COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO – With the transfer window now on the rearview, the next chapter of the 2016 MLS regular season goes underway as Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Colorado Rapids get to test out their new acquisitions at Dick's Sporting Goods Park tonight.
KICKOFF: 6 p.m. PT | TV: TSN2 | RADIO: TSN 1040
Here are the storylines for the Western Conference clash:
NEW FACES
Who would've thought little more than a week ago that we would be talking about Giles Barnes and Sebastian Le Toux in the buildup to tonight's match?
But here they are, most likely headlining the attack for their respective new sides, after each was acquired in the past week.
Barnes is expected to slot in Kekuta Manneh's usual position on the left while the winger recovers from a foot injury, while Le Toux replaces Luis Solignac, who the Rapids traded to Chicago.
It will be interesting who will fit in with their new clubs faster.
MOMENTUM IN THE ALTITUDE
The 'Caps have been reeling on the road as of late, getting blanked in their last three fixtures away from the friendly confines of BC Place.
However, they can use the momentum from Tuesday's CONCACAF Champions League opener, picking up a huge win in hot and humid Trinidad and Tobago.
Whitecaps FC face a different beast in the Rapids while battling the altitude in Colorado. They showed a lot of character in the scoreless draw two weeks ago versus Houston, and it will take a similar effort to steal a point tonight.
THE SHIELD AND THE LINE
Tonight's matchup showcases two teams battling for position in the Western Conference standings.
After leading the pack earlier in the season, the Rapids have dipped to second and look to keep pace with FC Dallas if they intend on contending for the Supporters' Shield. The Toros are ahead by six points on the Rapids, but Colorado enter the weekend with three matches in hand.
On the other end, the 'Caps are looking to stay above the red line, ahead of seventh-place Portland Timbers by the slimmest of margins.
Can the 'Caps finish their road trip with a crucial three points? Tune in to TSN2 to find out.
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.
