KEY PLAYERS
Attacking
There was no questioning the work rate that target striker Tommy Hienemann brought to the match last week, which was his first start of the season. Some may question his ability to finish the chances provided to him but he was able to score the winner as he consistently does the dirty work around the box.
There is no doubt that FC Dallas Captain David Ferreira is one of the most skilled players in the league but he still is one of the most hated due his ability to go down at the slightest touch and draw fouls. The Colombian is the main playmaker for the Texas club. He leads them in assists and seems healthy, playing every minute this year.
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Defence
A surprise starter to some on Wednesday, Andy O’Brien may have had his toughest start as he made a mistake on each of the goals scored by Edmonton. Playing his third game in seven days will be a challenge for the veteran especially going up against Perez in this match.
There are few very weak points in this Dallas club but Raul Fernandez has to be considered one of them. He had some shaky moments last week and is capable of both winning and losing the game for his team.
WHO'S ON FORM
Compared to last season’s start the Caps are giving up more goals but the blame can’t be laid at Joe Cannon’s feet as he has been solid in net. There have been very few goals for which the veteran can be blamed for and seems to have saved points for the Caps with some spectacular saves.
After going goalless in his first two starts Blas Perez has returned from international duty to score three times in his last four appearances. While the team has balanced scoring the Panamanian has to be considered their main threat and he has scored 12 times in 23 games since joining MLS.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Vancouver Whitecaps (4-3-3)
R to L - Joe Cannon; Y.P. Lee, Andy O’Brien, Brad Rusin, Alain Rochat; Jun Marques Davidson, Nigel Reo-Coker, Russell Teibert; Daigo Kobayashi, Kenny Miller, Camilo
FC Dallas (4-2-3-1)
R to L - Raul Fernandez; Zach Lloyd, George John, Matt Hedges, Jair Benitez; Andrew Jacobson, Michel; Jackson, David Ferreira, Kenny Cooper; Blas Perez
2013 RECORD
Vancouver Whitecaps:
2W-2D-3L-8P
7th in Western Conference
Last Match: 3-2 Win at FC Edmonton (NASL)
FC Dallas:
6W-1D-1L-19P
1st in Western Conference
Last Match: 2-0 Win vs Vancouver Whitecaps
OVERVIEW
After a couple of subpar performances on the road the Whitecaps will return to BC Place to face FC Dallas, the team that defeated them a week ago. While they did pick up a win against FC Edmonton, the Caps have gone five straight games without picking up three points in MLS play.
Having played a midweek game for the first time this season there should be some changes in the lineup. However the keeper and defending positions will not be one of them as Joe Cannon returns in between the posts with Y.P. Lee, Brad Rusin, Alain Rochat and Andy O’Brien in front of him.
The midfield spots have two players already slotted in with Teibert and Reo-Coker looking to start again. The third spot will have either Jun Marques Davidson or Gershon Koffie depending if Rennie is looking to attack or defend.
Up top the Whitecaps have couple of options to man the attacking positions with the main striking position going to either Tom Hienemann or Mattocks as both are looking to establish themselves. The wings should have Camilo on one side with the other spot most likely going to either Erik Hurtado or Kobayashi depending on if Rennie wishes the Japanese international.
A week ago there was no doubt the Whitecaps played their poorest match of the season against Dallas and are looking to redeem themselves this Saturday. Their biggest task in order to get a result is to establish tempo of the game and control the midfield something they couldn’t do in the previous match.
The Whitecaps will need to tighten the midfield with their three players and allow the attack to come from the wide players like Lee and Rochat from the back. Even if they are able to attack from the wide areas the Caps need their attackers to support whoever the striker is in the box with extra bodies.
Other than a victory for the Whitecaps the one thing that Vancouver supporters are looking forward to, is the return of fan favourite Eric Hassli. The big French striker returns to BC Place for the since being traded from the club to TFC last season.
While he may not be in the starting eleven for his new team there is no doubt that when he makes an appearance there will be a roar from the crowd. There is also no doubt that Hassli will do everything in his power to score a goal and stick it Rennie, the man who shipped him away.
The Whitecaps players will need to excuse themselves from the potential distraction of Hassli returning to Vancouver in order to secure a result. A loss to FC Dallas would have Whitecaps fall further behind in the standings and could see them fall into the second bottom spot of the Western Conference.
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