VANCOUVER, BC – The ‘Caps return to CONCACAF Champions League action this Wednesday as they host Honduran champions C.D. Olimpia at BC Place. Tickets still available: http://ow.ly/ScSx2.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TV: Sportsnet One/Sportsnet World RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
STANDINGS
It’s been more than a month since Whitecaps FC hosted their first ever Champions League match, an all-MLS clash with Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC that ended in a 1-1 draw. But while Carl Robinson’s team have been busy with league and Amway Canadian Championship action, their Group F opponents have faced off against each other twice with each side winning their respective home match.
As things stand, Group F is wide open and the team’s fate is very much in their own hands but with the ‘Caps keeping one eye on their crucial MLS run-in, what can fans expect from Wednesday night’s encounter?
“It will be different,” Robinson told reporters at training on Monday. “Obviously it’s a CONCACAF game. There are different things at stake, there will be different personnel on the pitch … but it’s a game of football at the end of the day and when you cross that white line you’ve got to try and win the game.”
NEW OPPONENTS
A new opponent will enter the arena on Wednesday night as the ‘Caps prepare to welcome C.D. Olimpia to BC Place. Olimpia certainly have pedigree. Formed all the way back in 1912, the visitors are Honduras’ most successful team with 29 titles to their name. They’re also CCL veterans with eight consecutive appearances in the tournament dating back to 2008-09.
The Honduran champions will offer a change of pace for fans who are used to a steady diet of MLS action, and a stern challenge for Robinson’s team who won’t be as familiar with Olimpia as they are their usual opponents.
“It’s difficult,” Robinson said about scouting the visitors. “Having the contacts down in Honduras that we do is very helpful. We watched them in depth so we know what they’re about. Tough team, very physical, very good team. Obviously top players in their team as well and they’re well coached so it’s going to be a super game for us.”
PREQUEL
Wednesday night’s match will be a prequel of sorts for Vancouver football fans – not only for the corresponding fixture in Honduras on October 22 but also a dress rehearsal of sorts for the Canadian men’s national team match on November 13.
After an 11-year wait, the Canadian Soccer Association announced on Monday that the Road to Russia 2018 would go through Vancouver, as the national team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Honduras would be held at BC Place.
"When I was a younger, I had a dream to play in front of my family," said Whitecaps FC midfielder Russell Teibert, a member of the Canadian national team. "My family is in Toronto. I’ve lived that dream. Vancouver has become my home now. The fans, they’re my family. When I say it’s a dream to play in front of my family, it’s a dream to play in Vancouver and I couldn’t be more excited."
It’s now easier than ever to be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver. Get 2016 Season Tickets for as little as $35/month all in.
