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Vancouver Whitecaps vs Colorado Rapids
September 23, 2017
BC Place Stadium
Kickoff: 7pm
TV: TSN1, TSN4, TSN5
Radio: TSN 1040
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
Assistant Referees: Eric Boria, Felisha Mariscal
Fourth Official: Alejandro Mariscal
VAR: Dave Gantar
The Caps enter this weekend’s action unbeaten in 6, after a stoppage time equalizer by Tony Tchani last Saturday to keep the streak alive. Staring the Caps is a daunting 6 game run-in, starting with another triple game week. Instead of RSL, Minnesota and Columbus, it’s Colorado, and two consecutive away matches to Seattle and Sporting Kansas City, 2 of the teams that they’re currently battling with for a playoff spot. Tack on a date with Energy Drink a week after Kansas City and we’ll have a better idea of where the Caps stand in the West.
A major factor in this Caps surge is the combination of Reyna and Montero in attack. Reyna’s pace in combination with Montero’s ability to find space in the attacking 18, combined with the other weapons the Caps have in their arsenal, makes them a team to watch as the playoffs approach. While these two seem to be getting all the headlines, the contributions of others have not gone unnoticed. Maybe not written about, but all have been integral parts of this season. I would expect to see a mixed lineup, knowing that Seattle and KC are on the horizon. All we know for sure is that Kendall Waston will be serving his one match ban for caution accumulation. Of course, some see this as a positive, as he’ll for sure be available for Wednesday’s derby in Seattle. In all likelihood, we see Maund or Jacobson step in at CB
On the other side of the ball, are the Colorado Rapids. They are at the bottom of the Western Conference, having recently relieved Pablo Mastroeni of his duties and have named Steve Clarke as Interim Coach. It’s hard to say what’s gone wrong in Colorado, but when you’re behind Minnesota, things have definitely gone sideways.
Everything points to a Caps win, but once again, this is MLS and anything can happen.