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The Vancouver Whitecaps looked like a well-oiled machine against the Red Bulls, with a relentless attack that would eventually produce four goals in front of a sell-out crowd at BC Place. However, now they're going to try and do something the club has historically been pretty rotten at; win on the freaking road.
Last Match for Vancouver (1-0-0): The Whitecaps opened their 2014 season with a huge win, topping the Thierry Henry-less New York Red Bulls last weekend 4-1. The veteran Kenny Miller scored twice, while Pedro Morales scored and had an assist in his MLS debut.
Last Match for Chivas USA (1-0-0): After an off-season of change, Chivas opened their season with a victory, edging the Chicago Fire by a final score of 3-2.
Injury Report: D Johnny Leveron, concussion, M Medhi Ballouchy, knee
Let's face it; until the Whitecaps can consistently put together good results away from the confines of BC Place, it will always be at the forefront of the discussion. 2013 wasn't as horrific as 2011, when the 'Caps embarrassingly didn't win a single road match, but it's still seen as a major obstacle the club needs to climb.
They could take a huge first step with a win against Chivas USA, who look like they will be much more competitive than last year. Chivas has strong goalkeeping in Dan Kennedy, a future star in Erick Torres, and a veteran playmaker in Mauro Rosales. Torres, though he may not be in MLS for very long, was the one that scored that beauty of a goal against the Whitecaps last season. You remember, right?
Well, now you do.
Torres has started his 2014 campaign well, scoring a penalty against the Fire last week. The Whitecaps will need to make sure he doesn't get loose and cause fits for the backline, because he is easily one of the best young players in the league. Then there's Rosales, who fans will remember well from the Seattle Sounders. The 33-year-old still has plenty of game, and assisted on two goals in the season opener.
Historically, The Whitecaps have done pretty well against the Goats, with a 3-1-4 record. That being said, last season, the 'Caps were an unremarkable 1-1-1 against a very weak side.
Prediction? The 'Caps show poise and confidence in their first road match of 2014, and walk out with a convincing 2-0 win.