The Whitecaps play their second match of the week as they look to rebound after a 3-1 midweek loss to Sporting Kansas City. In their two meetings against FC Dallas last year, the Caps were unable to collect a single point losing 2-1 at Empire and then 2-0 on the road in Texas.
<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
In addition to his late substitution in the last match, <b>Omar Salgado</b> has played left wing in the last few reserve games with positive results. In his last three appearances against MLS clubs Salgado's crossing has either directly set up a goal or led to one being scored.
After failing to lead the United States into the Olympics <b>Brek Shea</b> returned to Dallas but was unable to find goals until the last game, when he scored a late winner against the Impact. Shea's combination of skill, speed and size makes him a freak of nature when compared to most young players in MLS.
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DEFENCE
In the last two games the defensive breakdowns were not due to the play of <b>Young-Pyo Lee</b>, as the Korean international has been steady on the right side. He will arguably face his toughest test against Brek Shea and while the youngster is bigger and faster, the veteran will use skill and experience to shut him down.
After being constantly rumoured to be joining the EPL, including a close call with Blackburn last summer, <b>George John</b> has returned to Dallas for this season, or at least till the summer. The Washington State native has a decent combination of size and skill and has been one of the most consistent defenders for FC Dallas.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
Having only played 30 minutes against KC, <b>Camilo</b> came on as a sub and changed the dynamic of the match as he attacked the backline. It looks as though the Brazilian is over his quad injury, making him ready for the starting eleven, giving Martin Rennie attack options on the wing and up top.
FC Dallas have been looking for a decent striker for some time and may have found one in Panamanian International <b>Blas Perez</b>. Of the eight goals scored this season by Dallas, Perez has been directly involved in 75% of them, with 3 goals and 3 assists.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver Whitecaps:
2W-2D-2L
7th in Western Conference
Last Match: 3-1 Loss vs Sporting Kansas City
Dallas:
3W-1D-2L
4th in Western Conference
Last Match: 2-1 Win vs Montreal Impact
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: FW Darren Mattocks (shoulder), DF Alain Rochat (knee), GK Brian Sylvestre (knee)
Doubtful: FW Etienne Barbara (groin strain), MF Michael Nanchoff (heel contusion)
Dallas:
Out: MF David Ferreira (foot), MF Ricardo Villar (foot), MF Andrew Wiedeman (sports hernia)
Questionable: MF Andrew Jacobson (hamstring)
<b>GAME PREDICTION :</b>
After two straight 3-1 losses, in addition to playing twice this week, Martin Rennie and the Whitecaps are looking to make some changes in order to find a spark in the final third. Some of the changes may have been planned already, but some are due to the inspired play late in the game against Sporting Kansas City.
Joe Cannon should see his seventh start in goal as well as Lee, DeMerit and Bonjour penciled in on the backline for the same period. There is a small possibility that Alain Rochat, after missing three games due to a knee injury, returns to the left back spot with Harvey returning to the bench. The two central midfielder spots could go to Koffie, Thorrington, or Davidson depending on if Rennie will look to rest Thorrington.
It gets a little muddier when it comes to the starters on the wings and up top, but it looks as though Camilo will return from injury to play on the right and Omar Salgado on the left. At the striker positions, it looks as though Hassli will be on the bench as the Caps will go with Le Toux pairing with either Harris or Chiumiento.
The midfield will be available for the taking for the Caps against FC Dallas, as the Texas side could be without three of their best options. David Ferreira and Ricardo Villar look to be ruled out, and Andrew Jacobsen is doubtful to start. As a result of these injuries, the Caps will have to look to defend wide, as FC Dallas will look to work the wing, especially with Brek Shea. Their most dangerous player this year has been Blas Perez, who arrived this year and has made an immediate impact.
The Caps are looking to change their fortune with a different combination of attackers that will be able finish their chances in the final third. Against KC, Camilo entered the match with 30 minutes to go and created more chances instantly, while Omar Salgado’s cross from the left led to their only score. It will be Salgado who will be lining up against the weakest part of the Dallas backline with their regular starter, Hernan Pertuz, playing despite a knock suffered last week.
The Whitecaps have another opportunity to prove they can play with the best. They have only collected a single point against 2011 MLS playoff teams so far this term. As much as the first games gave supporters optimism that this was a new beginning, the last two have reminded many of the 2011 Whitecaps. While the players seem to still be buying into the system that Rennie has laid out, it will be the results on the pitch that will prove if things are still progressing.
<b>AFTN Predicted Score: Vancouver Whitecaps 2 FC Dallas 1</b>
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