Marc Weber's guide to tonight's game versus Charleston
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS VS. CHARLESTON BATTERY
Tonight, 7 p.m.
Swangard Stadium
Radio: TEAM 1040
TV: Shaw
Records:
Whitecaps (7-4-3, 13 GF, 12 GA), Battery (9-4-3, 23 GF, 14 GA)
The skinny:
Teitur Thordarson is hoping a five-day break has reenergized his squad, which went 0-2-2 in its last four USL-1 games. The clash against front-running Charleston is the first of six games in two weeks for the Whitecaps, who sit tied with Rochester for third place but have games in hand on everyone in the league.
Whitecaps notes:
Despite the week off, there are injury concerns in Vancouver's camp. Speedy right fullback Lyle Martin (leg), who has played more minutes than any Whitecap this season, and tricky wing player Justin Moose (groin) could both miss the game. Centre back Omar Jarun (hip) could give way to newcomer Wesley Charles. Forward Eddy Sebrango has five goals; the rest of the club has eight.
Battery notes:
Charleston is off to an impressive start but has enjoyed a home-loaded schedule so far. Including tonight, they play 11 of their final 14 games on the road, where they are 1-2-1 thus far. The Battery have scored the most goals in the league with former New York Red Bulls striker Randi Patterson tied for second in USL-1 scoring with seven goals. Midfielder Osvaldo Alonso is a key player, too. The Battery boast former Canadian international and Whitecaps defender Mark Watson as an assistant coach.
Halftime:
The Province's own metro news editor Paul Chapman will be in net as the TEAM 1040 morning show hosts Barry MacDonald and Scott Rintoul, and producer Trevor Martins, compete in the third event of their Morning Show Pentathlon: The penalty kick shootout.
© The Vancouver Province 2008
