VANCOUVER, BC – It’s good to be back.
On the heels of a historic 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls on Thursday in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Philadelphia Union on Sunday at BC Place in their 2017 Major League Soccer season opener (6:30 p.m. PT – tickets still available).
KO: 6:30 p.m. PT | TICKETS: http://ow.ly/5eWC309zpOo | TV: TSN1/4/5 | RADIO: TSN 1410
STORYLINES
Running start: The ‘Caps got off to a dream start by defeating New York in the Champions League quarterfinals, and by doing so in thrilling fashion. It was a huge moment for the club – something the players have been working towards all offseason. Now, it’s important there’s no letdown as they kick off their MLS campaign.
Big absence: Carl Robinson said there will be changes to his starting lineup on Sunday, which is to be expected as the ‘Caps return to action just three days after Thursday’s quarterfinal. How many changes? That will be the key question for Robinson and his staff. Could new Designated Player striker Fredy Montero get his first start after opening his account as a sub on Thursday? Or, will Robinson opt to use him as a weapon off the bench once more as he continues to work up his fitness? Here’s what we know: the ‘Caps coach will be forced to make at least one change, with centre back Kendall Waston serving a suspension from last year’s regular season finale. And that could result in a start for Christian Dean, who missed all of 2016 with a challenging spell of injuries.
Re-Union: Whitecaps FC trio Jordan Harvey, Andrew Jacobson, and Sheanon Williams were all teammates at Philadelphia Union in 2010. Williams, in fact, spent five years with the Union before joining Houston in 2015. It’s time for a re-union at BC Place.
KEY MATCHUP
Alphonso Davies (W) vs. Keegan Rosenberry (RB): It’s a little tough to predict a key matchup without knowing what sort of lineup the ‘Caps field, but this could be one we see at some point in the match. Davies, 16, is an exciting young winger who scored the winning goal for Vancouver in Thursday’s quarterfinal. Rosenberry, meanwhile, is an up-and-coming right back who played every single minute of every match for Philly last year. As a rookie. He was also an MLS all-star. These are two of the top young talents in MLS – and they could go head-to-head on Sunday.
NEXT UP
Following Sunday’s match, Whitecaps FC head on the road to face San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, March 11 before continuing their Champions League journey in the first leg of the semifinals on Tuesday, March 14 in Monterrey, Mexico.
