Preview: In-form 'Caps wrap up homestand with top of the West showdown against LA Galaxy | Watch on MLS Season Pass & TSN

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VANCOUVER, BC – Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4W-1L-1D) will look to continue their fine start to the regular season as they wrap up their four-game homestand this Saturday, April 13 with a top of the table showdown against LA Galaxy (3W-1L-3D), who sit second in the West heading into this week's matches. Kickoff from BC Place is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.

Saturday will mark the 35th all-time meeting between Vancouver and the Galaxy, with the previous meeting coming in Leagues Cup action last July as the 'Caps secured a 2-1 away victory to punch their ticket to the Round of 32. The 'Caps are also unbeaten in their last four matches against the Galaxy and have posted a record of 4W-1L-2D in their last seven meetings across all competitions.

Saturday's match could also see three Japanese born players start an MLS match for the first time in MLS history, with the 'Caps boasting goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka and the Galaxy featuring defenders Miki Yamane and Maya Yoshida.

WEEKLY STORYLINES

'CAPS ON TOP: Following a dominant 4-0 victory over Canadian rivals Toronto FC last weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC enter Matchday 9 in first place in the Western Conference with 13 points and a game in hand on several teams around them. Next on the docket is a meeting with the West's second-placed side LA Galaxy this Saturday, as the 'Caps close out their four-game homestand at BC Place. With a win or draw against the Galaxy, the Blue and White would make their best-ever seven-game start to an MLS regular season. Saturday's match is expected to be the seventh straight game at BC Place with over 22,000 fans in attendance.

STACKING UP STATS: Entering the weekend's action, Vancouver sits atop of several different categories in league play. The 'Caps hold the best goal differential in the league with +8, are first in goals per match with 2.3, have the most first half goals in the league with nine, and have the second-least expected goals conceded in the league with 5.6. The Blue and White's nine different goalscorers are also the most in the league, with Fafà Picault leading the way thanks to his three strikes in his last three appearances.

MILESTONES GALORE: The 'Caps victory against Toronto FC saw plenty of players hit significant milestones in their careers. With his goal in the 81st minute, Ryan Gauld became the first player in club history to reach 25+ goals and 25+ assists in MLS play and further extended his record of most goal contributions across all competitions in the club's MLS era with 62 (28 goals, 34 assists). In addition, Fafà Picault scored his 50th MLS regular season goal on his 200th MLS regular season appearance, Ryan Raposo recorded his third goal contribution in his last four appearances, and Brian White etched closer to becoming the club's leading goalscorer in the MLS era by scoring his 41st goal across all competitions. White is now three away from setting the record.

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