VANCOUVER, BC - The English Premier League is in town and the 'Caps get to test their wares against top-flight competition in Crystal Palace FC tonight at BC Place.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Here are three things to watch out for.
NEW FACES
'Caps fans may get a chance to see some of the club's new faces tonight.
Last week's Pokemon Go captives David Edgar and Marcel de Jong may see the pitch, as Edgar has yet to make his debut in the Blue and White.
de Jong and Edgar: captured ✔️ #VWFC#PokemonGopic.twitter.com/QbZKxwPOJC
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) July 13, 2016
Head coach Carl Robinson also hinted at giving his young players some pitchtime, which could mean action for 15-year-old Alphonso Davies, fresh off his MLS debut on Saturday, and perhaps some call-ups from Whitecaps FC 2.
It will be interesting who elevates himself above the rest to show they're ready for the next step.
TEST AGAINST THE BEST
As competitors, you always want to size yourself up against the best competition, which the English Premier League arguably is.
It's been five years since the 'Caps have played in a top-class friendly and this is an opportunity for the club to make news outside MLS.
Even Robinson mentioned in yesterday's press conference that he's looking forward to a tactical battle with Crystal Palace FC manager Alan Pardew, who's a former winner of the Premier League Manager of the Season award.
Needless to say, Whitecaps FC are out to prove something tonight.
WINGMEN
Tonight’s fixture features some of the most exciting wingers in the English Premier League in Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie – not to mention newcomer Andros Townsend. Bolasie, in particular, has a knack for making the headlines with his trickery.
But Crystal Palace can’t sleep on Vancouver’s wingers, either.
The diminutive Cristian Techera, whose long-range blast vs. RSL is up for MLS Goal of the Week, appears to be finding his groove, Costa Rican international and FIFA World Cup veteran Christian Bolaños is second on the team in goals and assists, and Davies showed some great promise this past weekend in his MLS debut.
Pass the popcorn.
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.
