KANSAS CITY, KS –Vancouver Whitecaps FC go on the road for the first time in the young 2016 MLS regular season today when they visit Sporting Kansas City.
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Here are three storylines for the early crucial Western Conference match.
HEARTBREAK CITY
Whitecaps FC are out for revenge for their 4-3 loss to Sporting KC on August 15, 2015 when they blew a two-goal lead with 15 minutes remaining, allowing the home side to steal the game with three consecutive late scores. Paulo Nagamura tallied the match-winner in added time, while Kekuta Manneh registered a first-half brace.
The 'Caps did not mince any words this week when asked about last season's loss, admitting that it provides extra motivation for this Saturday.
Carl Robinson knows that his side can put forth a strong performance on that pitch, as they did for the first 75 minutes of that match. The challenge will be to finish the job this time.
HOME SWEET HOME
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KmlhK0HenMc"></a> |
<b>Timbers and Sporting KC go back and forth in longest shootout in MLS history</b> |
Sporting KC take to their home pitch for the first time this season.
Last year, they were 10W-2L-5D at home, which helped them finish sixth in the Western Conference before falling to Portland Timbers in the Knockout Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Kansas City came within inches of advancing multiple times, most notably on Saad Abdul-Salaam’s shootout attempt that bounced out after hitting both posts. The match was ultimately decided when each side’s goalkeepers took their turns against each other in the shootout, with Portland’s Adam Kwarasey converting for the eventual MLS Cup champions.
Experienced midfielder Benny Feilhaber is back after a career year in 2015, though he's questionable for today's fixture. Goalkeeper Tim Melia looks to ride the momentum from last season when he was named the 2015 MLS Comeback Player of the Year.
Sporting KC bolstered their midfield over the offseason, acquiring ex-Houston Dynamo Brad Davis and former Montreal Impact Justin Mapp.
It will be interesting how they come together in their first home match of 2016.
DÉJÀ VU?
Much like 2015, the ‘Caps opened this season with a home loss to a Canadian rival. They suffered a defeat to Toronto FC to begin 2015, then opened with a defeat to Montreal Impact this season.
'Caps fans need not worry, however. Last season, the 'Caps followed the Week 1 loss with four consecutive wins. Just like last year, the 'Caps hit the road for the next two weeks.
It was this point last season that the 'Caps started turning heads around the league. But as one of the preseason favourites, Whitecaps FC are no longer surprising anyone this season.
Can they find success in their new role as the hunted, instead of the hunter? Tune in to TSN2 at 5:30 p.m. PT 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.
