After a disappointing game against FC Dallas at home the Vancouver Whitecaps return to the road as they travel down the I5 to face the Seattle Sounders for Cascadia bragging rights. The match has importance on two fronts for the two clubs as they are currently battling for third spot in the Western Conference with the LA Galaxy and the chance to hoist the Cascadia Cup this season.
With international duty over and suspension issues there should be at least four changes in the starting lineup but Joe Cannon will remain in the net for the Caps. In front of him the backline will have Lee Young-Pyo on the right, Andy O’Brien in the middle with Alain Rochat sliding to the inside for the suspended Bonjour. Taking the Argentine’s position in the starting eleven will be Jordan Harvey as the left back as it doesn’t look like Jay DeMerit will be ready due to concussion issues.
Gershon Koffie returns from suspension and rejoins Barry Robson and Jun Marques Davidson in the middle of the park. Up top there is doubt that Darren Mattocks and Dane Richards return to the eleven after international duty since neither played significant minutes for Jamaica. The third attacker spot could go to either Camilo or Kenny Miller but the Brazilian should have the edge having shown better form recently.
When the two teams matched up earlier in the season, it was the debut of Darren Mattocks in the starting role and it was clear that the Sounders were not ready for his speed. The rookie looked capable of scoring two to three goals by the half if he was able to finish on half his chances. With the addition of Richards since that game it will be interesting to see how the Sounders backline will deal with that pace.
The Caps were burned by the wide play of Rosales in the last game and can’t allow him to be a factor which means not allowing him any kind of space on the wide parts of the pitch where he can whip in crosses. Organization on the backline will also be a key with Johnson and Montero being strong strikers despite their inability to connect when on the pitch together.
The Whitecaps have yet to beat the Sounders since their arrival in MLS coming close in their first matchup of the season. The winner of this game takes over sole control of the important third spot in the standings as well will put that club in the driver’s seat to become this year’s Cascadia Champion.
WHO’S ON FORM
Everyone could see how much Dane Richards means to the Whitecaps especially after the last game as the winger was away on international duty. He has scored two goals in four starts since arriving from the Red Bulls, including the winner against RSL.
There were many questioned when Seattle acquired Eddie Johnson but it has proved to be their biggest pickup this season. The striker is showing his finishing ability lately scoring six goals in his last seven starts for a total of ten this season.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
