After failing in the in their attempt to capture the Voyageurs Cup against TFC, the Whitecaps will turn around and travel to Portland to face their second Cascadian rival in as many weeks. Last week the Caps were swept by the Timbers in their two meetings as they lost 2-1 on the road and 1-0 in the opening game at BC Place. The game in Portland will also be the club’s final game in a stretch that saw them play nine matches in less than thirty days.
The starting lineup could go any way considering all the fixture congestion but expect Joe Cannon to once again get the start in goal. There are questions in the backline due to injury and fatigue as the ankle injury to Alain Rochat, while not listed by MLS, could be a concern. While either or both Lee Young-Pyo and Martin Bonjour could see the bench due to fatigue, there should be no doubt that DeMerit will be on the pitch.
In the midfield, Chiumiento should start as the attacking midfielder considering he was on the bench for the mid-week game with Koffie pairing with either Thorrington or Davidson on the backline. Up front, Le Toux will most likely start, he has yet to miss a match against a MLS opponent, and he should be joined by the youngsters Omar Salgado on the left and Darren Mattocks in the middle.
The Timbers have struggled in the goal department as their players have only scored nine so far this season with an additional two being helped in by their opponents. Bringing in Kris Boyd from overseas has yet to live up to expectations as his three goals have him in nineteenth spot on the MLS scoring list. However, the Scot is very capable of breaking out of his struggles at any moment and the Caps will need to work hard to keep him in his funk.
2012 second overall pick Darlington Nagbe also has three goals and is starting more as the striking partner for Boyd while both Chara and Alhassan are threats to score from the wing. Portland missed the presence of Jack Jewsbury in the middle of the pitch as last year’s team MVP was forced to play right back for a few games due to injuries.
The Caps will attempt to stretch the backline of Portland using the pace of Mattocks, Salgado and Le Toux by providing them through balls or long balls over the backline. Chiumiento will be the main key to this service especially if the Whitecaps decide against starting either or both Rochat and Lee. Fatigue may also be a factor when it comes to how much the midfield and backline can contribute to the attack.
It will be a major sign of character if the Whitecaps can respond to their mid-week loss to Toronto FC in the Canadian Championships. If they can end this long stretch of matches with a win the Caps will be able to break the twenty point barrier with just under two thirds of the season left. While it may not be a Cup it definitely will be something the Caps can hang onto going into the international break.
WHO’S ON FORM
Considering his strong play there was some surprise and questions as to why Davide Chiumiento didn’t start in the second leg against Toronto FC. When he did come on in the final minutes the play in the midfield for Vancouver improved as they were able to maintain possession better and create more opportunities to find the equalizer.
With the Timbers struggling to score goals it is goalkeeper Troy Perkins who has stepped up his game to keep his club from falling in the standings. Prior to allowing the goal against Chicago last week, Perkins had gone 372 minutes straight of shutout keeping.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
