In a year of firsts for the Vancouver Whitecaps, this week will see them make their first trip to Toronto to face their Canadian rivals in MLS play. They have previously played at BMO Field, including this year, but they were for Canadian Championship matches. This mid-week is especially significant as both teams will meet each other three days later to play the second leg of the Voyageur’s Cup Final which was initially abandoned several weeks ago.
Both TFC and the Whitecaps have a large number of players listed as injured for this game. The Whitecaps will play without their best playmaker Davide Chiumiento and may also miss their captain, Jay DeMerit, as well as their most dynamic defender in Alain Rochat. In addition to the injured players there may be some resting as the Caps are in a stretch that will see them play five games in fourteen days.
There are two reasons why Eric Hassli will be a key player in the game. First he has feasted on TFC scoring three goals in the two official games and one in the abandoned one. Secondly, he is playing against Henry and Harden, arguably the weakest pair of central defenders currently starting in MLS. If they decide to play their strongest starting eleven then expect Camilo to partner with the big Frenchman.
At the wing position the Caps will most likely start Salinas on the right with either Teibert or Khalfan on the left while the central midfield is a little less clear with the starting two coming from a number of combinations. Because of injuries the backline may also be shuffled with DeMerit and Rochat listed as being questionable for the game. Soehn may even start Jonathan Leathers at left back which would be his first in his MLS career.
There is very little doubt that Joe Cannon will start in goal as he was easily the best Whitecap last weekend in Kansas City. While he did allow two goals, one from a PK and one from point blank range, he kept the game and score line respectable for the Caps.
One advantage the Caps may have against TFC in this game is that Toronto has never faced the Whitecaps with Tom Soehn in charge of the club. The Whitecaps are attempting to play a more of a possession type game which is different from the straight forward game that they played under former coach Thordarson. The change in tactics may also be an advantage for TFC as they were outscored 6-3 in the previous 2.66 matches.
The Caps will need to take advantage of the shaky TFC backline especially the combination of Doniel Henry and Ty Harden at center back. If they can get off to a quick start like in the last two games it will give them an opportunity to conserve energy and force Toronto to come from behind. If Maicon Santos plays the defenders will have make him closely as he may be the only threat for TFC to score with Alan Gordon out with an injury.
With a return match on Saturday for the Canadian Championship, it is very hard to get a good read on this mid-week match in MLS. With the Caps only one point behind their Canadian rivals the game provides them a chance to pass them and get out of MLS basement. On the other hand a win on Saturday would get the club their first trophy in this tournament and a berth into the CCL which is very important to the Caps and their plans for international exposure.
Image courtesy of Vancouver Whitecaps
