FC Dallas vs Whitecaps FC Matchup Insight
The Whitecaps did not play for eleven days before their second consecutive 3-1 defeat, falling to Sporting Kansas City.
Now they have to summon up the energy to play for the second time in a week.
There will also be a sense of urgency needed for the ‘Caps here because despite their great start they could quickly fall out of the playoff picture if they can’t staunch the bleeding, especially on the defensive end of the pitch.
FC Dallas
FC Dallas presently sits fourth in the Western Conference, three spots up on the ‘Caps. They sport a record of 3W-2L-1T, with 8 goals for and 9 against. That is deceiving though as they feature some of the most skilled players in the league starting with dynamic midfielder Brek Shea.
Forward Blas Perez is another danger man for Dallas, and he has tallied 3 goals and 3 assists already this season.
The Texas boys play a standard 4-4-2 alignment, but Vancouver has a decent opportunity here tonight as Dallas has suffered a rash of injuries over their past two matches, losing some key personnel with regular starters Ricardo Villar, Andrew Jacobson, and Hernan Pertuz all out.
Vancouver needs to get the defence back in order
Vancouver
Vancouver needs to get the defence back in order after bleeding 6 goals in their last two matches, following 4 straight clean sheets to open the 2012 year. Coach Martin Rennie will almost certainly need to dip deeper into his roster to find some fresh players for this match, following the short turnaround from Wednesday.
Omar Salgado could start this match on the left side after some starts in the Reserves team, and a good appearance there as a sub on Wednesday. The 18 year old would bring some energy and spark.
Predictions
Sebastien Le Toux and Eric Hassli continue to look strong up front, but the Whitecaps will need the defence, particularly YP Lee and Martin Bonjour (who have both made significant errors leading to goals in the last two matches) to pick up their games.
However, on short rest it may not be enough to get Vancouver back into the win column.
Vancouver will manage to grind out a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas.
