VANCOUVER, BC – Carl Robinson’s ‘Caps have a chance to make history tonight as they get ready to face Montreal Impact in the decisive second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship Final at BC Place. Tickets: http://ow.ly/RmFRz.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: Sportsnet ONE RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
ENDING THE HEARTBREAK
It’s probably fair to say that the ‘Caps have had their fair share of ACC heartbreak. Indeed, the Blue and White have been runners up in three of the past four years as Toronto FC and Montreal Impact have monopolized the trophy.
So the big question on everyone’s lips is: “Will this be the year?”
We’ll have to wait until the final whistle on Wednesday to find out, but one thing's for sure: the ‘Caps are taking this very seriously.
“It’s our time,” Pa-Modou Kah told reporters after training on Monday. “We want to make history. I feel it’s about time that we win it. With the group we have, we’re not waiting for another year or two. No, we want to win it right now.”
“It’s not about how much money you earn throughout your career; it’s about trophies,” Robinson added. “It’s important for the club. Very important. And the players are aware of that. They’ll do their very best and give their all like they always do. And if it’s our day, it’s our day. If it's not our day, [Montreal will have to] earn it because they’re in our house.”
STARTING XI
Robbo has chosen to rotate his squad in previous rounds of the Canadian Championship, shuffling his pack in order to keep players fresh as the ‘Caps battle for silverware on three fronts. However, with the Voyageurs Cup on the line, all eyes will be on Robbo’s starting XI when they take to the field for tonight’s crucial second leg.
“It will be based upon who I think is ready,” the coach said when questioned by reporters on Monday. “We’ll put a strong team out; there will be changes, but it’s a team I think can go out and win the game.”
One player who’ll hope to be in contention on Wednesday night is Pa-Modou Kah, who sat out Saturday’s win over FC Dallas with a facial injury that will require him to wear a specially designed mask over the coming weeks.
“I always want to play,” the experienced centre back told reporters. “But it’s not up to me to decide. The coach decides and it’s always about the team, but I’ll always be ready.”
DELICATELY POISED
Despite giving up a two-goal lead at Stade Saputo on August 12, the ‘Caps are still very much in the driver's seat following the first leg thanks to crucial away goals from Darren Mattocks and Pedro Morales. Those strikes should stand the home team in good stead should Wednesday night’s match end in a stalemate, but Robbo refuses to let his side rest on their laurels.
“The first leg is over,” he said. “It’s one game of football. We need to win the game. If we win the game we manage to get a piece of silverware, if we don’t win the game they get to take it home again, so it’s a game we need to try and win.”
The ‘Caps coach is also wary of the threat that Montreal pose – even without the likes of Didier Drogba and Ignacio Piatti.
“We’ve got to be very careful of Montreal," he said. "They’re a very good team, Frank [Klopas] is a great coach and they’ve got great players; so we’ll have to be mindful of that.”
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