<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
For some reason <b>Darren Mattocks</b> didn’t start against FC Dallas last week, coming off the bench as a second half sub. The number one player in the MLS top 24 under 24 should be on the pitch for kickoff where he will utilize his pace against a struggling backline for Colorado.
After a strong start to the season (1G 6A in 12 starts) <b>Martin Rivero</b> has cooled down in his last 13 starts picking up only two assists. The Argentine’s struggles have directly affected the team as their scoring has gone from 24 in the half of the season down to 12 goals in the second half.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
DEFENCE
The Whitecaps need to control the midfield more and need <b>Jun Marques Davidson</b> to return to the form he displayed early in the season, when he was getting some team MVP consideration. He will need to help control the tempo of the game and provide coverage for the backline that will allow the fullbacks to move into the attack.
Standing under 5’10” <b>Marvell Wynne</b> doesn’t fit the normal measurable of a typical central defender but he has enough pace, athleticism and toughness to make up for his lack of size. The Rapids will rely on Wynne and hope he is able to neutralize the speed of Darren Mattocks in the defensive third.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
There is no doubt that <b>Brad Knighton</b> was easily the 'man of the match' for the Whitecaps in their last game against FC Dallas. The keeper looks to have secured the starting spot from Cannon for the remainder of the season after putting in some solid performances.
On the whole, the Rapids have struggled to score recently but <b>Jaime Castrillon</b> has provided some dangerous play from the wing positions. The speedy Colombian is leading the club in goals scored this season including three game winning goals.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
10W-7D-12L
5th in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-0 Loss at FC Dallas
Colorado:
9W-2D-18L
7th in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-1 Draw vs Seattle Sounders
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Doubtful: FW Omar Salgado (foot)
Probable: DF Andy O'Brien (adductor)
Colorado:
Out: DF Anthony Wallace (Achilles), MF Pablo Mastroeni (Headaches), FW Edu (foot), MF Davy Armstrong (personal medical)
Questionable: MF Brian Mullan (hamstring)
Probable: FW Omar Cummings (ankle), FW Conor Casey (knee), FW Tony Cascio (ankle)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
Vancouver Whitecaps return to their home pitch for the first time since August 15 and looking to end their long five game losing streak. They face a Colorado team that has also struggled since the beginning of July, picking up seven points in thirteen matches. Both teams come into this meeting desperate for points as they look to capture the final spot in the playoffs.
In goal the Caps will turn again to Brad Knighton for this game, and possibly for the rest of the season, where he will have Jay DeMerit and Martin Bonjour in front of him. On the outside of the backline will be Lee Young-Pyo and Alain Rochat, both of whom can be expected to attack the Rapids from the wide areas.
The midfield will have Jun Marques Davidson playing in front of the backline while Gershon Koffie and Barry Robson will be in more attacking roles. Darren Mattocks should see the start up top, with Dane Richards and Camilo playing on either side of him.
The Whitecaps and Rapids have a very even history in the MLS, each winning two games a piece, with Colorado being on top both times last year. The Whitecaps have won twice this year with 1-0 scores on both occasions.
Look for the Caps to take advantage of the wide areas as they should be crossing balls into the box as much as possible. In fact both goals came from open play crosses with Chiumiento finding Le Toux at home and Harvey finding Mattocks in the Rockies.
While the Rapids have struggled to score this season that doesn't mean that they are void of difference makers. Up top both Casey and Cummings have a history of breaking games wide open, while Rivero and Castrillon are contributing this season. In addition, the Caps can't ignore the capabilities of Jeff Larentowicz who can score at any time from any distance.
Both teams have a sense of desperation as they enter this match, with the Caps especially trying to avoid a collapse of epic proportions. A full result will give Vancouver a four point lead over FC Dallas, with each team still having four to play. Equally as important, memories of a five game losing streak will be erased from their memories, with confidence high for the next three home games.
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