The Whitecaps are playing in their third road game of their MLS season and are still looking for a result as they fell in Philadelphia and Houston. In the previous two games they were close to getting a result in Philadelphia, playing with ten men for 30 minutes and giving up a late goal, while in Houston the game was a lot closer as individual mistakes led to the goals. They are coming off a road win Wednesday when they defeated the Montreal Impact, their hated rivals and next year’s MLS entrant, 1-0 in the Voyageur’s Cup. The Whitecaps should see both their midfield and backline at their strongest since the early part of the season as their roster seems to be getting healthier.
With Eric Hassli serving another suspension and Atiba Harris injured Camilo will be the main striker for the Whitecaps. The Brazilian has scored three times this season and will have to expect more attention from the Crew’s defenders. The Caps will have either Nizar Khalfan, who played striker last season, or Omar Salgado start alongside Camilo. Making his first start since game two of the season, Russell Teibert had a great game against Montreal as he was the most dangerous player in the final third. Teibert can hurt the opposition with his accurate crosses as well as his speed down the left wing as he set up the only goal versus the Impact.
After playing in the African Youth Championship, Gershon Koffie also returns to the Whitecaps and will pair with Terry Dunfield in the central midfield. With the Crew’s offense coming off the wings, Jonathan Leathers and whoever plays on the left side will have to be aware of Robbie Rogers and Eddie Gaven. Who starts on the left side will depend on if they feel Greg Janicki or Mouloud Akloul is ready to go at center back which will allow Alain Rochat to move outside.
If Salgado doesn’t start up front, the Whitecaps will be lacking a true target man as both strikers will be less than six feet tall which will change their tactics going forward. The Caps will have to be patient when on the attack as they face one of the toughest defenses in the MLS. Playing a simple game will help and they will have to get shots on the net if they look to score on William Hesmer. When facing the Crew’s attacking players the Caps have to be aware of their two wingers as Rogers and Gaven are the most gifted offensive players for the Crew. Columbus is a very tough place to play and the Whitecaps will need to be lucky and efficient to get a result in their third attempt on the road this season.
(image courtesy of Montreal Impact/Pepe)
