VANCOUVER, BC – A busy month that sees the ‘Caps play eight matches across three competitions gets underway this week as the Blue and White get set for a crucial Cascadia clash in Seattle. Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: TSN1 RADIO: TSN 1410
MISSING MAURO
As we mentioned during last week’s pre-match ramble, Mauro Rosales has been simply magnificent since he stepped into the shoes of the injured Pedro Morales in early June. As if to prove the point the Argentinian midfielder put in a Man of the Match performance last Saturday, picking up a goal and an assist during the 3-1 win over San Jose.
“Immaculate person, immaculate player” is how Robbo described the 34-year-old after the match; so you can imagine the news that Rosales would miss this weekend’s trip to Seattle with a groin strain came as something of a blow to the boss. “I was really annoyed,” Robinson told reporters after training on Tuesday. “The thought of not having Mauro this weekend is a tough one to take because it’s his old club and I’m disappointed for him because his levels have been so high this year.”
Fortunately with Nico Mezquida impressing over recent weeks as well as Cristian Techera (suspension) and Pedro Morales (injury) returning to the matchday squad; Robbo’s got no shortage of midfield options to choose from come 7 p.m. on Saturday.
SQUAD ROTATION
August is shaping up to be a busy month for the ‘Caps. Alongside five big MLS matches, the Blue and White are also set to play their first CONCACAF Champions League match as well as an ACC double-header against Montreal Impact.
"It really is a great challenge for us," is how coach Carl Robinson described the upcoming challenge. "Who knows the outcome? In five weeks, I'll either be stood here with a big smile on my face or I won't."
Whilst we won’t know the results until the end of August what we do know is that the ‘Caps coach will need to shuffle his pack in order to keep players fresh for the upcoming fixture congestion. “Rotation of squad will be paramount for us,” Robbo told the media after training on Thursday. “I get reminded that I've played different lineups in most of the games I've played. Nothing will change there."
SHOW ME THE MANNEH
Over the past few seasons Kekuta Manneh has been the proverbial thorn in the Sounders’ sides. Frist came that hat-trick at CenturyLink Field, then last season the fleet-footed winger did it again with the first half strike that clinched the Cascadia Cup.
“He’s got a thing for scoring goals against them (Seattle) and I hope it continues on Saturday.” Robbo said when questioned about Manneh’s record in Seattle. “He’s a dangerous player for us and he’s in a very good run of form at the moment. If he continues with that, we know he can cause problems.”
“It’s an exciting place to play,” Manneh admitted to reporters after training on Thursday. But when asked if he could explain his headline grabbing exploits at CenturyLink Field the Gambian gave a suitably humble response. “It’s about the whole team. The past couple of years, the senior players have been pushing me, just telling me these are the games that you need to show people that you can show what you’re made of.”
Let’s hope Scooter shows them again this Saturday!
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