The Vancouver Whitecaps try to extend their three game unbeaten streak as they will host the Colorado Rapids at BC Place. Losing to the Rapids twice last season, a result on Saturday would be the Caps first against Colorado since joining the MLS. In their first matchup Colorado won 2-1 and followed up in the final game of the season with the same scoreline in Vancouver.
Don’t expect any changes for the Caps from the starting eleven that defeated Houston 3-1 especially on the back end with Joe Cannon starting between the posts. In front of him will be Jay DeMerit and Martin Bonjour with Alain Rochat on the left and Lee Young-Pyo on the right.
There could be a slight change in the midfield as the red hot Gershon Koffie looks to play the tip with Jun Marques Davidson and John Thorrington as the holding midfielders. The three attackers should be Darren Mattocks once again in the middle with Sebastian Le Toux and Davide Chiumiento on the wings.
This isn’t the same Rapids side that the Whitecaps faced last year, despite many of the players being still with the club, as Oscar Pareja has installed a more flowing style of play that is possession oriented when compared to former coach Gary Smith’s straight ahead attack. The change has increased their possession percentage, passing accuracy and an increased number of chances when compared to last season.
There are a number of players for the Rapids that have been brought in to help with the shift in tactics with Martin Rivero being the main figure in the central midfield. The attack runs through the Argentine as he normally is responsible for either starting the play that leads to the goal or just setting up the score himself.
The Caps have run into a bit of good luck when it comes to the Rapids first two choices for central halfs unavailable for selection on. The small but speedy Marvell Wynne is out with an injury while Tyrone Marshall will be suspended for this match. They will look to normal left back Drew Moor and Scot Pagluta to try to contain the speed of Darren Mattocks.
There is no reason to expect the Whitecaps to deviate from their normal attack being spearheaded by their two wing backs, Lee and Rochat. With his steady improvement culminating into his breakout performance last week Gershon Koffie should be in more of an attacking role as he takes the tip of the midfield triangle.
This will be the Whitecaps second match of a three game home stand as the club looks to continue their climb in the Western Conference table. The Caps will look to continue attacking early and catch the opposition on their back foot just like last week against Houston. If they can get the full result from this match the Whitecaps will be within three points of tying their total points from all of their first season in MLS.
WHO’S ON FORM
It was a breakout performance for Gershon Koffie whose passes set up two goals for the Whitecaps in their last game even if he only picked up one assist officially. His play before entering the scoresheet was stellar as well as he continually carved up Houston’s defenders with his passes.
During the offseason Martin Rivero was brought in on loan from Argentina to provide some creativity in the central midfield for the Rapids. After a bit of a slow start Rivero has heated up as he has a goal and four assists in his last six matches as a starter. Even when he doesn’t officially show up in the scoresheet his play will eventually lead to a chance on net or goal for the Rapids.
(image courtesy of whitecapsfc.com)
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