MINNEAPOLIS, MIN – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4W-4L-1D) are back on the road this Saturday, facing Minnesota United FC (3W-5L-0D) in a matinee affair at TCF Bank Stadium.
KICKOFF: 11 a.m. PT | TV: CTV, TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are the key storylines to watch.
STORYLINES
Back on track: The ‘Caps, who sit third place in the Western Conference, look to continue their winning ways after snapping a three-match losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake last Friday at BC Place. And it’s a similar story for the Loons, whose 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo last weekend snapped a four-match losing streak.
Dribbles for days: Saturday’s match features two of the league’s most electrifying one v. one talents in Darwin Quintero and Alphonso Davies, who are first and second in dribbles completed per 90 minutes this season. Davies picked up his team-leading third assist of the season last week against RSL, while Quintero has two goals and one assist in three appearances.
Lineup decisions: Carl Robinson will be forced to make at least two changes on Saturday with Jordon Mutch sidelined due to injury and Cristian Techera suspended. The ‘Caps boss will also have decisions to make at fullback after strong performances from Brett Levis and Sean Franklin in their first starts of the season last week.
KEY MATCHUP
Aly Ghazal (DM) vs. Darwin Quintero (AM/FWD): Aly Ghazal leads Whitecaps FC with 3.67 interceptions per 90 minutes this season. He was also a force for the ‘Caps in last week’s victory, helping shut down RSL playmaker Albert Rusnak. The Egyptian will hope for a similar fate against Quintero, who joined Minnesota this season after nearly a decade in Liga MX.
QUOTABLE
"He's a top player. They've made a statement there because they're moving into a new stadium next year. Playing at Club America, I watched him a number of times. He causes problems whether he plays as a number 10, whether he plays as a wide player, a second forward, he just brings energy and quality to the field. I know they're delighted to have him in Minnesota. He's a really good player. We've got to make sure we're aware of him, what he does on the attacking side, we can also try to take advantage of what he doesn't do on the defensive side, and it's a game of cat and mouse. But we have to be very well aware of him on Saturday." - Robinson on Quintero
