Caps cast a gaze toward Canadian Championship

The Vancouver Whitecaps may be struggling in the Major League Soccer standings, but it’s a clean slate in the Canadian Championship. They face the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo today (4:30 p.m., streamed at CanadaSoccer. com)

The Caps are coming off a frustrating 3-1 loss to D.C. United on Saturday, while Montreal beat San Jose at home. The two teams will play the second leg of their aggregate-goals series a week from now at B.C. Place Stadium.

KEY MATCHUP

Teibert versus Caps’ recent run

There are a lot of questions to ponder with this Caps squad. As we’ve seen of late, they aren’t travelling well and they aren’t defending well. This week, Russell Teibert seems likely to lead the squad from midfield. The Niagara Falls, Ont., man had a strong start to the season, but, for whatever reason, has fallen from favour with the coach.

He’s a strong tackler and his passing this season has been solid. Plus, he’s the all-time Canadian Championship leader for appearances.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

1. B Squad

Coming off Saturday’s 3-1 loss in D. C. and with a home clash next Saturday against Seattle, it stands to reason manager Carl Robinson will go to his bench to fill out his list.

“There will be a freshness in the team,” Robinson said Monday.

2. Waston return?

Last week, Robinson hinted that Caps captain Kendall Waston might be fit enough to play on the weekend, but he didn’t. The same question mark hangs in the air mid-week, but it’s possible the skipper could be back in the mix in Montreal.

If he can’t play, it stands to reason either Jose Aja or Aaron Maund will get the start at centre back. Given the three-Canadians minimum in place for the championship, you assume Doneil Henry will be the other centre back.

3. Marinovic ready for comeback

Stefan Marinovic has missed 10 straight MLS games. He made the bench on Saturday. Like Waston, if he’s fit — and it’s clear he is — it stands to reason he’ll be in the lineup today, a good chance to get back in the swing of things before Saturday.

4. Keep an eye on the kids Simon Colyn and David Norman Jr. seem like good shots to take spots on the bench. If they get on the field, it will be a Whitecaps senior debut for each, both of whom have come through the Caps’ residency program.

The Caps also signed Michael Baldisimo, another residency graduate, to a first-team contract Tuesday and said he could be involved today

5. Fortress Montreal

The Impact, who come into today’s game having won six of their last eight MLS games, have never lost a Canadian Championship game at home.

The Caps have played in Montreal three times in CC competition; the Impact have won one of the three matches, the other two were draws.