Whitecaps host Sounders tonight
Vancouver-Seattle rivalry renewed with playoff implications
VANCOUVER — A streak will end when the Vancouver Whitecaps host the Seattle Sounders in a key playoff battle tonight.
The Whitecaps (11-7-9) are unbeaten in six league matches, while the Sounders (12-5-9) are on a historic tear, winning their last eight games.
A single point separates the teams in the race for the MLS Western Conference’s last post-season spot, with Seattle holding the edge.
The Sounders are a strong squad, but the Whitecaps are ready to do whatever it takes to secure three vital points, said centre back Doneil Henry.
“We’re looking to ruin their party,” he said after training on Friday.
It’s not the first time this season that Vancouver has gone into a match looking to end another team’s streak, noted coach Carl Robinson.
On Aug. 11, they beat Portland 2-1, handing the Timbers their first loss in 15 games.
“Every game that we seem to play that’s of major significance is a streak-buster,” Robinson said.
But no one expects tonight’s bout with Seattle to be easy, especially coming off the FIFA international break week, the coach said.
“We will try to play spoiler,” Robinson said. “And it’ll be down to the players . . . which players perform on the day after a break will probably be the team that wins.”
All week, Vancouver has been mentally preparing for a “defensive battle,” Henry said.
“Every game we go into now, the margins for mistakes are smaller, so I just want to go into the game committed and fight for the guys to the left and the right of me,” Henry said. He noted that Seattle isn’t inclined to give up goals. The Sounders have allowed just 27 this season, the fewest in the MLS. Vancouver has 52 goals against. Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston said he and his teammates will be looking to stop Seattle’s key players from adding to that total.
They’ll be keeping an eye on Raul Ruidiaz, who has tallied three goals and an assist since he signed with the Sounders in late June.
The Peruvian striker likes to get in the box and score, Waston said.
The Whitecaps will also be watching out for midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who’s put up 11 points in Seattle’s last 11 games and been dangerous for the Sounders this season.
Lodeiro scored both of Seattle’s goals when the Sounders beat the Whitecaps 2-0 on July 21.
That game was the beginning of the Sounders’ win streak and also the last time the Whitecaps posted a loss in MLS play.
Robinson said his team made two mistakes early in that match and will be looking to avoid a repeat performance tonight.
“We’ve got to make sure that those mistakes are limited, that we don’t give away anything that isn’t earned,” he said. “And then we try to put our stamp on the game.”
SEATTLE SOUNDERS (12-5-9) AT VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (11-7-9) Tonight, 7 p.m. PT, B.C. Place
CASCADIA CUP: A win or a draw for the Sounders would see them clinch the Cascadia Cup. The annual competition between Seattle, Portland and Vancouver began in 2004. The Whitecaps could win the trophy for a seventh time if Seattle loses tonight and Vancouver earns a win or draw against Portland on Sept. 28.
REYNA OUT: The Whitecaps will be without forward Yordy Reyna, who has provided an offensive spark recently. The 24-year-old Peruvian national has five goals and nine assists this season, including eight points in his last five games. He is suspended for tonight’s match after he collected a fifth yellow card while playing against San Jose on Sept. 1.
NO EMNES: The newest Whitecap won’t be in the lineup tonight. Dutch national Marvin Emnes signed with the team earlier this month, but head coach Carl Robinson said he needs more time to get his fitness up before he’s game ready. The 30-year-old winger/forward spent 12 years playing in top leagues in England, the Netherlands and Turkey before joining Vancouver.