Match Preview: Whitecaps VS FC Edmonton (Take 2!)

Okay, so technically, I guess you could just read this match preview and change all the dates accordingly, but here goes nothing. The Vancouver Whitecaps will take on FC Edmonton in an Amway Canadian Championship match that should have happened last week, but was cancelled due to some snowy weather.

The Whitecaps will no doubt come into the match with plenty of confidence after a 3-0 dismembering of the Philadelphia Union over the weekend. Even more, the goals came from guys that needed a boost; Pedro Morales, Octavio Rivero and of course, Darren Mattocks.

It will likely be a youth dominated lineup when the Whitecaps take the pitch, which either means it will be extremely exciting to watch or a complete trainwreck. I can't wait to see which it will be!

I kid, but just a little bit. The Whitecaps have one of, if not the most impressive stable of young guns in MLS, but throwing them together and praying for a result didn't exactly get the job done last year. Perhaps, with injuries a bit of a problem (Diego Rodriguez, Marco Bustos), Robinson will go with a more balanced lineup, and at least start a few veterans. After all, this is a home match, and they don't have to play the entire 90 minutes.

That being said, being in the middle of such a busy schedule (3 matches in 8 days), might lead the 'Caps to get all the rest time they can for their older players.

Let's Simplify This

If you're not sure how this whole thing is going to work with the schedule change, WhitecapsFC.com makes it pretty simple.

Wednesday's fixture will now act as the first leg of the semifinal and the Eddies will host the second leg on May 20 - barring any unforeseen circumstances, that is.

While Head Coach Carl Robinson is staying tight lipped on the starting 11, he has confirmed Paolo Tornaghi will get the start in net. Tornaghi was slated to start last week, and he gives David Ousted a much deserved night off.

Keep the Mojo Going

The Whitecaps have never lost to the Eddie's in ACC play, including two series (4 matches in total.) The Whitecaps have outscored Edmonton 10 to 3, and come into the match as the obvious favorites.

Who should get a shot?

The Whitecaps have a ton of depth, and it's pushed some very good players out of playing time and onto the bench. With that being said, I think Gershon Koffie is a lock for a start, as is Erik Hurtado.

Koffie has been reckless with his physicality this year, and has watch Russell Teibert overtake him on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Erik Hurtado is fighting tooth and nail with a crop of talented strikers for a spot in the regular lineup, and he deserves an opportunity to impress his coaching staff.

Prediction?

I'm leaving this one up to you guys. What's the final score going to be? Do you want to see youth in the lineup?