VANCOUVER, BC - Whitecaps FC resume league play as they rev up for the middle stretch of the MLS regular season against New England, who feature a number of familiar faces. The Vancouver attack comes in full throttle as of late. In the back, the ‘Caps engine is powered by David Ousted, who hits the century mark in MLS matches today. Tickets are still available.
KICKOFF: 4 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are three storylines for the clash at BC Place.
FAMILIAR FACES
The New England roster boasts a number of players many Whitecaps FC fans are very familiar with, most prominently Gershon Koffie, but the Ghanaian is expected to miss the match due to injury.
Koffie was traded by Vancouver earlier this year, leaving the 'Caps as the all-time leader in MLS starts and appearances, a record since surpassed by Jordan Harvey.
Also on the Revs is goalkeeper Brad Knighton, who made 19 starts in net for the 'Caps from 2012 to 2013. Midfielder Daigo Kobayashi donned the Blue and White in 2013, tallying three goals and four assists. Midfielder Lee Nguyen was also a member of the club, originally allocated to Vancouver when he joined MLS prior to the 2012 season.
Nguyen is a regular on the Revs XI, while Kobayashi is an integral cog off the bench.
FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS
After a slow start, the 'Caps attack has found its rhythm, netting at least two goals in six of their last eight matches across all competitions. The only outliers are the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinal versus Ottawa Fury FC when the 'Caps fielded a young lineup, and the 1-1 draw versus Houston Dynamo when they played with 10 men for majority of the match.
Vancouver will be without Octavio Rivero, who has scored a goal in each of his last three starts, while he serves a one-match suspension. Also suspended are Kendall Waston and Pedro Morales, while back from Copa América are Blas Pérez and Christian Bolaños, who scored or assisted in five straight matches earlier this season.
OUSTED AT 100
In net for Vancouver is David Ousted, but that comes as a surprise to no one.
The Great Dane, who signed a multi-year contract extension prior to the 2016 MLS season, is making his 100th MLS appearance, including playoffs.
He has started every league match for the 'Caps since making his debut in August 2013. Ousted has been nothing short of magnificent for Whitecaps FC, and today should not be any different.
Be there at BC Place or tune in on TSN1. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 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.
