BRONX, NY – Vancouver Whitecaps FC face a hungry and star-studded New York City FC side in their first-ever visit to famed Yankee Stadium today.
KICKOFF: 1 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040 | SEA TO SKY KIT: Shop now
Here are three storylines for the match.
PARKER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
All eyes will be on Tim Parker today as the native New Yorker comes home with a tall task at hand.
Not only will he be playing in front of over 300 friends and family, he will be manning the middle without centre back partner Kendall Waston, who is serving a one-match suspension after receiving a red card on Wednesday.
Facing a big-name attack featuring David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, Parker will have his hands full. Pa-Modou Kah, who came on in the second half of the last match after Waston was sent off, could slot into the lineup alongside Parker to help contain the NYC offence that also includes Thomas McNamara and Mix Diskerud.
BOLAÑOS V PIRLO
Christian Bolaños opened his MLS account in spectacular fashion last Wednesday, nailing a left-footed volley off a corner kick against Sporting Kansas City.
This comes timely as the 'Caps will need his experience against NYC today, having faced Pirlo in the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Costa Rica defeated Italy 1-0. As a member of F.C. Copenhagen, Bolaños also played the Italian midfielder and his Juventus side in the 2013 UEFA Champions League twice.
Pirlo has been quiet so far in 2015, at least when it comes to his offensive production, but has the ability to strike anytime. He played 77 minutes Wednesday against Montreal Impact so it will be interesting how much action the 36-year old midfielder will see.
THE HOUSE THAT GEORGE BUILT
Today's fixture marks the 'Caps first-ever visit to the famed Yankee Stadium.
The site has witnessed countless historic events and legendary figures throughout the years, and the 'Caps would like to add to their own history in New York that includes a historic 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl championship at Giants Stadium.
What's next in store for Whitecaps FC in the Big Apple? Tune in at 1 p.m. PT on TSN1 to find out.
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