VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC host star-studded NYCFC at BC Place on Saturday as they attempt to cement their spot at the top of the MLS standings.
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. PT TICKETS: Sold out TV: TSN1 (see channel listings) RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
BOUNCING BACK
The good news for anyone who felt deflated after the recent losses to Seattle is that the ‘Caps typically don’t dwell on defeats. In fact, one of the keys to Vancouver's season so far has been their ability to bounce back after a loss.
Whitecaps FC are 7W-2L-1D in matches directly following a loss this year; a run of form that suggests the home team stand every chance of taking something away from Saturday’s match at BC Place. And should they come away with three points, the 'Caps could cement their spot atop the MLS table.
TABLE WATCHING
With only five games left to play in the MLS regular season, it sure looks like the ‘Caps are locked in a battle for the Supporters' Shield. Carl Robinson’s side currently sit top of the standings, tied with the Eastern Conference leading New York Red Bulls on 48 points.
A win on Saturday would cement the Blue and White’s spot at the top of the standings. Also, if results elsewhere go the team’s way the ‘Caps could officially clinch a playoff spot by the end of the weekend’s fixtures.
For that to happen, the ‘Caps would need a victory against NYCFC and a draw between San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake. The two Western Conference rivals face off on Sunday evening, so no doubt there will be some interested ‘Caps fans tuning in to cheer on the stalemate.
A TALE OF TWO TEAMS
Saturday’s match will showcase two contrasting styles of team building. First year expansion team NYCFC have opted to swell their ranks with star power, utilizing their Designated Player slots to bring in European giants in the form of Frank Lampard (37), David Villa (33) and Andrea Pirlo (36). There’s no doubt about the quality that the trio bring to the Eastern Conference side, but with a combined age of just over 35 it’s fair to say they’re in the autumn of their respective careers.
The ‘Caps, on the other hand, have taken a contrasting approach to their recruitment policy. Robinson has made no secret about his desire to develop young players and uncover talent rather than follow the ‘all-star’ route.
“My job is to go and find those little hidden gems somewhere,” the coach told mlssoccer.com this week. “We've managed to do that.”
He certainly has. The ‘Caps boast the youngest squad in the whole league and in Octavio Rivero (23), Matias Laba (23) and Pedro Morales (30), the Welshman has used his DP slots to build a spine for the team that will hopefully be in place for years to come.
Of course, both approaches are legitimate ways to build success, but it will be interesting to see which one triumphs on Saturday at BC Place.
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