VANCOUVER, BC – There's no better time to turn things around than right now for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as they host rival and the league's hottest team in FC Dallas at BC Place. With much at stake, make sure you're around for this all-important match. Tickets are still available.
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1/4/5 | RADIO: TSN 1040 | SEA TO SKY KIT: Shop now
Here are three storylines for the match.
STATEMENT TIME
The 'Caps have stumbled out of the gates to start the season and tonight's matchup against MLS-leading FC Dallas is a chance for Vancouver to show their mettle.
Historically, they’ve shown they respond well to adversity, not having lost three in a row since August to September 2012.
The last time the ‘Caps lost two straight matches earlier in the season, they answered with two straight wins, beginning with a 2-1 victory over rival Seattle Sounders FC in Week 3.
There are two ways a team can react when backed against a wall - either you get desperate and start doing things out of character and outside of the game plan, or stay within your identity and execute.
With the presence of head coach Carl Robinson manning the sideline, and David Ousted and Kendall Waston marshalling the troops on the pitch, the BC Place faithful can count on the 'Caps to stay calm and in the moment.
The 'Caps will have to contain Michael Barrios, Tesho Akindele, and Maximiliano Urruti, who have combined for 10 goals so far, if they are to pull this one out.
PÉREZ-ROSALES TRADE
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6wng_hYz0k"></a> |
<b>FLASHBACK: Pérez wonder goal, Rosales assist in heated 2014 tilt</b> |
Tonight is the first meeting since Whitecaps FC acquired Panamanian striker Blas Pérez for Argentinian midfielder Mauro Rosales last February.
Pérez, 35, who has declared himself fit and ready for this weekend after missing last week, has started two of his five appearances for the ‘Caps. He made an immediate impact in his first start for Whitecaps FC on March 19, when he drew a foul inside the box to set up Pedro Morales’ game-winning penalty kick goal in the 2-1 victory at Seattle.
Rosales, 35, has made six substitute appearances for his new side. He opened his FC Dallas account last week when he found the net off a 68th-minute direct free kick to give his team a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
The pair used to feature prominently in this rivalry for their respective former clubs, most notably in the form of Pérez's wonder goal against the 'Caps in 2014. Can they add another chapter to this feud, this time wearing their new colours?
RIVALRY RENEWED
It is no secret that there is little love lost between the two sides.
Last year, the two teams faced each other three times, including a home-and-away series in the last month of the regular season with major playoff implications in the balance.
In 2014, the two sides split their regular season series with each side earning a 1W-1L-1D record, and it saw a number of cautions and extracurricular activity between the two clubs after the match.
Whitecaps FC and FC Dallas also met in the Knockout Round of the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs, with FC Dallas prevailing 2-1 after a controversial handball call on Kendall Waston that led to the 84th-minute match-winning penalty kick from former defender Michel.
If the past few years are any indication, there's no way of telling what we'll witness next when the 'Caps and FC Dallas meet. Make sure you don't miss it.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
