Vancouver Whitecaps Travel to California to play LA Galaxy

Who: LA Galaxy VS Vancouver Whitecaps

Where: Carson, CA

When: 7:30 PM PT, Saturday, August 27th, 2016

TV: TSN 1

Radio: TSN 1040

The Vancouver Whitecaps will no doubt have some tired legs when they take on the LA Galaxy on Saturday, but with the season on the line and points becoming ever more important, they will have few excuses to fall back on if they get an unfavourable result.

The Whitecaps are struggling in MLS Regular Season play, but scored a huge, 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday in CONCACAF Champions League qualifying action. It was an immense win for the Whitecaps confidence, as they struggle to score goals without striker Kekuta Manneh.

The Whitecaps are playing their third match in the span of a week, and will be on the road this time around. LA have been amazing at home this season, with a 6-0-6 record. It’s a different story for the Whitecaps and their road record, which sits at 3-9-1.

Suspensions/Injuries

Christian Bolanos will not be playing this weekend, as he suffered the wrath of DISCO for his elbow against SKC. It’s a one match ban, and he should be back against the Red Bulls on September 3rd. It’s another blow to the Whitecaps attack that is still without Manneh, however, the renewed confidence of midfielder Cristian Techera should give them a bit of a boost. Will Erik Hurtado earn another start up top, after he scored on Tuesday? He played a heck of a match, and I’d say he’s earned a shot.

Playing for the Post-Season

The Whitecaps recent regular season struggles have seen them drop in the Western Conference standings, however, the play-offs are still very much a realistic possibility. The Whitecaps sit in 9th in the west, but are just two points behind the Portland Timbers and the sixth and final post-season spot.

The Whitecaps defense has been porous this season, the attack inconsistent, and yet, they still can actually salvage this season and sneak into the post-season if they can put together a bit of a run. Welcome to MLS!

This is the third meeting between the two clubs this season. Last month, the Galaxy topped Vancouver 2-0 at home, while it was a scoreless draw at BC Place the first time out.

Prediction: The Whitecaps are not good on the road, playing a team that’s very good at home. Here’s hoping for at least a draw.