The ‘Caps and the Galaxy meet for the third and final time in this year’s regular season. The two sides split the first two meetings, each decided with a 2-1 scoreline. The ‘Caps kick off a three-game stretch away from home riding a four-game undefeated streak, their longest since May to June 2019.
BACK FROM THE GOLD CUP: Whitecaps FC welcome back Lucas Cavallini and Maxime Crépeau to the fold, fresh off a strong showing at the Concacaf Gold Cup for the Canadian men’s national team. Cavallini tallied an assist in two starts and four appearances during the tournament. Crépeau started all five matches for Canada, denying a penalty kick against Mexico in the semifinal. Numerous ‘Caps stepped up in their absence, with Brian White and Thomas Hasal ably slotting into the XI to hold down the fort in the five games the Canadian duo were away.
GAULD STANDARD: New Designated Player Ryan Gauld joined the team earlier this week in Vancouver, taking part in full training. The Scotsman has been working his way to full fitness after last playing a match in May in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Whether or not Gauld is available on Sunday, there will definitely be at least one change to the lineup with Michael Baldisimo suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Expect to see Brazilian midfielder Caio Alexandre back in the lineup after missing the ‘Caps last outing against Minnesota United FC. Besides the Gauld acquisition, the 'Caps also picked up attacking midfielder Pedro Vite and defender/midfielder Florian Jungwirth, and loaned out Homegrown player Theo Bair.
OLD ADVERSARY: Former Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney heads LA Galaxy, who have relied more on French forwards Kévin Cabral and Samuel Grandsir since star striker Chicharito was sidelined in late June.
LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, August 8, 2021 – 5:08 p.m. PT
Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA
TV: TSN1 - RADIO: AM730
Pre-match show: 4:30 p.m. PT (TSN1), 4 p.m. PT (AM730)
AVAILABILITY REPORT
Suspended: Michael Baldisimo - yellow card accumulation
Out: Cristian Dajome - right knee contusion
Out: Cristian Gutierrez - left quad strain
UPCOMING MILESTONES
Andy Rose is one away from 50 MLS appearances for Whitecaps FC.
Russell Teibert is one away from 200 MLS regular season appearances.
