The Whitecaps are starting with a clean slate tonight against Chivas USA with the coaching change this week from Thordarson to Soehn. While there will be tactical changes in store for the club, it still unknown how quickly the new coach will implement them. One decision that will be made is who will replace Terry Dunfield in the central midfield as he is off on international duty with Canada for the Gold Cup. Will Chiumiento be moved to a central attacking midfield role or will he bring in Brovsky, who has started in that role. Another couple of options to pair with Gershon Koffie are MLS vets Peter Vagenas or Kevin Harmse, both of who have not seen a start this year.
On the backline Knight, DeMerit and Rochat should return to start this game with there being a chance that Akloul steps in for Janicki in the other center half spot. Up front there is little doubt that both Hassli, two game scoring streak, and Camilo, earned a penalty kick last week, will start and we should see Salgado come off the bench to spell one of the starters. Nizar Khalfan is away for an African Cup qualifier and if Chiumiento is moved inside then Salinas and Teibert should start on the wing. Another big change could be in goal as goalkeeper coach and Jay Nolly’s biggest supporter Mike Salmon was let go with Thordarson which may mean that Joe Cannon sees his second start of the year.
On the other hand, Chivas USA, from last weeks starting eleven, have lost three starters (Moreno, Elliott, and Boyens) to international duty and one player Flores to suspension. They will miss these players in addition to Conrad, Gaven and Bowen who are still listed as injured. In fact Chivas will be missing six players from the starting line-up that took the pitch at Empire six and a half weeks ago. Another factor could be travel as both teams played over the weekend but Vancouver will have to travel down the coast and Chivas had to fly back from Ohio where they drew Columbus at three goals.
A coaching change sometimes brings instant results for the club making the transition as the players are looking to impress the new coach. Coupled with the fact that Chivas are very shorthanded with injuries and international call ups, this could be a great chance for the Caps to pick up their first road win. The Goats did not have to deal with players like DeMerit, Salinas and Koffie in their first meeting while Hassli was not in true form as he was playing in fear of getting more cautions.
The Whitecaps must not approach this road match like the others in the past, with tentativeness, and must try to pressure a weakened backline that gave up three goals against the low scoring Crew last week. There are many in the MLS world that have questioned this coaching change which was made so early in their first season. A positive result in the midweek return matchup with Chivas USA will go a long way to proving those experts right or wrong.
(image courtesy of Bob Frid)
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