VANCOUVER, BC – Saturday’s clash offers Carl Robinson’s ‘Caps the chance to renew their rivalry with FC Dallas almost a year on from the playoff heartbreak at Toyota Stadium. Tickets: http://ow.ly/RdOZ8.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: TSN1 RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
REDEMPTION
“Remember how it felt.”
Those were the words with which Robinson greeted his squad as they returned to pre-season training in preparation for the 2015 campaign. The Welshman was of course referencing the 2-1 playoff defeat at Toyota Stadium three months prior when a controversial handball decision saw his side crash out of the post-season.
That heartache should add an extra edge to Saturday’s encounter with FC Dallas, the first time the two sides have met since that fateful night in October and the opening encounter in a three-match series over the course of the next eight weeks.
“It was definitely a tough loss,” David Ousted said after being questioned about last year’s defeat. “But they’re coming into our place now so we need to get at them from the word go and try to get this win.”
Buckle up. It’s going to be a wild ride!
BOUNCING BACK
Last weekend's heartbreaking loss during the final throes of the clash with Sporting Kansas City put an abrupt end to Vancouver’s impressive six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
“Football is tough, it’s about winning and losing,” Robbo told reporters upon the team’s return to training this week. “Let me tell you it hurts, but we’re over that disappointment...”
The good news for ‘Caps fans is that the boss’ words aren’t just a hollow statement. In fact, one of the keys to the Blue and White’s season so far has been their ability to bounce back after defeat. Whitecaps FC are 5W-1W-1D in matches directly following a loss this year; a run of form that suggests that the home team stand every chance of taking something away from Saturday’s match at BC Place.
SHOW ME THE MANNEH
Kekuta Manneh has been putting together quite the season so far in 2015. The Gambian speedster has scored six goals so far for the ‘Caps while laying on four assists for his teammates.
His form has inevitably led to comparisons with another fleet-footed winger in the form of Dallas’ Fabian Castillo, who’ll be lining up opposite the ‘Caps no. 23 this Saturday.
“I think they’ve got a lot of attributes that are similar,” Robbo told reporters after training on Thursday. “Castillo’s a fantastic player, but we’ve got a fantastic young talent here in Kekuta who’s progressing every week, who’s performing every week."
Robinson won’t be letting the 20-year-old rest on his laurels, however.
“I want him to get better,” he said. “He’s got to continue to push himself. He’s got fantastic talent but talent doesn’t always get you there, you need a lot of hard work as well.”
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