WASHINGTON, D.C. – From coast-to-coast, we go.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-1D) put their three-match unbeaten streak on the line Saturday afternoon against D.C. United (0W-2L-3D) at RFK Stadium.
KICKOFF: 2:30 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1410
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Another week, another test of depth for Carl Robinson’s side.
Two weeks ago, the ‘Caps grinded out a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo without their starting centre backs. Last week, they lost three players in the first half due to injury and a red card and still managed to hold LA Galaxy to a scoreless draw.
Now, they’re off to D.C. without their two-headed midfield monster.
Pedro Morales (groin) and Matias Laba (suspension) are both unavailable for Saturday’s contest, which gives Robinson some interesting decisions to make in central midfield.
After allowing five goals in their first two matches, the ‘Caps have now conceded just one in their last three. They’ve also recorded back-to-back clean sheets.
D.C. UNITED
It’s been a tough start to the season for D.C. United.
Through five matches, they’re one of only two teams who remain winless (0W-2L-3D). They also have the league’s worst goal differential at -6, which probably has something to do with the fact that their starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid is out long-term with a torn meniscus.
“They haven’t won yet, but they’ve been unlucky,” Robinson told reporters this week. “If you look at the games they’ve played, they started the season early with the Champions League, they’ve got good players in key areas. So it’s going to be a very difficult game for us.”
KEY MATCHUPS
Christian Bolanos/Cristian Techera (RW) vs. Taylor Kemp (LB): Bolanos and Techera both looked pretty lively against LA last weekend, and without Morales, they’re going to be relied upon even more to pull the strings offensively. One of them will likely be matched up against Kemp, a 25-year-old left back with a lovely left foot. Kemp had six assists last season, which was second to only Fabian Espindola.
Tim Parker (CB) vs. Chris Rolfe (F): Rolfe has been one of United’s most dangerous players so far this season. He only has one assist to show for it, but he has still created nine chances, which tops the team. At 5-foot-8, he won’t want to get into any physical battles with Vancouver’s centre backs, but he’s a tricky player who can cause some trouble with his smarts and ability on the ball. Sounds like a good match for Parker, a New York native who expecting to have some family and friends in attendance.
WEATHER FORECAST
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the seventh all-time meeting between the two clubs.
It’s been an evenly matched series, with both teams winning twice to go along with a pair of draws. Last year, D.C. United came away with a 2-1 victory at BC Place – coincidentally after Laba was sent off just before halftime. The ‘Caps are 1W-1L-0D at RFK Stadium.
WHITECAPS FC WEEKEND
Make it a Whitecaps FC weekend.
WFC2 (2W-0L-0D) host Sacramento Republic on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT in their home opener at UBC Thunderbird Stadium. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster or at whitecapsfc.com/wfc2/tickets, or if you're an MLS season ticket member redeem your vouchers through Account Manager.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, 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.
