VANCOUVER, BC – After a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to BC Place on Saturday for another Western Conference clash with Chivas USA. Tickets: http://ow.ly/z3BGB.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TSN: TSN2 RADIO: TEAM 1410 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to watch.
COOLING "CUBO"
For the ‘Caps to come away with a result on Saturday, they’ll likely need to find a way to contain striker Erick Torres – something many teams have struggled with this season. The man they call “Cubo” has 12 goals in 17 appearances this season, including a goal in each of his last four games.
Last week, Torres scored a stunning bicycle kick goal against Montreal Impact, which helped him earn MLS Player of the Week honours. The Mexican striker is one of the hottest players in MLS – he also has three goals in two career appearances against the ‘Caps.
Can Whitecaps FC cool him down this weekend?
SHUTTING THE DOOR
Though Torres is making the headlines for Chivas USA, they also have three clean sheets in a row. The Goats have now gone 325 minutes without allowing a goal, the longest shutout streak in MLS this season and just 76 minutes shy of the club record.
Similarly, Vancouver has become known for their exciting attacking play this season, but the Blue and White also have two clean sheets in their last three matches.
Will that trend continue today? Or will the attacking players shine through?
LATINO MAGIC
Saturday’s match will likely feature a strong Latin American presence at both ends of the pitch, which is fitting because it’s going to be “Noche Latina” at BC Place. Between the two teams, there are a total of 10 players with Latin roots – each team had four of them in their starting lineups last week.
Two of Whitecaps FC's South Americans, Pedro Morales and Sebastian Fernandez, combined to score Vancouver's only goal last week against Seattle. Each of Fernandez's three goals this season have been nominated for MLS Goal of the Week, while Morales leads the 'Caps with six goals and six assists.
Will we see some more Latino magic Saturday at BC Place?
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 ($184), 5-packs ($149), 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.
