KEY PLAYERS
Attacking
It was a surprise that the Whitecaps didn’t start Camilo Sanvezzo on the weekend against FC Dallas but surely he will see action against the Eddies. The Brazilian will be needed to attack off the wing and force mistakes from a backline that is still a work in progress.
If Edmonton is looking to create goals they will need Canadian Shaun Saiko to provide some attacking flair from the wing. The Middlesborough trained winger is looking to return to the form he had in 2011 when he was the club’s most valuable player.
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Defence
The majority of supporters will finally get to see Johnny Leveron in game action in his first start with the senior team. He should be at full fitness and will provide the Caps with enough grittiness and skill in the center of the backline.
The most dynamic player for the Eddies could be Lance Laing who will be making runs down the left sideline. Expect him to whip in crosses which have been a problem for the Whitecaps this season and the main reason for the majority of losses.
WHO'S ON FORM
Based on the reserve game and the putrid affair versus FC Dallas Greg Klazura may the best player going into this match versus the Eddies. Against RSL in the reserve league the Notre Dame grad continually pushed forward as he attacked the box on a consistent basis.
Added late in the preseason Daryl Fordyce has already gained some accolades as he was named to NASL best XI for the second week. The Northern Ireland native is a danger to score up front but has yet to get a shot on target missing on his four attempts.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Vancouver Whitecaps (4-3-3)
R to L - Brad Knighton; Greg Klazura, Johnny Leveron, Brad Rusin, Jordan Harvey; Gershon Koffie, Daigo Kobayashi, Russell Teibert; Camilo, Darren Mattocks, Kekuta Manneh
FC Edmonton (4--3-3)
R to L - Lance Parker; Antonio Rago, Edson Edward, Adrian LeRoy, Lance Laing; Chris Nurse, Massimo Mirabelli, Neil Hlavaty; Saun Saiko, Michael Cox, Daryl Fordyce
2013 RECORD
Vancouver Whitecaps:
2W-2D-3L-8P
7th in Western Conference
Last Match: 2-0 Loss at FC Dallas
FC Edmonton:
0W-1D-2L-1P
6th in NASL
Last Match: 2-0 Loss at Minnesota United FC
OVERVIEW
The Voyageurs Cup competition returns this Wednesday as Vancouver Whitecaps travel to face FC Edmonton. This is the second season in a row where the two clubs will face each other in the semi-finals, with Vancouver winning the two leg affair last year.
The lineup, especially at the back, will have a different look with Brad Knighton slated to start in goal for the semi final. There will be changes in the backline, with Jordan Harvey and Greg Klazura starting at the fullback positions while Johnny Leveron and Brad Rusin should partner in the middle.
The midfield will likely have a Canadian in the line-up at least, with Russell Teibert. Gershon Koffie and Daigo Kobayashi should make up the rest of the middle, as Matt Watson hasn't travelled. The forward ranks should have Darren Mattocks in the middle with Kekuta Manneh and Camilo on the wings.
This season the Eddies will be a much tougher team to face with culture of the team changing after the hiring of Colin Miller. He will not allow his team to give an inch and the players will fight harder with him as the gaffer.
Due to the late start in the NASL schedule Edmonton has only had three games to work out their problems. They have faced bad luck this season and the Eddies have deserved more than one out of the nine available points.
It seems like the Whitecaps are taking a strong attacking contingent to the Alberta capital as they look to grab a good enough lead that will make the second leg an easier match. With all due respect to the NASL side it would be a complete disaster for the Caps if they came back with anything but a win.
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