CARSON, CALIFORNIA –Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to take on LA Galaxy at 7:30 p.m. PT (TSN2, TEAM 1410) in Carson, California. Here's everything you need to know about Carl Robinson's lineup.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 4-2-3-1
1.David Ousted; 33.Steven Beitashour, 40.Andy O’Brien, 16.Johnny Leverón, 2.Jordan Harvey; 8.Medhi Ballouchy, 31.Russell Teibert; 7.Sebastián Fernández, 77.Pedro Morales, 23.Kekuta Manneh; 11.Darren Mattocks
Substitutes
70.Paolo Tornaghi, 3.Sam Adekugbe, 4.Kendall Waston, 17.Omar Salgado, 19.Erik Hurtado, 29.Nicolás Mezquida, 30.Mauro Rosales
Robinson makes three changes to his starting XI that played to a scoreless draw at Chivas USA with Mehdi Ballouchy, Kekuta Manneh, and Pedro Morales in for Matias Laba (suspended), Omar Salgado, and Nicolas Mezquida.
Recently acquired midfielder Mauro Rosales and centre back Kendall Waston are both in Vancouver's 18-man gameday roster for the first time.
Goalkeeper David Ousted will be making his 37th consecutive MLS start with the club, which is the most on the team. Ousted is the only ‘Caps player this year to start and play every minute of MLS regular season action.
Tonight will be the sixth time this season Andy O’Brien and Johnny Leveron have started together this season. The centre back pairing is undefeated (1W-0L-4D) and have recorded four shutouts.
Ballouchy will be making his second start for Whitecaps FC – he played 63 minutes in the 1-1 draw at Real Salt Lake back on July 19 – and 142nd of his MLS regular season career. Only Jordan Harvey, making his 165th start, has made more starts in MLS on Whitecaps FC. Tonight will be Ballouchy’s 189th MLS regular season match, which is the most on the team.
Russell Teibert will be making his second consecutive start for the first time since April. Tonight will be Teibert’s sixth start and seventh appearance against LA, which is more than any other side in MLS play. In addition, Teibert's lone two goals in MLS were against the Galaxy on May 11, 2013.
Ballouchy and Teibert will be partnered at centre mid for the first time to start a MLS regular season match. The two have previously played 33 minutes on the pitch together – final 13 minutes against Sporting Kansas City on August 10 and final 20 minutes at Colorado Rapids back on June 28.
Manneh returns to the starting XI for the first time since July 12 versus Chivas USA – six matches between starts including three substitute appearances. Tonight will be his 20th appearance in 2014, equalling his total during his rookie campaign of 2013.
Striker Darren Mattocks will be making his 21st appearance this season, equalling his total during his rookie campaign of 2012 and one more than last year. Mattocks has scored five goals in his last seven games and is one goal shy tying his pro career best of seven, which set back in 2012, his rookie season.
Including the 2012 playoff match, Mattocks has scored three goals against the Galaxy, which is equal to most goals he’s scored against any other MLS side. Mattocks has also scored three goals on Houston and Toronto in MLS play.
Additional info:
Harvey will be suspended with his next yellow card – the fullback needs to play two matches before one is expunged for good behaviour.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets, 5-packs, student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
