Whitecaps vs. TFC AT A GLANCE
THREE THEMES
1. Caps seek revenge
The Whitecaps might have captured their first Canadian championship last year if a freak lightning storm hadn’t forced the abandonment of the final at BMO Field when they were ahead 1- 0. The Caps return to the scene of the “crime” with the same 1- 1 first- leg result behind them, which means they have to score at least once if they want to hoist the Voyageurs Cup. Coaches should have no problems motivating players for what is easily the biggest game of the year so far and maybe the biggest game in franchise history.
2. TFC seeks to salvage season
Toronto FC’S shocking futility record in MLS — no wins and nine losses, seven goals for and 21 goals against — has many observers already writing the club off as far as post- season play this year. TFC forward Danny Koevermans says the club is the worst team in the world right now. Ouch! Capturing a fourth straight Canadian title might be all the team can realistically accomplish this season. Whether that’s enough to salvage jobs for Aron Winter and company remains to be seen but you can’t dismiss the club’s deep run to the semifinals in CONCACAF Champions League play this year.
3. Who starts up front?
Players returning from injury have given Caps coach Martin Rennie a myriad of attacking options up front so it will be some combination of Hassli, Le Toux, Salgado, Camilo, Mattocks or Barbara looking to put pressure on TFC defenders. The Caps have scored six goals in three Amway matches so far this month and might need a couple more here. Expect them to be the more aggressive team at BMO Field as a scoreless draw would give TFC the Canadian title.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Eric Hassli, Whitecaps Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the big French striker has clearly recovered from what Martin Rennie recently called “a nightmare scoring slump.” After going 17 games without scoring, he has four goals in his last six appearances — two as a starter and two as a substitute. Nearly got his first North American goal from a header against Seattle on Saturday and his spectacular late- game volley to tie TFC last week might be the best Whitecaps goal anyone scores this season. Ryan Johnson, TFC The Jamaican international forward stunned Caps supporters at BC Place last week with a terrific header — and a huge away goal — to open the scoring in a 1- 1 draw. He says TFC’S brutal start in MLS play this season eats him up inside but he continues to play well, especially in cup competition. Has goals in Toronto’s past two Amway games and scored in both legs of the Reds’ CONCACAF Champions League quarter- final win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.