After claiming a 2-0 victory against Valour FC in the preliminary round, Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to continue their Canadian Championship journey this Wednesday, May 25 with a quarterfinal showdown against Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC at ATCO Field in Foothills County, Alberta.
The match will mark the third all-time meeting between the 'Caps and Cavalry, having previously met in the 2019 edition of the competition in a two-legged affair.
So far this season, the CPL side sit second in the standings with a record of 3W-2L-2D for a total of 11 points and also possess a number of former 'Caps products as well as some danger up top.
In this edition of "Know Thy Enemy", we look at both of those Cavalry points, along an area the 'Caps could look to take advantage of on Wednesday night.
CAVS 'CAPS
Several former 'Caps could be taking to the field for Cavalry on Wednesday night.
In fact, a total of nine Cavalry players have previously spent time with the Blue and White in some shape or form, whether it be playing for the first team, Whitecaps FC 2 or the academy.
Goalkeeper Marco Carducci, defender Mason Trafford, midfielders Elijah Adekugbe, David Norman Jr, Charlie Trafford as well as wingers Ali Musse and Benjamin Fisk all came through the 'Caps academy system during their youth days.
Carducci and Norman Jr also played for the first team as well as Whitecaps FC 2 back when the team played in the USL Championship, while Mason Trafford played with the 'Caps first team in the USL for two seasons prior to the club joining MLS in 2011.
In addition, defender/midfielder Fraser Aird and forward Myer Bevan both spent time with the 'Caps first team in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
Through the early part of the CPL season, a number of these former 'Caps have proven to be key pieces of Cavalry's campaign so far.
At the back, Carducci and Mason Trafford have helped the side keep two clean sheets, while Adekugbe scored the winning goal in Cavalry's 2-1 win over Valour FC this past weekend.
Up top, the 'Caps will have to be wary of Bevan and Musse as both have become instrumental parts of Cavalry's offence.
Bevan leads the team in goals with four across all competitions, while Musse has tallied three goals and an assist.
ONE TO WATCH
Another key offensive threat on Cavalry's roster is former Colorado Rapids and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Joe Mason.
The Irishman, who scored seven goals in 14 appearances for the Cavs last season, has already found the back of the net three times in 2022.
Mason has a habit of picking up nice spots inside the box to wait for lofted or low crosses from out wide and possesses a dangerous finishing ability once he gets on the end of those crosses.
Additionally, Mason can also help play a part in the attacking build up for Cavalry, whether it be combining with teammates in the final third or playing line-splitting passes to put his teammates in on goal.
Like Bevan and Musse, the 'Caps will have to pay attention to Mason's whereabouts throughout the match to prevent Cavalry from getting into a dangerous attacking flow.
SET PIECES
As we've seen throughout the early part of the season, the 'Caps have threatened their opponents off set pieces with tricky balls into the box from corners or free kicks.
According to fbref.com, the Blue and White have completed 23 passes from set piece situations that have lead directly to a shot attempt, with Érik Godoy scoring the previous goal off a set piece against San Jose Earthquakes on May 14.
The reason why set pieces could be a factor on Wednesday night is the last three goals Cavalry has conceded have all come off set piece situations, meaning the 'Caps could take advantage if they provide some good service into the box.
Be sure to catch this Canadian Championship quarterfinal this Wednesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. PT on OneSoccer.
