VANCOUVER, BC – In a rematch of their first ever MLS Cup playoff match in 2012, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-4L-2D) host two-time defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy (4W-2L-2D) this coming Saturday, May 11 at BC Place.
Saturday's match between Whitecaps FC and LA Galaxy is SOLD OUT. Tickets remain for the next home match, May 18 vs. Portland Timbers: ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc
Kickoff on Saturday is at 4 p.m. PT and is live on Sportsnet Pacific, live.mlssoccer.com (all matches on MLS Live will be available free this weekend), and Bell mobile devices. Sportsnet will have a 30-minute pre-game show, beginning at 3:30 p.m. PT. 'Caps fans can also listen to Saturday afternoon’s match live on TEAM 1410 radio andteamradio.ca, starting with the pre-game show at 2 p.m. PT. TEAM 1410 will also have a two-hour post-game show, which will begin following the match.
Following a disappointing result on the road this past Saturday against Real Salt Lake, Whitecaps FC will look to rebound in front of a large home crowd as they take on the Galaxy, who currently sit tied for second in the Western Conference.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
The ‘Caps are coming off of a 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake this past Saturday, May 4. Second-half goals from Luis Gil and Javier Morales gave RSL the win, leaving the 'Caps stuck on nine points and in eighth place in the Western Conference.
<a href="//www.youtube.com/embed/jnN0vQGE4JI"></a> |
<b>'Caps prepare to host LA Galaxy at BC Place</b> |
Despite the loss, the Blue and White will need to stay positive as they head into a crucial stretch of their season. On Saturday, Whitecaps FC will look to dispatch the Galaxy and secure their first ever MLS win against LA.
Following this weekend, the 'Caps play the first leg of their Amway Canadian Championship final away to Montreal Impact on Wednesday, May 15. Vancouver then host Portland Timbers on Saturday, May 18, then have a bye week before hosting the decisive second leg of the ACC final vs. Montreal on Wednesday, May 29 at BC Place.
In terms of injuries, the 'Caps will continue to be without captain Jay DeMerit indefinitely due to a left Achilles tendon rupture, as well as midfielder/striker Omar Salgado who underwent successful surgery after re-fracturing his right foot. Striker Kenny Miller (hamstring) is listed as questionable.
LA GALAXY
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<b>Galaxy preview match vs. 'Caps</b> |
The defending champions are coming off of a 1-0 defeat to Houston Dynamo in a rematch of the past two MLS Cup finals. Midfielder Landon Donovan failed to convert a first-half penalty kick and Dynamo winger Andrew Driver rifled in a goal in the 56th minute to avenge their heartbreak.
Head coach Bruce Arena brings a side loaded with talent, featuring the likes of Irish international striker Robbie Keane, American international defender Omar Gonzalez and striker Landon Donovan, and current MLS leading goalscorer Mike Magee.
In terms of injuries, Jack McBean is out with a fractured left-clavicle, while goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, defender Todd Dunivant, and Keane are all listed as questionable.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This Saturday’s match will be the seventh meeting between the two sides in MLS action. The ‘Caps hold a 0W-5L-1D overall record and a 0W-1L-1D record at home against the Galaxy.
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<strong>2012 MLS Cup playoffs: LA Galaxy 2-1 Whitecaps FC</strong> |
In their last meeting, the Blue and White lost their first ever MLS Cup playoff match to the Galaxy, 2-1 at The Home Depot Center. Darren Mattocks scored early for the underdog 'Caps, netting a goal in just the third minute of play, but Magee equalized in the 69th minute and Donovan scored the winner with a converted penalty on 73 minutes.
The 'Caps also faced the Galaxy other in two friendly matches when Vancouver were a North American second division club. On November 7, 2007, the 'Caps drew 0-0 with LA at BC Place, while on May 13, 2008, Vancouver defeated the Galaxy 2-1 in Edmonton.
Whitecaps FC have an all-time record of 13W-21L-1D versus clubs from LA, including a 10W-9L overall record and a 3W-7L record versus the Los Angeles Aztecs while the ‘Caps were in the old North American Soccer League (NASL).
There are also a few connections between the two clubs. ‘Caps goalkeeper Joe Cannon played for the Galaxy in 2007 and was teammates with Donovan at LA and San Jose Earthquakes, while Keane and Young-Pyo Lee were teammates at Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League.
NEXT UP
Following this match, the ‘Caps will travel to Montreal to face Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo in the first leg of the 2013 Amway Canadian Championship (ACC) final on Wednesday, May 15. Following the ACC clash, Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers come to BC Place on Saturday, May 18. Tickets are still available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.
