The Vancouver Whitecaps head back on the road and visit Sporting Kansas City for the second time this year, this time at Livestrong Park. It was an unforgettable first meeting for the team and its supporters dunned the “Miracle on Hastings” as the Whitecaps came back from a three goal deficit, including scoring two in injury time, to steal a point. The Caps hope they can victimize the Kansas City side and surprise many with their first win on the road this season.
Expect very few changes in the line-up from last week that picked the club’s second victory of the season against the Union. After a slow start in the beginning of June, the partnership of Eric Hassli and Davide Chiumiento is starting to flourish. This is especially true for Chiumiento who, after the switch from wing to withdrawn striker took time to adjust to the new role. Sporting will have to deal with Hassli for the first time this season as the French striker was missing due to suspension.
The sidelines will be patrolled by Salinas and Camilo as both wingers bring pace and make good runs at defenders. Salinas especially seems to have regained his form from the preseason injury that sidelined him at the beginning of the season. The central midfield is a little up in the air as it will be a combo of Dunfield, Brovsky or Koffie starting. While most people are down on Dunfield for the odd giveaway, the former Man City product is the hardest working and best passing central midfielder.
The Caps they are starting the same backline for the third straight game, a rare thing for Vancouver, as Rochat and Leathers return to the full back position and DeMerit partners with Boxall centrally. DeMerit, on international duty for their first matchup, will likely matchup with Bunbury while Leather will have the task of slowing Omar Bravo on the attack. The backline will be defending in front of MLS veteran Joe Cannon.
It’s unsure who Sporting Kansas City will start, since they also played a midweek game, but the Caps must be prepared for the three pronged attack of Bravo, Bunbury and Kamara. All three are capable of scoring from anywhere near the box and the Caps will need their midfielders to assist on the defensive front. The Caps need to test Jimmy Nielsen regular by moving the attack wide as Sporting’s weakness on the backline are their fullbacks who are either missing on international duty or are injured.
This could be a great opportunity for the Whitecaps to pick up their first victory on the road as this will be their opponent’s second game in three days. Kansas City has yet to be dominate at home as their best game since the opening of their new park has been on the road in Dallas. One thing is for sure is that the Whitecaps can’t afford to fall behind by three goals again and expect a miracle.
Image courtesy of Bob Frid / Vancouver Whitecaps
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