VANCOUVER, BC – After picking up back-to-back draws on the road, Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to BC Place on Sunday for an afternoon affair against FC Dallas.
KICKOFF: 2 p.m. PT TV: TSN RADIO: TEAM 1040 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
GETTING CROWDED
We’re only just past the midway point of the 2014 MLS season, but the Western Conference standings are already looking crowded.
Heading into this weekend’s action, just two points separate fouth-place FC Dallas and sixth-place Whitecaps FC, who trail third-place Colorado Rapids by just three points. That means a win for the home side on Sunday would put them in a tie for third in the conference.
FC Dallas are unbeaten in five matches, so it’s not going to be easy. But getting three points on Sunday will set up the ‘Caps well heading into the month of August.
ARGENTINE BATTLE
Sunday’s match could feature two of Major League Soccer’s brightest young players: Whitecaps FC defensive midfielder Matias Laba and FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Diaz, who both happen to call Argentina home.
Before Diaz went down with a knee injury in May, he had three goals and three assists in eight matches. Now back from injury, the 23-year-old has appeared as a substitute in Dallas’ last two matches.
If he gets the nod on Sunday, it should make for an intriguing battle in midfield with his countrymate Laba, who leads MLS with 91 tackles.
END OF AN ERA
Jay DeMerit announced his retirement on Thursday – marking the end of an era for Whitecaps FC. DeMerit, who will be honoured on October 25 in Whitecaps FC’s regular season finale, was Vancouver’s first-ever signing and captain in MLS and his legacy will live on for years to come.
‘Caps head coach Carl Robinson said that Pedro Morales, who has recorded either a goal or an assist in four of Vancouver’s last five home matches, will continue to wear the captain’s armband for the time being.
The Chilean knows it will be a tall order to follow in DeMerit’s footsteps, but he seems up for the challenge.
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.
