The Whitecaps enter this weekend’s fixture against Chivas USA with many injury concerns and will look to start their sixth different starting eleven in as many games. The injury list includes five players that would be considered starters with Jay DeMerit and Greg Janicki missing on the backline while Shea Salinas, Terry Dunfield and John Thorrington missing in the midfield. In the case of the central midfield, the Whitecaps are down to their 5th and 6th options when it comes to starters.
Despite the missing pieces the Whitecaps will have some their players available for selection against Chivas, including designated player Eric Hassli. The French striker has had quite a roller coaster of a ride to start his MLS career with 3 goals and 2 ejections in 3 appearances. The Caps will look for Hassli to use his size as he will tower over the Chivas backline without Jimmy Conrad (concussion) or Andrew Boyens (match fitness). Chivas doesn’t have a defender over six feet.
Atiba Harris has taken a lot of punishment in the first four games and should get the game off, so look for Camilo to start with Hassli up front. If there was any doubt that the Brazilian was a flash in the pan, Camilo proved that he can continue to score in this league. He has now scored three goals in three starts as well as earning a penalty kick converted by Hassli. Camilo has also shown toughness that proves he can handle the physical play of the MLS.
In the midfield the fans will see Russell Teibert and Davide Chiumiento reunite together as the wide midfielders for the first time since the opener. Both players will have to play a significant role in the attack as they will be a key in making runs and providing service for the strikers up front. Watch for Chiumiento to float around the pitch and attack the box more. Rookie Jeb Brovsky gets his second straight start while Nizar Khalfan moves inside and starts for the first time in the central midfield. Both players need to play a simple game and avoid turning the ball over which will give Chivas easy chances.
After another injury to DeMerit means that Alain Rochat will return to the middle of the back line to anchor the defense. While Rochat was brought in from Switzerland to play as a left back, he has been invaluable at centre half. In fact the team have had their best defensive matches (against the Revolution and Union) when Rochat was asked to lead from the centre back position. Despite the poor play, he gave the ball away and was unable to handle Houston’s speed, Blake Wagner will most likely see another start as the Caps lack depth on the left side, especially at full back. The other two defenders, Jonathan Leathers at right back and Michael Boxall at center back, are getting better with every start as their confidence continues to grow.
There may be a switch at the goalkeeper position as Joe Cannon may take over for Jay Nolly as the starter. While Nolly was only at fault for the third Dynamo goal, he lost a race to a ball and Will Bruin slipped it into the open net, it may be time for coach Teitur Thordarson to see what he has in the MLS veteran. In his only start of the season against Philadelphia, where Nolly nursed a sore shoulder, Cannon made some significant saves and was very vocal in organizing the backline.
If the Whitecaps want to compete for a playoff spot, they have to find a way not to give up points at home and be able to get full results. The full three points are especially required when facing teams that are perceived by experts to lack talent. With a week off, expect the Whitecaps to bring more energy to the pitch than what they brought to the Houston fixture. The Caps need the central midfield combo of Brovsky and Khalfan play close to a mistake free game and avoid turning over the ball. After losing 3-1 to Houston, the Whitecaps need to bounce back and prove that they are a team that can compete in the MLS.
