Guess the Starting XI and Final Score (MLS Match #7 -LAFC)

Welcome to another season of our Vancouver Whitecaps contest “Guess the Starting XI and Final Score”. As is tradition, thanks to former regular Spencer for starting this several years ago. It has grown into a great contest and I am appreciative of him for the original idea. Like last season, we will break the contest up into the three ‘seasons’: first half, second half, and non-MLS. We will continue to have fun monthly ‘bonus’ prediction categories, with some being based on whatever it topical at the time. Last season we had things like “Robbo post-match quotes”, “yellow cards”, “first goal scorer”, and several others. However, to start the season, we will keep March simple. With that out of the way, let’s remind you all how the scoring is done.

P.S. I would love if someone would create a great little graphic that we could use for these articles!

Contest Details

• Contest article will be posted 2-3 days prior to game day.
• We will keep track of first half, second half, and monthly winners so that late joiners will have something to play for.
• I will have a separate ‘contest’ for Voyageurs and Champions League.
• As the MLS season is 34 matches, each half of the season will be based on 17 matches, with your worst two match predictions being dropped. This will allow everyone a few misses or bad guesses throughout the season.
• Predictions will be ‘valid’ if posted HERE prior to the lineup being officially announced (1 hour before kickoff).

How Scoring is Determined

• You receive 1 point for every player you correctly guess to be in the Starting XI. Receive 1 bonus point for correctly predicting 10 starters. Receive 3 bonus points for correctly predicting 11 starters.
• You get 5 points for correctly guessing Win/Lose/Draw.
• You receive 1 point for correctly guessing each team’s final score. Receive 1 bonus point for correctly guessing both teams final score (for a total of 3).

That means, if you correctly predict the Starting XI, Final Score, and Winner, you can earn 22 points!

After each match, I will tally the scores and update the standings, which will be posted with the following match’s prediction article. I will post three sets of standings. First, the results from the previous match. Second, the monthly standings. Third, the first/second half standings (with your worst two match predictions removed).

Match in Review (Real Salt Lake) and Preview (Los Angeles FC)

I am going to keep this short, because apparently only half of you read this! Like the previous match, we had a wide range in prediction scores. tecate took the match crown, with an overall score of 19. They were able to correctly predict 9 starters, but also the winner, final score, and the bonus for this month, the first substitute (Techera). I was nervous to see how the first sub points would work out. Was happy to see that of the 29 guessers, FOUR correctly predicted Techera as the first substitute. Only six correctly predicted an RSL win. A shoutout to our own Jitsuo, who made a lineup change that led to the only 10 of the week. That, coupled with the bonus lineup point, correctly predicting an RSL victory, and RSL scoring two goals meant they tied for second this week with Arjon.

I did not post a monthly standings because, well, they are the same as the match standings. However, you will see a new standings listed: First Half Standings. I have included all your match scores in the table, but remember, your WORST TWO are not included in your ‘overall score’. Meaning that despite not inputting a score for Match #6, BlackPanther99 is our leader, as their score of 66 is comprised of matches #1, #2, #4, and #5.

On to this week. It is a Friday night tilt, so don’t forget to get your picks in before heading home from work on Friday. It is a home match against the new LAFC. Will we see Jordan Harvey and/or Steven Beitashour starting? Harvey has only seen 8 minutes this season, so that is doubtful, however Beitashour has been a starter for all four matches thus far, so he should be good to go!

It has been noted that the Caps are 3-0 when Teibert starts. Do we see him get another start on Friday night? Ghazal didn’t get into the match in Salt Lake, probably because of altitude, but was dynamic when substituted on in Columbus. Does he get his first start of the season? LAFC have been entertaining but have given up a lot of goals lately. Could be a high scoring affair; although with the Whitecaps, probably not.

Time to get your predictions in. Don’t forget to guess the first substitute of the match for the Whitecaps. Get it correct and it is a bonus ‘2’ points to your weekly and monthly score (sorry, doesn’t count for First Half Standings).

Known Out (Updated as information becomes known)

Injury: Sean Franklin (quad strain), Yordy Reyna (questionable), Erik Hurtado (questionable)

Suspension: None

International Duty: None