Will Caps havea solution for Revolution?
The Vancouver Whitecaps (4-5-4) host the New England Revolution (5-4-2) today at B.C. Place Stadium starting at 2:30 p.m.
KEY MATCHUP
Felipe vs. the high press
The Revs are known for putting pressure on the ball in the opposition half to create turnovers, but that strategy has its risks. If Felipe, the former New York Red Bull, can find the space and time to look vertically, there is opportunity for the Caps to go on the offensive.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH 1. It’s a (offside) trap!
The Whitecaps are second overall in the league in getting caught offside, at 2.8 times per game. At home, that figure jumps to 4.5, tops in MLS.
The Caps forwards love to constantly maraud and probe the back line for holes to exploit from balls deep in their own end. It may not produce pretty possession soccer, but if the Revs press, watch for a quick vertical counter.
2. Let’s get information
Russell Teibert led the team in touches (55) and successful passes (59) against FC Dallas last week, moving back atop the team’s passing percentage table at 90.3. Teibert will likely get the start today alongside Felipe in central midfield.
Teibert’s honey badger defensive play frees Felipe to be more of an offensive facilitator.
3. Kamara kickstart
Since returning from his groin strain, striker Kei Kamara has done just about everything except score, which he remedied with his ice-cold 100th-minute penalty in the Dallas heat. It might just jumpstart him for today ’s game, his first against his former team.
4. Road worriers
The Revs have been bad on the road. How bad? Since losing the MLS Cup final in 2014, New England has just nine road wins.
New England has won just twice in its last 23 road games, going 2-17-4, dating to Sept. 26, 2016.
5. Playing on the front foot
The Whitecaps have trailed in all but four games this season, and one of those was a scoreless draw. Since a March 17 game against Atlanta, they ’ve held the lead for 100 minutes total, a span of 11 games.
It’s a trend they need to turn around to have success.