VANCOUVER, BC – The matches keep on coming for Whitecaps FC as Carl Robinson’s men get ready to host Real Salt Lake at BC Place on Saturday. Tickets: http://ow.ly/QDvSn.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: TSN 1/3/5 RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
BUDDING RIVALRY
After a week that saw the ‘Caps play two derby matches in the space of four days against our arch-enemies to the south, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that the rivalries would be finished for a while.
But while Saturday’s showdown with Real Salt Lake is no Cascadia clash, the ‘Caps have enjoyed a burgeoning rivalry with their Western Conference rivals over recent seasons. Indeed, there have been eight yellow cards and two red cards in these two teams’ previous encounters this season; adding to the animosity that developed during a trio of equally feisty encounters during the 2014-15 campaign.
Given that Whitecaps FC are unbeaten in their last five meetings against RSL, not to mention the fact that Jeff Cassar’s side are battling for their playoff lives in the Western Conference, you can expect there to be plenty of edge as the two teams renew hostilities on Saturday at BC Place.
CONCACAF CHALLENGE
BC Place was home to a little piece of history on Wednesday night as Whitecaps FC hosted their first ever CONCACAF Champions League clash. The 1-1 draw with Seattle, which was lit up thanks to a spectacular back heel goal from rookie centre back Tim Parker, was notable as both sides chose to rotate their squads in order to keep players fresh for MLS action.
All-in-all, Robinson made 11 changes to the side that beat the Sounders in their own backyard just a few days earlier, testing the depth of his young squad. In contrast, RSL fielded a full strength side as they made the 7,000 km round trip and defeated C.S.D Municipal in Guatemala City on Tuesday night.
It’s too early to tell how the long midweek trip will affect Cassar’s side, but with fresh legs in his locker room you can expect the Blue and White to press their opponents from the opening whistle on Saturday.
SET PIECE GOALS
Whitecaps FC couldn’t buy a goal from a set piece earlier on this season. Despite doing everything right, Robinson’s men just couldn’t get the rub of the green when it came to corners and free kicks.
However, Kendall Waston finally broke Vancouver's set piece hoodoo when he scored from Mauro Rosales' corner during the 3-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes on July 26.
“We know that set pieces are very important for us,” the Towering Tican said after the match. “We have a lot of big players and we have to take more advantage of it. Now, the door is open and I hope more goals can come.”
Clearly, Waston's teammates were listening, as the ‘Caps have gone on to score a further four goals from set plays since the home win over San Jose. With Pa-Modou Kah, Pedro Morales and Parker all finding the net, the ‘Caps have found another route of attack; one that they’ll be hoping to exploit once again come 7 p.m. on Saturday evening.
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