The Whitecaps look to continue their strong start in Week 5 as they visit the San Jose Earthquakes which will be their second straight road game. In addition to their unbeaten streak the Caps are looking to extend their shutout streak which is at 360 minutes so far. The Earthquakes have also impressed defensively as they have only allowed one goal which was scored on a penalty.
Joe Cannon returns to his old stomping grounds in San Jose where he was a fan favourite and will play in front of a backline of Lee, DeMerit, Bonjour, and Harvey who once again starts for the injured Alain Rochat. Providing coverage for the defenders will be holding midfielders Davidson and Watson while Thorrington will look to provide more punch in the attack. After a game off, due to a knock, Eric Hassli returns to the starting eleven as the target striker with Chiumiento and Le Toux playing out wide.
The Whitecaps are looking for better connections between the defenders and the attackers and it looks as though Rennie will turn to Thorrington who will play more of a central role in this game. Even if the service improves the Caps need to get Hassli and Le Toux on the same page soon as both players have been able to connect near the box. There may be more 4-4-2 play which will have Le Toux move up and Watson playing wide on the right side.
If the Whitecaps want to extend their streak of not allowing goal, they will need to keep track of Chris Wondolowski who after coming off seasons of 18 and 16 goals has already four in four games. Normally clearing the space for the all-star is Steve Lenhart as the burly striker likes to get under the skin of the opposition, but a late injury to Lenhart could have Alan Gordan find his way into the starting eleven. Another player who is looking dangerous for the Earthquakes is for former Cap Shea Salinas who has a goal and assist in four starts.
While the Caps have impressed with their defensive play, three goals in four games will not be enough to get results every week. They will need to show more bite in the final third against the Quakes who possess one of the most dangerous attacks in MLS. If they are able to get a result then the Caps will match or surpass their point total on the road last season.
WHO’S ON FORM
When YP Lee was signed in the offseason there were questions as to how effective he would be at his age in the MLS. After four starts there is no doubt that the Caps have one of the better right backs in the league as he has been able shut down the attacks from out wide.
After scoring over 30 goals over the last two seasons, Chris Wondolowski is off to another hot start scoring four goals in four games. The all-star striker like to roam around so the Caps will have to track Wondolowski as he is capable of scoring from almost anywhere in the final third.
(image courtesy of whitecapsfc.com)
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