VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Philadelphia Union on Saturday at BC Place looking to cement their spot at the top of the MLS standings. Tickets: http://ow.ly/MI0uT.
KICKOFF: 4 p.m. PT TV: TSN 1 RADIO: TSN 1410 MOBILE:bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
HOME FORM
Carl Robinson’s squad have made a strong start to the 2015 season, sitting joint top of the MLS standings after 10 games. A big part of the Blue and White’s early season success has been due to the team’s road form, with the ‘Caps picking up a total of 10 points away from home in 2015. That figure includes three wins, which is the same number that the team achieved across the whole of last season.
However, in contrast to their impressive road form Robinson’s team have seen a dip in their results at BC Place this year. The ‘Caps lost just three times at home in 2014, but with early season defeats to Toronto FC and D.C. United this season’s outfit are already on course to outstrip that figure.
It’s a statistic that naturally bothers the man in charge, but he’s not going to hit the panic button just yet.
“Maybe, if we didn't create one or two chances, or seven or eight, then I'd certainly be a little bit more worried about it,” Robbo told reporters after the home defeat to D.C. United. “But we did. We had some clear-cut chances.”
Anyone who’s stood in the stands at BC Place this year would no doubt agree; after all there’s been no shortage of entertainment or effort on offer in either of the ‘Caps losses so far this season. Either way, Saturday’s clash against another Eastern rival is a great opportunity for the guys to set the record straight and with it turn BC Place back into the fortress we all know that it can be.
TIME TO CAPITALIZE
Saturday’s opponents are not only on a three-match losing streak but they were also thrown into crisis in a week that saw both of their first-choice goalkeepers struck down by injury during the same training session.
In their absence, the Union have brought in former Whitecaps FC Residency goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre, who is slated to make his MLS debut against the 'Caps.
"Whoever they play in goal, we have to make sure we test him and put him under pressure," Robinson said this week.
As Robinson knows, there’s no such thing as an easy match in MLS. Historically, the Union have held the upper hand over the home side through the years and have gone unbeaten against the ‘Caps since an Alain Rochat-inspired 1-0 win at Empire Field in 2011.
OLD GUARD
There will be no shortage of inspiration on offer for the current crop of ‘Caps stars this Saturday as a team packed with club legends take to the pitch at BC Place for a very special match vs. WFC2. The team, which includes icons like Young-Pyo Lee, John Catliff and Jay DeMerit, will be lining up as part of a team that represents all eras of the club’s 41-year history.
The inaugural clash will feature two 30-minutes halves and will take place prior to the MLS match. Tickets are just $5 with all proceeds being donated to the ‘Caps community partner, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. And, with food and beverage specials on offer, alongside the opportunity to take in all of the action of the afternoon’s game and get up close and personal with ‘Caps stars past and present; it offers the perfect way to warm up for the MLS-shaped main event.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 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.
