The Vancouver Whitecaps return to their home pitch for the first time since August 15 as they look to end their long five game losing streak. They face a Colorado team that has also struggled since the beginning of July picking up seven points in thirteen matches. Both teams come into this meeting desperate for points as they look to capture the final spot in the playoffs.
In goal the Caps will turn to Brad Knighton for this game and possibly for the rest of the season where he will have Jay DeMerit and Martin Bonjour in front of him. On the outside of the backline will be Lee Young-Pyo and Alain Rochat both of whom can be expected to attack the Rapids from the wide areas.
The midfield will have Jun Marques Davidson playing in front of the backline while Gershon Koffie and Barry Robson will be more in attacking roles. Darren Mattocks should see the start up top with Dane Richards and Camilo playing on either side of him.
The Whitecaps and Rapids have a very even history in the MLS each winning two games a piece with Colorado being on top both times last year. The Whitecaps have won twice this year with 1-0 scores on both occasions.
Look for the Caps to take advantage of the wide areas as they should be crossing balls into the box as much as possible. In fact both goals came from open play crosses with Chiumiento finding Le Toux at home and Harvey finding Mattocks in the Rockies.
The Whitecaps return back home to BC Place after being away for four games and five weeks overall and hope that the advantage can help them in procuring the club a full three points. In the four games away scoring was the biggest issue as the Caps were only able to score once against the Timbers.
While the Rapids have struggled to score this season that doesn’t mean that they are void of difference makers. Up top both Casey and Cummings have a history of breaking games wide open while Rivero and Castrillion are contributing this season. In addition the Caps can’t ignore the capabilities of Jeff Larentowicz who can score at any time from any distance.
Both teams have a sense of desperation as they enter this match with the Caps especially try to avoid a collapse of epic proportions. A full result will give Vancouver a four point lead over FC Dallas with each team to play four as well as memories of a five game losing streak erased from their memories.
WHO’S ON FORM
There is no doubt that Brad Knighton was easily the man of the match for the Whitecaps in their last game against FC Dallas. The keeper looks to have secured the starting spot from Cannon for the remainder of the season after putting in some solid performances.
On a whole the Rapids have struggled to score recently but Jaime Castrillon has provided some dangerous play from the wing positions. The speedy Colombian is leading the club in goals scored this season including three game winning goals.
(image courtesy of whitecapsfc.com)
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