PORTLAND, OR – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set to clash with the Portland Timbers on Decision Day with the first-place finish in the Western Conference on the line (1 p.m. PT on TSN1 and TSN 1040).
Here’s a look at Vancouver’s starting lineup.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-5-1 formation)
Goalkeeper
24.Stefan Marinović
Defenders
2.Jordan Harvey
4.Kendall Waston ©
26.Tim Parker
28.Jake Nerwinski
Midfielders
7.Christian Bolaños
23.Bernie Ibini
29.Yordy Reyna
50.Nosa Igiebor
66.Aly Ghazal
Forward
20.Brek Shea
Substitutes
1.David Ousted, 8.Andrew Jacobson, 11.Nicolás Mezquida, 12.Fredy Montero, 13.Cristian Techera, 17.Marcel de Jong, 19.Erik Hurtado
NOTES:
• Manager Carl Robinson makes four changes to his starting line-up from last Sunday’s 1-1 draw vs. San Jose Earthquakes
• Jordan Harvey, Nosa Igiebor, Christian Bolaños, Bernie Ibini replace Marcel de Jong, Tony Tchani, Cristian Techera, Fredy Montero
• Striker Fredy Montero took a knock in training earlier in the week and will be available as a substitute
• Eighth time this back four has started together, undefeated record of 4-0-1 in MLS play and 1-0-1 in CCL play
• Seven starters in their first year with the club, including four who signed after during the summer transfer window in Marinović, Ghazal, Igiebor, Ibini
• Midfielder Nosa Igiebor makes his MLS debut today at Providence Park. Has made over 300 professional appearances, including two seasons in Spain's La Liga and 25 combined appearances in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League
• Keeper Stefan Marinović starts back-to-back matches for the first time for WFC – has posted a 2-1-1 record, saving 17 of 20 shots on target with a 0.75 GAA • WFC are 13-8-3, five shutouts, and +8 GD (40GF – 32GF) when Waston starts – 2-3-4, two shutouts, and -6 GD (9GF – 15GA) when Waston is not in the line-up
• Left back Jordan Harvey makes his 199th appearance in official competition for the club – 178 MLS RS, 4 MLS PO, 12 CC, 4 CCL
• Midfielder Aly Ghazal has now started seven of the last nine matches, WFC are 3-1-2 when he plays
• Midfielder Christian Bolaños returns to the XI after missing last week due to suspension and the week before due to international duty
• Starting XI includes six different birth countries including players from North, Central, and South America, Africa, and Oceania: USA (x4), Costa Rica (x2), Peru, Egypt, Nigeria (x2), New Zealand
• Starting XI has an average age of 27 years, 3 months, and two weeks
