The ‘Caps are the most successful club in Cascadia Cup competition with six titles to their name.
New foe: The ‘Caps will look to spoil the party for Raúl RuidÃaz, a Peruvian international forward who is expected to make his MLS debut. One player who will surely be familiar with RuidÃaz is Whitecaps FC midfielder Yordy Reyna, as the duo have spent time together on Peru's national team.
Back in the mix: After missing 10 straight matches with a knee sprain, Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic returned to action on Wednesday in Canadian Championship action and made three saves in a 1-0 away defeat to Montreal. Marinovic will look to make his MLS return on Saturday, while centre back Kendall Waston (groin strain) is listed as questionable.
Mixed memories at CenturyLink: The ‘Caps have picked up many memorable results at CenturyLink Field, where they have posted a 4W-4L-1D record in regular season play. But both their visits to Seattle last season ended in defeats. What will Saturday have in store?
PREVIOUS MLS RESULTS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 3-1 loss at D.C. United
Seattle Sounders FC: 1-1 draw at Atlanta United FC
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Kei Kamara (8 goals)
Seattle Sounders FC: Will Bruin (5 goals)
