VANCOUVER, BC – Matchday is here.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC open the 2016 MLS regular season today when they host rival and fellow Canadian side Montreal Impact at 2:30 p.m. at BC Place.
A limited number of tickets remain available.
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Here are three storylines for the highly anticipated match.
‘CAPS CORE BACK FOR MORE
Whitecaps FC are looking to build on their best MLS regular season yet in 2015.
After setting records in points earned and hosting their first home playoff match, the club re-signed their foundation, inking MatÃas Laba, Kendall Waston, and David Ousted to contract extensions.
In addition, young midfielders Cristian Techera and Deybi Flores, who spent 2015 on loan with the ‘Caps, also received contract extensions after their transfers from their respective sides were finalized.
Experienced defender Pa-Modou Kah, whose presence in the locker room has been arguably as valuable as his on-pitch contributions, also returns after signing a contract extension.
REINFORCED WHITECAPS FC ATTACK
The ‘Caps made a number of moves over the offseason as they look to improve on their offence from last year.
Strikers Masato Kudo and Blas Pérez come in each having impressive scoring resumes. Kudo is technically sound with both feet, and finished his career with Japan’s J1 League side Kashiwa Reysol as their all-time scoring leader. Pérez is well-known to ‘Caps fans and is looking to pick up where he left off in 2015, when he recorded a goal and an assist in his three MLS Cup Playoffs appearances.
Christian Bolaños is expected to fortify the dynamic ‘Caps midfield with his experience. The Costa Rican is a veteran of two FIFA World Cup tournaments and will help bring along up-and-coming Canadian attacking midfielders Kianz Froese and Marco Bustos.
Also new to the team are young defenders Fraser Aird and Cole Seiler. Aird recently made his senior international debut for Canada, while Seiler is a promising centre back that was selected with the club’s first round pick at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. They don't need to look too far for tips on how to make an impressive MLS debut, as Tim Parker looks prime to be a regular contributor in his second season with the 'Caps.
FAMILIAR FOE
The last time Montreal Impact were on the BC Place pitch, confetti was falling, Kah was dancing on a hoverboard, and the 'Caps were hoisting the Voyageurs Cup.
Surely, the picture is seared into the memory of players from both sides.
Impact coach Mauro Biello is fielding a number of returning players from a team that reached the Eastern Conference semifinal, with the addition of ex-Chicago Fire midfielder Harry Shipp and former Real Madrid youth player Lucas Ontivero. However, they will be missing the services of Didier Drogba, as the stud forward continues to recover from a knee injury.
Last year's team MVP Ignacio Piatti will look to initiate the Impact offence, while the imposing 'Caps backline will be led by centre back Kendall Waston.
Which side will start the season on the front foot? Be there live at BC Place to find out.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
