<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
While he has yet to score a goal this season through two matches, <b>Eric Hassli</b> is still contributing in other aspects of the game. The big Frenchman is working hard defensively and has started to develop some chances in the box with an improved aerial attack.
After a season which earned him the MLS MVP and a new contract, </b>Dwayne DeRosario</b> and DC United are hoping for a similar performance this year. The Canadian international normally starts as a withdrawn striker/attacking midfielder but will often roam around the pitch which makes him even more dangerous.
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DEFENSE
After scoring the winner last week, as well as his first goal as a Whitecap, Captain <b>Jay DeMerit</b> is proving to be the leader management was hoping for when they signed him. He has performed some physical and timely tackles, yet has been disciplined enough to avoid any cautions.
Brought in to provide leadership on the backline <b>Emiliano Dudar</b> made his debut coming on for the injured Canadian Dejan Jakovic last week. The Argentine central defender is a veteran of the Swiss League and has knowledge of Hassli’s game which will be an advantage for DCU.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
During the offseason <b>Joe Cannon</b> stated on more than one occasion that he was healthy and would be in form for the 2012 season. The veteran has been involved in two clean sheets, earning himself a MLS Save of the Week honour and should see another start despite a thigh injury.
Difficult to say a goalkeeper who allows three goals is playing well, but if not for <b>Joe Willis</b> it would have been an even more lopsided score against the Galaxy. Willis is only making his fifth career start but earned a shutout in his debut last year against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
2W-0D-0L
3rd in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-0 Win at Chivas USA
DC United:
0W-0D-2L
8th in Western Conference
Last Match: 3-1 Loss at LA Galaxy
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out - FW Etienne Barbara (groin strain), MF John Thorrington (quad strain), MF Michael Nanchoff (heel contusion), FW Darren Mattocks (shoulder), MF Bryce Alderson (international duty); MF Russell Teibert (international duty)
Questionable - FW Atiba Harris (knee pain), MF Gershon Koffie (ankle), GK Brian Sylvestre (knee)
DC United:
Out - DF Ethan White (knee), MF Kurt Morsink (foot), DF Dejan Jakovic (groin), MF Lance Rozeboom (knee), GK Bill Hamid (international duty), MF Perry Kitchen (international duty), MF Andy Najar (international duty)
<b>GAME PREDICTION :</b>
The Whitecaps look to continue their hot start and extend their two game winning streak against DC United. After what was deemed by most an “ugly” win against Chivas USA, the Caps are looking to improve their attack while they maintain their strong defensive play which has yet to concede a goal this season.
Their opponents from DC have struggled this season losing to preseason favourites Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy. They will be missing three key starters due to Olympic Qualifying , as goalkeeper Bill Hamid and midfielder Perry Kitchen are with the U.S. while Andy Najar is with Honduras. In addition to those players missing, DC United will be without Canadian international Dejan Jakovic due to injury and has yet to start either of their designated players this year to lack of fitness.
For the Whitecaps there will be little change to the starting eleven from the first two victories as Joe Cannon looks to have recovered enough to make his third start in as many games. In front of him the Caps will most likely have the same backline as DeMerit and Bonjour will partner in the middle with Lee and Rochat out wide. Hassli starts once again up top as he once again will play in front of Le Toux, Camilo and Chiumiento. The one question will be who starts alongside Davidson as the other holding midfielder as Rennie will have to choose between Koffie, who started week 1, or Watson, last week’s starter.
Unlike last week, the Whitecaps will have to face players who are legitimate threats to score at any time on the pitch. Last year’s MLS MVP Dwayne DeRosario has yet to register a goal or an assist, but has always been a thorn in the Caps side. The fullbacks will sure be under fire as they must deal with the pace of Danny Cruz on the right side and Chris Pontius on the left. The central defense will have to either deal with Maicon Santos, who always seems to score against Vancouver, or their Albanian DP Hamdi Salihi.
When transitioning on the attack, the Whitecaps will need to improve their initial passing from deep in their third. They’re also hoping to have an improved game from Le Toux, who struggled against Chivas which seemed to affect the entire side. Another factor will be how much the fullbacks are involved in the attack, as both Lee and Rochat struggled at times with their service into the box.
The Caps need to take advantage of their opponents missing multiple starters in order to claim their third win of the season. Another victory will be significant considering it took the Caps until the first week of August to record their third win last season.
<b>Predicted Score: Whitecaps 3 DC United 1</b>
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