The Whitecaps play the first game of a home and away series versus the Galaxy at the StubHub Center this weekend. The last trip to LA earlier this year ended with Kekuta Manneh rescuing a point against a 10 man Chivas USA. Since joining MLS in 2011, Vancouver has never picked up a point on the road against the Galaxy. Over the course of 4 games in California, LA has scored 10 goals in 4 victories against the ‘Caps. During these 4 losses Vancouver has scored just 1 regular season goal.
After some lopsided results in 2011 and 2012, the Whitecaps did look stronger against the 4 time MLS champs in 2013. The improvement began with a beautiful 3-1 victory at BC Place for the home side after which people were singing Russell Teibert’s name in the streets. Teibert scored 2 goals in that game.
After a slow start to the 2014 season the Galaxy finally found their form last weekend when they dominated Chivas USA and sailed easily to a 3-0 victory. Vancouver is coming off a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to the Rapids. Picking up a road point or 3 will be a tall task for Vancouver. Reo-Coker, who has recovered from his concussion, will likely be reintroduced into the Whitecaps lineup. Reo-Coker missed two games with a concussion but before that he was far from his best. Carl Robinson will be hoping Nigel can give his team a needed boost. Matias Laba did not make the trip to LA due to the red card he received against Colorado. Darren Mattocks scoring drought is a thing of the past now that he has his first of the season and his coach will be hoping he can add to his tally. Mattocks did score Vancouver’s lone playoff goal against the Galaxy back in 2012.
A positive result in LA will be a long shot for Vancouver but if Vancouver’s offense fires on all cylinders then this game could be very interesting.
(image courtesy of whitecapsfc.com)
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