VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are back in training this week as the ‘Caps prepare for Sunday’s crucial game versus FC Dallas (4 p.m. PT - TV: TSN1, Radio: TSN 1040, Tickets: whitecapsfc.com).
REYNA’S RETURN
Whitecaps FC welcome back playmaker Yordy Reyna, who missed Saturday’s match against Seattle, and has looked sharp at training this week.
Reyna, who celebrated his 25th birthday last Monday, has two goals and six assists in his last four MLS starts, helping the ‘Caps to a 3W-0L-1D record during that span.
Reyna’s impressive form also saw him named to the MLS Team of the Week in his two previous outings.
BREK-OUT ARTIST
FC Dallas present another stern test for the ‘Caps but one player who is familiar with this weekend’s opponents is Brek Shea. The Texas native played 103 MLS games for FC Dallas between 2008-2012, scoring 19 goals and adding 16 assists.
And the multi-talented American is hosting an art show following Sunday’s match with all proceeds going to patients at BC Children’s Hospital.
“I can’t imagine if that happened to my own kids so I want to help out any other families who need help and who have to go through that,” said Shea. “If I can give back and anyone else can, then it’s great”.
‘OUR MOST IMPORTANT GAME’
This Sunday’s match-up with FC Dallas is expected to draw another big crowd to BC Place. Last Saturday’s crowd broke Whitecaps FC’s MLS regular season home attendance record, as 27,863 fans cheered on the ‘Caps.
Centre back Doneil Henry says the team are focused on winning the game and bouncing back.
“Mentally, we know what we have to do. We have to go in there with the mentality that we did against Seattle and I’m sure we’ll pick up points because we’re playing good football,” Henry said.
This Sunday’s match is the last of the ‘Caps three game homestand before they head out for two straight on the road and Carl Robinson also knows the importance of taking all three points.
“Our next game is our most important game and we’ll focus on one game at a time, but we’ve got to try and win this game on Sunday,” said Robinson.
Robinson has another midfield option back as Jordon Mutch returned from injury against Seattle, playing 20 minutes as substitute, while centre back José Aja is also back in full training.
TABLE UPDATE
Two clubs ahead of the 'Caps on the table were in action midweek. Portland Timbers collected three points with a 3-2 result versus Columbus Crew SC, and Seattle Sounders FC had their winning streak snapped in their 1-0 loss to Philadelphia Union.
Timbers jumped ahead of Real Salt Lake for a share of third place with LAFC at 47 points. RSL are at 45 points, and Sounders FC are just below with 44 points. The 'Caps are four points below the red line at 40 points.
LAFC, Seattle, and Vancouver each have a game in hand on Portland and Salt Lake.
For ticket information for Sunday’s game versus FC Dallas visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
