Tune in on matchdays for a one hour pre-match show and one hour post-match show as Colin Miller and Corey Basso call the action live on AM730. Sunday’s pre-match show kicks off at 10:00 a.m. PT at whitecapsfc.com/am730.
Here are Colin’s keys to the match for the ‘Caps road match at Sporting Kansas City.
Spacing defending wide players
One thing that Sporting Kansas City like to do is use the full width of the pitch in possession.
That makes spacing for the ‘Caps really important, especially their fullbacks.
While the SKC wide players hug the touchline, if the ‘Caps fullbacks tuck in too close and defend too narrow, then it can leave them exposed for balls in behind them.
And if they leave them with too much space out wide, that can also leave them vulnerable to crosses as we saw in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Wide players staying on the touchline was one thing that I hated to deal with as a defender.
It will be important for the ‘Caps to get good pressure on the ball.
Depth of squad
With Sunday being the third match in a week, the depth of the squad will be tested.
For the guys coming in, either from the start or as substitutes, this is their time to make an impact.
We’ve seen players like Ryan Raposo subbing on consistently, and nearly score a late winner against Toronto. Now they need to make the difference.
This is one of many occasions of fixture congestion in the coming months, so the full squad will be tested big time this season.
Direct and positive transition
The SKC fullbacks like to get high and forward to bring numbers into their attack, but that also leaves spaces in behind.
The ‘Caps will need to be alert to those counterattacking opportunities and move quickly to find and exploit them with positive and direct passing.
Caio Alexandre had a number of good progressive passes on Wednesday, and Lucas Cavallini snuck past the Minnesota backline with a breakaway chance.
More opportunities like that could come on Sunday, and it will be important for the ‘Caps to capitalize.
Just like Wednesday, this is setting up to be another very exciting and entertaining match. I’m looking forward to joining Mr. Basso for the call starting at 10 a.m. PT on AM730.
