VANCOUVER, BC – Following a 2-0 defeat in Texas last weekend, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-3L-2D) now return home to host FC Dallas (6W-1L-1D) in the second of two consecutive matches against the current MLS leaders.
Saturday's match between Whitecaps FC and FC Dallas kicks off at 3 p.m. PT and is live on Sportsnet ONE and Bell mobile devices. 'Caps fans can also listen to Saturday afternoon’s match live on TEAM 1410 radio andteamradio.ca, starting with the pre-game show at 1 p.m. PT. TEAM 1410 will also have a two-hour post-game show, which will begin following the match.
*Whitecaps FC will wear their alternate Arbutus Brown kits for the first time this season
In between this rematch the ‘Caps earned a 3-2 midweek victory against NASL side FC Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium in the first leg of the 2013 Amway Canadian Championship semifinals.
Now, Vancouver turn their attention back to MLS play as they seek redemption against their Texan rivals.
WHITECAPS FC
The ‘Caps are coming off of a come-from-behind 3-2 win over FC Edmonton on Wednesday in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals. Two goals from Camilo and a late winner from Tom Heinemann earned the Blue and White the advantage heading into Wednesday’s second leg at BC Place.
WATCH: 'Caps prepare for FC Dallas rematch
Prior to this past Wednesday's match, Whitecaps FC suffered a 2-0 defeat last Saturday against this same FC Dallas team. An unfortunate bounce off of Brad Rusin gave the Hoops their first goal of the match, while striker Blas Perez sealed the deal for Schellas Hyndman’s side, as they maintained their position as the top team in the league. The match also saw Heinemann and midfielder Matt Watson make their first starts of the season.
In terms of injuries, the ‘Caps will be without striker Corey Hertzog (concussion symptoms) and will continue to be without captain Jay DeMerit indefinitely due to a left Achilles tendon rupture. Kenny Miller (hamstring) is listed as questionable.
FC DALLAS
With a 2-0 victory in hand last Saturday, the Hoops will look to continue their successful spell and remain at the top of the league table.
WATCH: FC Dallas make another long video
As seen in their last outing against Hyndman’s side, Whitecaps FC will have to watch out for the attacking ability of striker Blas Perez, who currently leads FC Dallas with three goals on the season. Setting up scoring opportunities will be midfielders David Ferreira and Jackson, who have combined for five assists so far this year.
On the injury front, the Hoops will be without defender Ugo Ihemelu and midfielder Peter Luccin, both on the IR with a concussion and torn ACL respectively. The visitors will also be missing defenders Walker Zimmerman (groin injury) and Stephen Keel (quad strain). Midfielder Ramon Nunez is questionable after recovering from a torn ACL, while forward Jonathan Top is also questionable with a right groin strain.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
WATCH: 'Caps fall 2-0 to FC Dallas last week
This Saturday’s match will be the seventh all-time battle between Whitecaps FC and FC Dallas in MLS action. The ‘Caps hold a 1W-5L-0D overall record against their Western Conference rivals. At home, the Blue and White hold a record of 1W-2L-0D against the Hoops.
This weekend's clash will mark the 55th time that Whitecaps FC play a club from the Lone Star State. Overall, Vancouver have a record of 30W-20L-4D against Texan clubs, including an 11W-5L-0D record versus Dallas Tornado between 1974 and 1981 while Whitecaps FC were part of the old North American Soccer League (NASL).
NEXT-UP
Following Saturday’s rematch, the ‘Caps will host another return affair as they welcome FC Edmonton on Wednesday, May 1 in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship (ACC). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.
After their ACC clash, the ‘Caps head back on the road to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 4 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
