VANCOUVER, BC – After a 2-0 win over defending MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to keep things rolling on Saturday when they meet Chivas USA at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. PT TV: TSN RADIO: TEAM 1410 MOBILE: bell.ca/mobiletvONLINE: TSN GO
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
THE MATTOCKS/MORALES CONNECTION
If the ‘Caps are to come away with a result this weekend, there’s a good chance Darren Mattocks or Pedro Morales will be involved.
At least one of the two players have either scored or assisted eight of Vancouver’s last nine goals. The only exception was Sporting Kansas City’s own goal last weekend at BC Place, which Morales indirectly set up as well.
Mattocks, who has goals in four of his last five matches, credited his recent run of form to the service he’s been receiving from Morales, who is second in MLS with nine assists, and the rest of his teammates.
The Jamaican took that even further by referring to Morales as a “genius” in a recent Instagram post, adding that their budding “partnership will only get better.”
OUR KRYPTONITE?
Chivas USA have proved to be a thorn in Vancouver’s side all season.
First, the Goats claimed a 1-1 draw with the ‘Caps back in March, despite going down to 10 men early. More recently, the California outfit claimed a 3-1 win over Whitecaps FC in a game that saw the Blue and White reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute.
This will be the final meeting between the two teams this season. Can Whitecaps FC even the season series?
“We know what we need to do,” said Whitecaps FC defender Steven Beitashour. “The first time we played up there, we didn’t show up. We need to make sure we show up, do all the little things and fight and scrap and we should get a win out of it.”
KEEPING THE STREAK(S) ALIVE
The ‘Caps will be putting two streaks on the line Saturday night at the StubHub Center.
One is their unbeaten run – Whitecaps FC haven’t lost in five matches. Coincidentally, their last defeat came at the hands of Chivas USA just over a month ago.
Another is their shutout streak. The Blue and White have posted two consecutive clean sheets and haven’t conceded a goal in 231 minutes, which is already their longest shutout streak this season. On the other hand, Chivas USA haven't scored a goal in 276 minutes.
Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted has six clean sheets this season, which is tied for second best in the league. Can he make it seven on Saturday?
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.
