VANCOUVER, BC – Following a two-match home stint, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9W-5L-5D) now look to continue their six-match unbeaten streak as they head back on the road to face Los Angeles Galaxy (9W-8L-3D) at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
Saturday's match between Whitecaps FC and LA Galaxy kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and is live on City, Sportsnet Pacific, and Bell mobile devices. 'Caps fans can also listen to Saturday night’s match live on TEAM 1410 radio andteamradio.ca, starting with the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m. PT. TEAM 1410 will also have a two-hour post-game show, which will begin following the match.
Whitecaps FC fans are also invited to the official Whitecaps FC Viewing Party at the Black Bear Pub - 1177 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver. Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. PT and will be hosted by 'Caps legend Carl Valentine. Mingle with your fellow supporters, win prizes, and enjoy the match!
The Western Conference standings are extremely tight these days, with only six points separating second place Portland Timbers from sixth place Colorado Rapids. The Blue and White are currently two points up on the Galaxy, with a game at hand, so a victory would put further seperation between them while a defeat would see LA leap them in the standings.
WHITECAPS FC
The ‘Caps have been on fire of late and are unbeaten in six straight matches, winning five of those contests. In fact, Vancouver have lost only one of their last 10 MLS matches and last 12 in all competitions.
Most recently, the 'Caps won 3-1 against Chicago Fire this past Sunday, July 14. at BC Place. Camilo continued his torrid pace by scoring two goals for the third time in MLS play this season and the fourth time overall. Rookie Kekuta Manneh sealed the match for the ‘Caps with his second goal of the year.
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<b>Last Match: Whitecaps FC 3-1 Chicago Fire</b> |
With his two-goal performance against Chicago, the young Brazilian soared to the top of the MLS Golden Boot race as he now leads the league with 12 goals. For his efforts, Camilo was named MLS Player of the Week for the second time this season - and fourth time in five weeks that a 'Caps player has received the award - as well as a spot on the MLS All-Star team set to face AS Roma on July 31.
Canadians Simon Thomas and Russell Teibert have rejoined the team after missing the past three matches while on international duty for Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Centre back Carlyle Mitchell, meanwhile, continues to be away with Trinidad & Tobago, who have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup against Mexico on Saturday.
Missing Saturday's match due to injury will be captain Jay DeMerit (ruptured Achilles tendon) and Omar Salgado (foot fracture). Centre back Andy O’Brien (hamstring strain) is listed as questionable.
LA GALAXY
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<b>Last match: Portland Timbers 2-1 LA Galaxy</b> |
Bruce Arena’s Galaxy are currently sitting in fifth in the Western Conference and are two points back of the ‘Caps in the very tight conference standings. With the season now past the halfway point, the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy will be looking to leapfrog the Blue and White and take over a home playoff position.
In their last match, LA fell 2-1 to Portland Timbers at JELD-WEN Field in Portland. Midfielder Marcelo Sarvas gave the Galaxy the lead, but a heads up goal from Ryan Johnson equalized it before centre back Andrew Jean-Baptiste headed home the winner in the dying moments of the match to give the Timbers the victory.
Missing for the Galaxy will be midfielder Landon Donovan, who is representing the United States in the Gold Cup. Irish international striker Robbie Keane may also be absent from the lineup, as he is suffering from an ailing hip.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
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<b>May 11, 2013: Whitecaps FC 3-1 LA Galaxy</b> |
This Saturday’s match will be the eighth meeting between the two sides in MLS action. The ‘Caps hold a 1W-5L-1D overall record and a 0W-4L-0D record on the road against the Galaxy.
However, that lone victory for the 'Caps came earlier this season when the ‘Caps earned a thrilling 3-1 win against the Galaxy on May 11 at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Residency product Russell Teibert starred in the amtch, netting two goals, while Darren Mattocks bagged the other.
Prior to joining MLS, the 'Caps also hosted the David Beckham-led Galaxy 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 in front of 48,172 fans, while on May 13, 2008, Vancouver defeated the Galaxy 2-1 in Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium.
Whitecaps FC have an all-time record of 14W-21L-1D versus clubs from LA, including a 10W-9L overall record versus Los Angeles Aztecs while the ‘Caps were in the old North American Soccer League (NASL).
NEXT UP
Following Saturday's Western Conference battle, Whitecaps FC return home to host former striker Sebastien Le Toux and his Philadelphia Union at BC Place in the only meeting this season between the two teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT at BC Place. Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
