VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC host longtime rival Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday at BC Place in their second-to-last home match of the 2016 season.
KICKOFF: 5 p.m. PT | TICKETS: http://ow.ly/6aws304FgQt | TV: TSN2 | RADIO: TSN 1410
Limited tickets are still available.
As announced earlier this year, there will be increased seating capacity at BC Place for Sunday's match and Vancouver's regular season finale vs. Portland Timbers on October 23.
STORYLINES
Big stakes: The ‘Caps are big-time underdogs to reach the playoffs at this point. There’s no denying it. In fact, they need to win on Sunday to stay mathematically alive. That said, they're still very much in the race to win the Cascadia Cup. A point on Sunday would eliminate Seattle and set up a winner-take-all showdown in Vancouver’s regular season finale vs. Portland on October 23. Seattle, meanwhile, are tied with Portland for the sixth and final playoff spot in the West. They still have everything to play for.
Rubber match: This will be the third and final meeting between Vancouver and Seattle this season. The ‘Caps won the first one 2-1 thanks to a pair of Pedro Morales penalties, but Seattle responded with a 1-0 victory last month, dealing a massive blow to Vancouver’s playoff hopes in the process. Can the ‘Caps return the favour on Sunday?
Playing for jobs: Carl Robinson has made it no secret that there will be changes this offseason – and that these next few games are an opportunity for his players to stake their claim on a roster spot for 2017. It’s something the players are thinking about, too. “We’re professional soccer players,” said Whitecaps FC defender Jordan Harvey. “The motivation is providing for families, keeping your jobs.”
No Lodeiro: Uruguayan attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro has played a massive part in Seattle's push to the playoffs, recording three goals and eight assists in 10 appearances. But he won't be in the lineup on Sunday due to caution accumulation. Seattle is also without Clint Dempsey (irregular heartbeat). Can they get the job done without them?
KEY MATCHUPS
Tim Parker (Vancouver, D) vs. Jordan Morris (Seattle, F): With Kendall Waston suspended, expect Parker to step back into the centre of defence for Vancouver. His task? Shutting down Morris, who has three goals in his last three games and 12 goals on the season. Both Parker and Morris came through the American college system. This is Parker’s second year in MLS, and Morris’ first. It should be a fun battle to watch.
Matias Laba (Vancouver, M) vs. Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle, M): These are two of the best defensive midfielders in MLS. Laba leads MLS in tackles, while Alonso leads the league in touches, successful passes, and passing accuracy. They may not be the flashiest players, but they're both crucial to the success of their respective teams.
QUOTABLE
"It's very important to me and my players and the club that we try and get the better of them," Robinson said of Vancouver's Cascadia rivals. "Obviously those organizations will be saying the same. I'm sure there'll be blood, sweat, and thunder come Sunday. Which is what we all want to see – plus some goals."
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver. Get 12 per cent off 2017 Whitecaps FC Full Season Tickets from Sept. 22 - Oct 3. Click here for more information.
