The Vancouver Whitecaps will be looking for their second win of their inaugural season today as they host the Philadelphia Union at 7pm at Empire Stadium.
The Whitecaps have set a single season record for their current winless streak of 14 games. They will be looking to sneak a couple goals past one of the stingiest defences in the league. Stinginess is a funny term, concept, idea... whatever... it's just funny to try and call Philadelphia anything other then a dirty team. They are currently leading the league in fouls per game at a solid 14.2 fouls each match. Anyone who remembers the first match against Philly will remember the hack fest hosted by Danny Califf and Carlos Valdez at PPL Park.
According to MLS.com Faryd Mondragon made 3 saves last time these two clubs met. I was a bit surprised to see that, they must have happened in that boring spell where I fell asleep. It's a real pity too because Mondragon is old enough to be your Dad (Happy fathers day Dad!) and I can't recall seeing all that many highlight reel saves from him thus far this year with the Union.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] While Danny Califf is the heart and sole* of this team providing a spark from the back line, they do have the ability to tickle the twine with a couple offensively gifted players. Sebastian LeToux and Danny Mwanga have the ability to put the ball in the net occasionally and the club as a whole is leading the league in goals from outside the 18 yard box, so Joe Cannon beware!
Philly have brought in a new striker this week by signing a washed up 33 year old Serb named Veljko Paunovic. This signing is a bit of a head scratcher as he has only notched 13 goals since 2004 and has in fact been retired since the end of the 2009 campaign. His claim to fame is having made his debut with Partizan as a 17 year old.
Can Hassli keep from getting booked? Will Danny Califf finally break someones leg with a reckless challenge?
Either way it should make for a fairly dramatic game with Philadelphia trying to reach the playoffs in just their second season and the 'Caps in desperate need of a second victory.
*sole for his clinical studs up challenges. man I crack myself up sometimes.