LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – One more test before we play for real.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will face LAFC in their preseason finale on Saturday, exactly one week ahead of next weekend’s season opener. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT at Banc of California Stadium – follow Whitecaps FC on Twitter for live updates and stay tuned for post-match coverage.
The ‘Caps are coming off a pair of draws with LA Galaxy and most recently Liga MX side Club Tijuana – a 1-1 result that saw Victor “PC” Giro equalize with a late, right-footed curler from outside the box.
After making 11 substitutions on Wednesday vs. Tijuana, Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos said he will keep more of settled lineup on Saturday against his former club.
“We wanted to make sure we recovered a little bit from the first game, gave the amount of minutes that were right, so we have a group that stays much longer against LAFC and looks more similar to what we could have on March 2,” Dos Santos said. “But still with some question marks. You’re always learning with every game. You’re always looking at players, evaluating a lot of things.”
Of note, Dos Santos finally has his full group of players together after the arrival of strikers Fredy Montero and Joaquín Ardaiz late on Thursday. Montero was fully involved in training on Friday, while Ardaiz spent most of the session working with Whitecaps FC head of physical preparation Jon Poli.
The ‘Caps open the 2019 MLS regular season against Minnesota United FC next Saturday, March 2 at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets for ticket information.
