VANCOUVER, BC – Is this the year? The ‘Caps hope to move one step closer to ending their Voyageurs Cup heartbreak tonight as they visit Montreal Impact in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship Final.
KICKOFF: 4:30 p.m. PT TV: Sportsnet.ca, Sportsnet World RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
Is this the year?
‘Caps fans will be forgiven for looking ahead to tonight’s Canadian Championship final first leg at Stade Saputo with some sense of trepidation.
After all, the Blue and White have had their fair share of Canadian Championship heartache over the years with Montreal and Toronto monopolizing the trophy-etching spoils since the tournament was first thrust into existence back in 2008.
“It hurts,” is how Carl Robinson reacted when asked how it feels to have never won the trophy, before promising, “We want to try and have a go at it this year.”
Robinson isn’t the only man with his eye on the prize. There was plenty of desire on display as the ‘Caps met the media before setting off for Montreal.
“Toronto and Montreal have been winning, so for us this is the first step in making history,” said Pa-Modou Kah. “And we want it a lot.”
“We need to get some silverware,” added Jordan Harvey. “Winning brings confidence and we’ve been doing that lately so we need to continue to do it.”
Didi-yay or Didi-nay?
Since his arrival out East there’s been plenty of talk about Didier Drogba’s introduction at Montreal. After winning it all in Europe and starring on the international stage, the Ivorian striker is about to embark on a new chapter of his incredible career with Les Bleus.
The big question on ‘Caps fans’ lips is whether that chapter will have anything to do with Robinson’s team?
Though he was introduced to the Stade Saputo crowd during last week’s 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls, Drogba has yet to feature for the Impact. Should he play vs. Whitecaps FC, either tonight or in the second leg on August 26 at BC Place, then buckle up for an intriguing battle between the former Chelsea forward and 'Caps centre back Kendall Waston.
Who plays?
Eight games in three competitions over four weeks. That’s the equation facing Robinson as the ‘Caps coach looks to guide his team to victory during a busy month of August.
Squad rotation is inevitable as the boss looks to keep players fresh to fight on three fronts, and with today's Canadian Championship clash sandwiched in-between important MLS clashes against RSL and Sporting Kansas City, it will be interesting to see what kind of side takes the field at 4:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
“It won’t be the same team that played Saturday,” is how Robbo responded when asked about his upcoming selection by the media on Monday. “We’ll get some freshness in the team, but it won’t be 11 changes.”
Whitecaps FC will host the decisive second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship Final on August 26 at BC Place. Tickets are still available.
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