VANCOUVER, BC – When it comes to games in August, they don’t get much bigger than this.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC host longtime rival, defending MLS Cup champions, and co-Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday night at BC Place. TICKETS: http://ow.ly/x5JH30eA4N7.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT | TV: TSN | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are the key storylines to watch.
CLOSING THE GAP
The ‘Caps enter Wednesday’s contest sixth in the Western Conference, just above the red line, after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo. That’s six point back of Seattle, who are tied for the top spot in the West, but the ‘Caps have two games in hand.
Will they be able to close the gap?
STREAKING SOUNDERS
It’s certainly not going to be easy.
Seattle are the hottest team in MLS, having won six of their last seven matches during a nine-match unbeaten run. The one to watch for Seattle is U.S. national team striker Clint Dempsey, who has four goals in his last three matches.
MONTERO MAGIC
It was the Fredy Montero show the last time these two teams met.
The former Sounders FC star, who remains Seattle’s all-time leading goalscorer to this date (though Dempsey is hot on his tail), bagged a brace for Vancouver en route to a 2-1 win back in April. Can he play the role of hero again on Wednesday?
Montero has a team-high 10 goals on the season, including four goals in his last four matches.
REYNA’S FOR REAL
I’ve said this before, but it sure seems like Yordy Reyna was worth the wait for Whitecaps FC.
The Peruvian attacking midfielder has added some real flair to Vancouver’s attack after returning from a broken foot suffered in the preseason. Not only does Reyna have a pair of goals, including this world-class curling strike on Saturday, he has made the players around him better.
The ‘Caps are 2W-0L-1D in his three starts, scoring a combined eight goals in those matches.
