VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will continue their push for the playoffs on Saturday when they host Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United at BC Place. Tickets: http://ow.ly/B3lOU
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: TSN1 RADIO: TEAM 1410 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to watch.
BEASTS OF THE EAST
D.C. United enter Saturday’s match as the top team in the Eastern Conference with 46 points and a 14W-8L-4D record. It’s been quite the turnaround for the Washington-based outfit, who finished dead last in MLS last season with a measly 16 points.
Playing against in-form D.C. United might be just what the doctor offered for the 'Caps, who are undefeated against Eastern Conference opponents with a 4W-0L-5D record this season. This will be Vancouver's final match against an Eastern Conference side this season.
It will also be the third time Whitecaps FC have hosted a conference-leading team this season. In July, they came away with a 1-0 win over Supporters’ Shield frontrunners Seattle Sounders FC, before earning a 2-0 win over defending MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City last month.
Can the ‘Caps make it three for three on Saturday?
RENEWING AQUAINTANCES
Saturday’s match will be a reunion of sorts for 'Caps midfielder Mauro Rosales and D.C. United striker Eddie Johnson, who played two seasons together with Seattle Sounders FC in 2012 and 2013.
Johnson, who scored his fifth goal of the season in D.C. United’s 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls last weekend, and Rosales, who was named the Budweiser Man of the Match in his Whitecaps FC home debut, were a deadly force with Seattle – combining for 30 goals and 25 assists over two seasons.
"He’s a great guy and I wish him all the best," Rosales said. "Just not on Saturday.”
TALKING TACTICS
The ‘Caps have predominantly lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, but Robinson didn’t rule out a tactical switch this weekend.
“At the moment, we’re not putting ourselves in proper situations,” Robinson said. “We’re not getting enough bodies in the box. We need to try and find a solution because we have nine games left but we can’t keep saying this in two or three games time because it might be too late.”
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see what changes Robinson makes this weekend after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Portland. Will we see a two-striker tandem? If so, will Kekuta Manneh make his first start of the year as a striker?
Will the ‘Caps try to match D.C. United’s flat 4-4-2 formation, opt for a less traditional diamond midfield, or stick to the 4-2-3-1, which they had a lot of success with prior to the World Cup break.
As Robinson said: "I've got to find a solution ... I will find a solution."
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets, 5-packs, student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
