VANCOUVER, BC – Everything is on the line for Vancouver Whitecaps FC (11W-8L-14D) on Saturday, when they host Colorado Rapids (8W-17L-8D) in their regular season finale at BC Place.
Kickoff for Saturday’s match set for 7 p.m. PT. You can watch the match live on TSN1,Bell mobile devices, and TSN GO.The match will also air live on TSN 1410 and tsnradiovancouver.ca, including a pre-game show at 5 p.m. PT and a two-hour post-game show immediately following the match.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early for the retirement ceremony of former Whitecaps FC captain, and the club’s first-ever MLS signing, Jay DeMerit.
The situation is clear for Whitecaps FC heading into Saturday’s crucial finale: win and they’re off to the MLS Cup Playoffs. However, as illustrated below, there are a few different scenarios depending on Portland’s result against FC Dallas on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. PT.
- If the Timbers beat FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC need a win to qualify.
- If the Timbers lose to FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC will automatically qualify regardless of their result against Colorado.
- If the Timbers draw with FC Dallas, Whitecaps FC need a draw to qualify.
“We need to win,” Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson told reporters this week. “I firmly believe Portland will go to Dallas and get a result … so that will be our focus and that will be the message I send to the guys. I won’t be looking at their result. I’ll be focusing on what we can do.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
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<b>Last match: San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC</b> |
Whitecaps FC enter Saturday’s contest unbeaten in four matches.
After three straight wins, they played to a scoreless road draw against San Jose Earthquakes last weekend to keep their playoff destiny in their own hands.
A big part of Vancouver’s recent run has been their sound defensive play. The ‘Caps have posted three straight clean sheets and have conceded just one goal in their last four matches. Their current shutout streak stands at 303 minutes, which is only 49 minutes short of the longest shutout streak in MLS this season, held by Chivas USA.
Robinson is expected to have a full squad at his disposal this weekend, as centre back Kendall Waston will be available once again after serving a one-match suspension due to caution accumulation.
“I’ll pick my strongest team that I think can go and win the game,” Robinson said.
Should Whitecaps FC win on Saturday, they would set a new club record in MLS with 50 points, surpassing their 48-point total from last season.
COLORADO RAPIDS
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<b>Last match: Colorado Rapids 0-1 FC Dallas </b> |
It’s been a tough season for Colorado, who will finish the season no higher than seventh in the Western Conference. Coming into Saturday’s regular season finale, the Rapids are winless in 13 matches and have conceded the most goals (61) in MLS.
The Rapids were hit with the injury bug early this season – captain Drew Moor suffered a season-ending knee injury in August – and haven’t been the same since.
But they still have some players who can cause some damage. Second-year striker Deshorn Brown leads the team with 10 goals, while second-year midfielder Dillon Powers was named team MVP for the second straight year, contributing six goals and a team-high nine assists.
“It’s a difficult game for us against a team that hasn’t won many games recently but they’re still a good group of players and we have to be wary of that," Robinson told reporters this week. “But if we can get ourselves right, mentally as well as physically, then hopefully we can get a result.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Rapids have had Vancouver’s number this season, winning both of the previous meetings.
Back in April at BC Place, the ‘Caps took a 1-0 lead but were undone by two late goals after going down to 10 men. In June, meanwhile, Whitecaps FC suffered a 2-0 loss at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado holds the all-time edge over Whitecaps FC in MLS play with a 6W-3L-1D record.
NEXT UP
Should Whitecaps FC clinch a playoff berth, they would visit either Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas on Wednesday, October 29 or Thursday, October 30 in the Western Conference Knockout Round.
If they were to advance, the ‘Caps would host either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders FC in the first leg of the Western Conference semifinal on Saturday, November 1 or Sunday, November 2 at BC Place.
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! 2015 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale now. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
