VANCOUVER, BC – It's a Friday night collision with major playoff implications at BC Place when Giles Barnes and Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Chris Wondolowski's San Jose Earthquakes.
Limited tickets are still available.
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1/4/5 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are the storylines for the Western Conference clash:
SCRAPPING FOR SIX
Whitecaps FC and the Earthquakes enter the match on the outside looking into the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
Portland Timbers currently are in the sixth and final playoff spot with 32 points after 24 matches. Whitecaps FC follow them with 30 points with the same number of matches played. San Jose have 28 points, but have two games in hand on both Portland and Vancouver.
A six-point swing is up for grabs tonight and could very well spring either Vancouver or San Jose to a roll toward the final stretch of the season.
BARNES IN VANCOUVER
BC Place fans are expected to get their first glimpse of new forward Giles Barnes in the Blue and White, and they're hoping that the English-Jamaican striker can end the 'Caps goal-scoring drought after going scoreless in three straight matches.
The last time they've been shutout thrice in a row? Back in April, ending with a sudden offensive onslaught in a convincing 3-0 home win over FC Dallas.
The 'Caps find themselves in a similar predicament, and they're looking to Barnes for a lift, but it could also come from a variety of players on the roster.
"A lot of people look to Pedro [Morales] to be the difference-maker. Everyone can be a difference-maker. We've got a team that's full of them," Barnes told reporters earlier in the week. "I'm confident that if I play my game, I can make a difference for the team."
NOT THAT GUY AGAIN
On the other end of the pitch is Chris Wondolowski, an old nemesis for Whitecaps FC.
His 10 goals all-time versus Vancouver is the most by a player against one opponent since the 'Caps joined MLS in 2011.
With each match becoming bigger and bigger with the postseason fast approaching, will Vancouver be able to contain the MLS All-Star?
Be there at BC Place to find out or watch live on TSN1/4/5.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 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.
