The Whitecaps play their second match of the week as they look to rebound after a 3-1 midweek loss to Sporting Kansas City. After two straight 3-1 losses in addition to playing twice this week, Martin Rennie and the Whitecaps are looking to make some changes in order to find a spark in the final third. Some of the changes may have been planned already but some are due to the inspired play late in the game against Sporting Kansas City. In their two meetings against FC Dallas last year, the Caps were unable to collect a single point losing 2-1 at Empire and then 2-0 in the road in Texas.
Joe Cannon should see his seventh start in goal as well as Lee, DeMerit and Bonjour penciled in on the backline for the same period. There is a small possibility that Alain Rochat, after missing three games due to a knee injury, returns to the left back spot with Harvey returning to the bench. The two central midfielder spots could go to Koffie, Thorrington, or Davidson depending on if Rennie will look to rest Thorrington.
It gets a little muddier when it comes to the starters on the wings or up top but it looks as though Camilo will return from injury to play on the right and Omar Salgado on the left. At the striker positions, it looks as though Hassli will be on the bench as the Caps will go with Le Toux pairing with either Harris or Chiumiento.
The midfield will be available for the taking for the Caps against FC Dallas as the Texas side could be without three of their best options as David Ferreira and Ricardo Villar look to be ruled out and Andrew Jacobsen is doubtful to start. Because of these injuries, the Caps will have to look to defend wide as FC Dallas will look to work the wing especially with Brek Shea. Their most dangerous player this year has been Blas Perez who arrived this year and has made an immediate impact.
The Caps are looking to change their fortune with a different combination of attackers that will be able finish their chances in the final third. Against SKC, Camilo entered the match with 30 minutes to go and created more chances instantly while Omar Salgado’s cross from the left led to their only score. It will be Salgado who will be lining up against the weakest part of the Dallas backline as their regular starter, Hernan Pertuz, will play with a knock suffered last week.
The Whitecaps have another opportunity to prove they can play with the best as they have only collected a single point against 2011 MLS playoff teams. As much as the first games gave supporters optimism that this was a new beginning, the last two have reminded many of the 2011 Whitecaps. While the players seem to still be buying into the system that Rennie has laid out, it will be the results on the pitch that will prove things are still progressing.
WHO’S ON FORM
Having only played 30 minutes against SKC, Camilo came on as a sub and changed the dynamic of the match as he attacked the backline. It looks as though the Brazilian is over his quad injury, making him ready for his starting eleven, and will give Rennie attack options on the wing or up top.
FC Dallas has been looking for a striker for some time and may have found one in Panamanian International Blas Perez. Of the eight goals scored this season by Dallas, Perez has been directly involved in 75% of them with 3 goals and 3 assists.
(image courtesy of Bob Frid/Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
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