Can Whitecaps pepper Salt Lake and snap the skid?
The Vancouver Whitecaps host Real Salt Lake on Friday in a crucial game for both Major League Soccer teams. While the Caps have lost three in a row, RSL hasn’t been any more consistent, failing to win consecutive games this season. They have yet to win away from Rio Tinto Stadium this year. Tonight’s game at B.C. Place Stadium starts at 7:30 p.m. (TV: TSN; Radio: TSN 1040 AM):
THE CAPS VS. THEMSELVES
It might feel hyperbolic to call this a must-win being just eight games into the season, but a fourth straight loss would cause the Whitecaps to tumble even further down the standings in a hypercompetitive Western Conference full of teams with more talent and money at their disposal.
The pressure is mounting and the frustration was evident in the melee last week in Kansas City, one that resulted in the league fining the Caps for their second violation of the league’s mass-confrontation policy.
More than any other aspect of Friday ’s game, they have to put the frustration and pressure aside and focus on keeping their discipline and 11 men on the field.
NEXTMANUP
Carl Robinson’s penchant for having depth at every position is going to be put to the test with injuries and suspensions to three starters.
Striker Kei Kamara is still questionable with an abductor strain, while Yordy Reyna and Efraín Juarez are serving one-game suspensions for their roles in last week’s fracas against Kansas City. Friday will see the ninth different starting 11 for Vancouver. Anthony Blondell will get the nod up top, but who will slot in behind him?
Is Jordon Mutch’s hamstring healthy enough for him to start? Will the Caps, who are further depleted on the back line after loaning Doniel Henry to the Ottawa Fury for a conditioning stint, attempt to play three at the back again? It’s been deployed in two lopsided losses, but did exhibit some offensive positives.
ROLE REVERSAL
The world has been asking the Caps for pass-happy, entertaining football and the team happily obliged in Salt Lake three weeks ago, holding the balance of possession (53.4 per cent), outshooting RSL 11-9 — with a 4-3 on target advantage — and earning six corners to the home side’s one.
But RSL hit back on two counters to steal a 2-0 win.
The beautiful game had a not-sopretty result.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” RSL coach Mike Petke said this week. “We were fortunate enough to get a result off of them at home, but going to Vancouver is a different animal with the turf and the way they play.”
SNAKE-BITTEN STRIKER
Blondell has made two starts for the Whitecaps, slotting into the 11 against Atlanta and Kansas City.
Both times the Caps have seen red cards vaporize their game plan with Blondell having to be subbed off early for a defensive player. It’s tough to get a measure of his potential, albeit he did hook up well with Reyna early on in K.C.
“I’m disappointed for Anthony Blondell,” Robinson said Monday.
“I thought he was exceptional on (April 20). And in the two games (he’s) played, we’ve gone down to 10 and nine men (and) unfortunately I’ve had to make tactical substitutions where he’s come off. He’ll get an opportunity (Friday) . ... I think the best two bits of football we had (versus Sporting) came through Anthony.”