After last weeks disappointing result on the road against Chivas USA the Whitecaps head out on the road again. Over the last few seasons, games between New England and Vancouver have not lacked goals. In 2012 the Caps lost 4-1 on the road and in 2013 they won 4-3 at BC Place in what was an action packed game which included a red card, a penalty, and one of the best goals in Whitecaps MLS history.
Head coach Carl Robinson will have a new center back pairing this weekend as captain Jay DeMerit did not travel with the team. It was decided he would remain in Vancouver to rest. It remains to be seen who Andy O’Brien’s center back partner will be. Draft pick Christian Dean was subbed on in the second half against The Goats and he did not miss a step as he performed admirably. Johnny Leveron didn’t make the game day roster last week as he was out with a concussion. But he was back to training this week as well as Canadian international Russell Teibert who’s absence was felt against Chivas USA.
Robinson will have an interesting selection dilemma this Saturday. With all of his attacking threats reportedly healthy this means that Darren Mattocks could be pushed to the bench. Mattocks has started the season with a new attitude and has lead Vancouver’s attack. But Kenny Miller and Pedro Morales showed glimpses of great chemistry during the few minutes they were on the pitch together on opening day. The truth is Robinson may have to write to FIFA asking them to increase the number of players on the pitch. How else is he going to fit Miller, Morales, Mattocks, Manneh, Fernandez, Teibert , Laba, and Reo-Coker into his midfield/striker positions?
The Whitecaps will face a New England team that has started the 2014 campaign with two road losses and have yet to score. Ex-Whitecaps Brad Knighton, Daigo Kobayashi and Lee Nguyen all could be in the Revolution starting XI.
(image courtesy of Bob Frid/Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
