Pre Match: Whitecaps vs Sounders

Kickoff: 1:00 P.M

TV: TSN1

Radio: TSN 1040

The Vancouver Whitecaps travel to Seattle on Saturday for the latest Cascadia clash. This will be a match between two teams who’s seasons have not gone according to plan. Seattle currently sits 10th in the west with 17 points. The Whitecaps are 8th with 26 points.

The Seattle Sounders have struggled mightily for offence. Their top goals man is Will Bruin with 5 goals in 15 appearances. After Bruin the only player to have multiple goals is Lodeiro with 2. In contrast though the Whitecaps have the worst defence in the Western Conference. The game will be a fascinating matchup between an easily stopped force and an easily moved object. Seattle will be hoping that new signing Raúl Ruidíaz will help turn their attacking fortunes around. Seattle have stuck quite rigidly to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bruin plays as the lone striker with Lodeiro sitting as the #10. Shipp and Rodríguez play on the wings with Svensson and Roldan as the pivot. Leerdham and Tolo are the fullbacks with Marshall and Kim Kee-Hee as the centre backs. Honestly it’s a setup that matches up quite well against the Whitecaps. The ‘Caps play quite deep which suits Bruin well and Seattle’s fullbacks are quick enough that they can at least attempt to keep up with Davies. Seattle’s defence on the whole is pretty good and if they’re disciplined and don’t let the Whitecaps get in behind then it may be a long game for Vancouver. Vancouver also has to fly coast to coast in a short amount of time after playing in Montreal midweek. Even for players who didn’t play that will take its toll.

Injuries

Seattle:

Out:

Morris (ACL)

Bwana (Foot)

Questionable:

Torres (Ankle)

Vancouver:

Questionable:

Waston (Groin)

Predicted Lineups:

Vancouver: Marinovic; Franklin, Aja, Henry, De Jong; Davies, Felipe, Juarez, Mutch; Reyna; Kamara

Seattle: Frei; Leerdam, Marshall, Kee-Hee, Tolo; Roldan, Svensson; Shipp, Lodeiro, Rodriguez; Bruin

Prediction: 2-0 Seattle