VANCOUVER, BC – After a rare break, it’s back to work for Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday as Carl Robinson’s men attempt to avoid the sweep against Colorado Rapids.
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Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
THE BUG
Since their 1-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City back on July 12, the ‘Caps have gone unbeaten at BC Place, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two in a five-match spell across all competitions. It’s an impressive run, and one that silenced the criticism that had come after Vancouver's home woes early in the season.
A number of players have contributed to the team's recent success, but the catalyst might just be Cristian Techera. The 5-foot-2 winger, who is affectionately known around these parts as "The Bug," has enjoyed a rich vein of form in August, notching three goals and two Budweiser Man of the Match awards for his efforts in front of the home faithful.
“He’s a terrific young player,” Robinson said after the Uruguayan’s two-goal performance against RSL on August 8. “I know he can play across any of the front three positions. Obviously, maybe not centre forward because he’s lacking a bit of height in that way. But his brain is fantastic.”
RED HOT RAPIDS
Colorado are red hot as they come into Wednesday’s game at BC Place. Pablo Mastroeni’s team are on a three-game win streak, having dispatched Chicago, Houston and Sporting KC during August. Despite their recent resurgence, the Rapids currently sit second bottom in the Western Conference, seven points adrift from the sixth and final playoff spot.
Don’t let their standing fool you into thinking that Wednesday's encounter will be an easy ride for the boys in Blue and White, however. Lest we forget the Rapids have had the better of the teams’ encounters so far this season, having beaten Robinson’s team twice during the corresponding fixtures at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Clearly, the ‘Caps will have a battle on their hands if they’re going to set the record straight.
BOUNCING BACK
The good news for anyone who felt deflated after the recent loss in Houston is that the ‘Caps don’t dwell on defeats. In fact, one of the keys to Vancouver's season so far has been their ability to bounce back after a loss.
Whitecaps FC are 6W-1L-1D in matches directly following a loss this year; a run of form that suggests the home team stand every chance of taking something away from Wednesday’s match at BC Place. And should they come away with three points, the 'Caps would once again sit atop the MLS table.
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