THRILLER SEQUEL: Clashing for the second time within the past four weeks, Whitecaps FC get another crack at third-place LA Galaxy. The first meeting went down the wire, with the result shifting twice in a span of a minute in added time. The 'Caps look to avenge the defeat after having the Galaxy's number last season.
CAST OF CHARACTERS: This weekend's contest may look a bit different from the match 25 days ago. While midseason acquisition Brian White started the previous game against LA Galaxy, he will be missing frontline partner Lucas Cavallini, who is away on international duty. Déiber Caicedo and Cristian Dájome flanked White on each wing in the 'Caps last outing against Real Salt Lake, which also saw Thomas Hasal fill in for Canada MNT goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. On the other side, the Galaxy's goalscorers in the June 23 match against the 'Caps were star striker Chicharito, sidelined during LA's most recent match against FC Dallas with a calf injury, and Efrain Alvarez, who is away with Mexico MNT. The Galaxy midfield will also be missing key pieces in Sebastian Lletget and Jonathan Dos Santos, both away on international duty.
COMING SOON: The 'Caps have a busy stretch ahead beginning with the Saturday evening date with the Galaxy - the first of three matches in eight days. They host Houston Dynamo FC three days later, then travel to LAFC on the following Saturday. The two Southern California-based clubs are above the playoff line, while Houston are tied for the final spot entering this weekend.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy
Regular Season Week 13 - VWFC Match 13
Saturday, July 17, 2021 - 7 p.m. PT
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, UT
TV: TSN1/4 - RADIO: AM730
Prematch show: TV: 6:30 p.m. PT - RADIO: 6 p.m. PT
INJURY REPORT
Caio Alexandre: PROBABLE - adductor tightness
Bruno Gaspar: OUT - left ankle sprain
'CAPS AT THE GOLD CUP
Lucas Cavallini and Maxime Crepeau are away with the Canada MNT at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Cristian Gutierrez has been added to the roster while remaining with VWFC unless called upon.
July 11: 4-1 win vs. Martinique
- Cavallini: 1 assist in 28 substitute minutes
- Crepeau: 1 save in full 90-minute appearance
July 15 vs. Haiti
- Cavallini: 63 starter minutes
- Crepeau: 3 saves in full 90-minute appearance
July 18 vs. USA
KO Stage: July 24 to August 1
