WASHINGTON, DC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC look to extend their three-match undefeated streak when they visit D.C. United at RFK Stadium today.
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Here are three storylines for the match in the Capitol.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
After allowing five goals in the first two weeks, head coach Carl Robinson's backline has stabilized, giving up only one goal in the past three matches while showing why they had one of the most feared defences in MLS last season.
Fraser Aird and Jordan Harvey have been solid on both flanks, while Kendall Waston and Tim Parker continue to man the middle. In the Week 4 shutout versus Houston Dynamo, Andrew Jacobson, who began his MLS career with D.C. United, and Pa-Modou Kah stepped in while Waston and Parker were away.
Despite missing one match, Waston and Parker have produced the second-most clearances in the league amongst centre back pairings, combining for 52. Only Real Salt Lake’s Aaron Maund and Jámison Olave have more.
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<b>THE GREAT DANE: David Ousted provides the heroics versus LA last week</b> |
Goalkeeper David Ousted has regained his form after an uncharacteristic start, earning back-to-back MLS Team of the Week selections on the strength of two clean sheets.
They face a D.C. United attack that has found the net only three times in five matches, which could be dangerous if they are due for a breakout. Lamar Neagle, Patrick Nyarko, and Fabián Espíndola have provided their scoring so far.
Neagle is a familiar face for 'Caps fans, having spent the previous six seasons with rival clubs Seattle Sounders FC and Montreal Impact. The midfielder recorded a goal and an assist in Seattle's 3-2 win over the 'Caps in June 8, 2013.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The 'Caps medical staff have had their hands quite full lately.
Already without Russell Teibert and Christian Dean to start the year, injuries started piling up in last week's match when Pedro Morales (left hip strain) and Kekuta Manneh (left ankle) had to leave the game in the first half.
Manneh was back at training this past week, while Morales is expected to be out for weeks after undergoing an MRI on his groin area.
In addition, the valuable Matías Laba will be serving a suspension after receiving a straight red card last Saturday.
Kianz Froese also missed the last two fixtures due to a concussion but he has been a full participant at training so he could be slotted in. Nicolás Mezquida, who was 'effervescent' in his first appearance since August 2015, and Cristian Techera provide Robinson with options.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The 'Caps have found another spark to their offence in right back Fraser Aird, who leads MLS with eight successful crosses and is second on the team only to Morales in chances created with five.
On defence, the Ontario native ranks first on the team in tackles with 16, and second among field players in recoveries with 17. He’s also third in touches with 252, just after Morales and left back Jordan Harvey.
Masato Kudo, back from suspension this week, and Christian Bolaños have also injected energy into the attack when they're on the pitch.
With Morales' status up in the air, Whitecaps FC may have to play without the leading goal-scorer in MLS and will have to get their scoring from another source.
Can the Blue and White continue their solid play in DC? Tune in on TSN1 to find out.
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