VANCOUVER, BC - There's a new powerhouse in the Western Conference, and they have a shiny, brand new toy in US men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard. The Colorado Rapids bring their 12-match undefeated streak to BC Place but Vancouver Whitecaps FC have shown this season that they're at their best against the best. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are three storylines for tonight's primetime tussle.
DAVID OUSTED VS. TIM HOWARD
If the 'Caps are to play streak-busters tonight, David Ousted will be the man at the forefront once again.
The Great Dane, who leads MLS in saves with 65, feeds off the energy of the BC Place faithful and will be on his toes against a Rapids team that is fifth in the league in shots on target.
On the other end, Tim Howard's Rapids debut last week could not have gone better, recording a two-save shutout against defending MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers.
This one promises to be a heck of a duel.
AT THEIR BEST AGAINST THE BEST
All of a sudden, the Rapids have a target on their backs as the hunted, leading the Western Conference for most of the season and having already matched their win total last season.
The good news for the 'Caps? Head coach Carl Robinson's boys revel in the role of being the hunter.
Two weeks ago, Whitecaps FC handed then-Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union their first home loss of the season, winning 3-2 at Talen Energy Stadium.
Earlier this year, the 'Caps shut down Western Conference-leader FC Dallas in one of their better outings this season, winning 3-0 at BC Place.
Are the Rapids the next giant to fall to the hungry 'Caps?
OPPORTUNITY UP TOP
After finalizing the transfer of Designated Player Octavio Rivero on Wednesday, all eyes are on Vancouver's forwards tonight.
Erik Hurtado has started five of the last six MLS matches for the 'Caps. Blas Pérez, who scored against Howard in the CONCACAF Gold Cup back in 2007, is also an option. And there's a small chance we could even see Masato Kudo back in the mix, as the Japanese striker has returned to full training after suffering a fractured jaw in May.
Be there to witness the showdown live. Click here for tickets.
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.
