VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to BC Place on Wednesday to host San Jose Earthquakes in an important midweek clash at BC Place. Tickets: http://ow.ly/B3lOU.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: TSN1 RADIO: TSN 1410 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
FULLBACKS OF THE FUTURE
Fans got a glimpse of the future last weekend, when 20-year-old Ethen Sampson made his MLS debut before making way for 19-year-old Sam Adekugbe after going down with a cramp in the 54th minute.
The young fullbacks didn’t look out of place. Sampson showed his aggressiveness with four first-half tackles, while Adekugbe added a spark to the ‘Caps attack along the left flank.
One or both of the fullbacks could get the nod again on Wednesday – depending on the status of right back Steven Beitashour, who missed Saturday’s match with a hip injury.
Speaking of fullbacks, Jordan Harvey is 51 minutes away from 15,000 MLS regular season minutes played – more minutes than any other ‘Caps player. The veteran left back, who agreed to a contract extension with Whitecaps FC last month, was one of Vancouver’s liveliest players against D.C. United and is sure to play an important part in their push for the playoffs.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
Vancouver’s playoff outlook hasn’t changed since this time last week.
The ‘Caps are one point back of rival Portland Timbers for the fifth and final playoff position in the Western Conference. Whitecaps FC also have a game in hand, which is Wednesday, meaning they still control their own destiny with eight games remaining.
Not only would a win on Wednesday put Vancouver back in the playoff picture, it would also create a 10-point gap between them and eighth-place San Jose.
As head coach Carl Robinson said: "there are a number of points to play for."
WASTON VS. WONDO
It’s no secret who San Jose’s most dangerous weapon is offensively. That would be striker Chris Wondolowski, who leads the Quakes with 12 goals. The next highest player has three.
Shutting down the U.S. men’s national team striker, who potted a brace in a 3-3 draw with Portland on the weekend, will no doubt be a priority for the ‘Caps. And one player who will likely be tasked with marking the American is centre back Kendall Waston, who was named the Budweiser Man of the Match in Saturday’s scoreless draw with D.C. United.
The Costa Rican had a game-high 17 clearances on the weekend, the sixth highest total by an MLS player this season, and won six of seven aerials.
If Waston and the 'Caps can keep Wondolowski in check, it will go a long way in helping the Blue and White secure a result.
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.
