D.C. United vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps attempt to win two in a row and avenge their worst loss of the season as they take on D.C. United in BC Place.  The Caps in the first meeting was close at halftime but three second half goals by DCU and the end result was a 4-0 defeat.  While the Caps look to have a winning streak for the first time this season, the visitors from the east are still in playoff contention and are desperate for points.

KEY PLAYERS

ATTACKING

In his first start for the senior team this season Long Tan showed that he belonged on the pitch with his skills and pace.  Hassli returns from suspension so Tan may return to the bench but he does deserve to see more time as he looks for his first MLS goal.

DC United will be missing DeRosario so they will look to Charlie Davies to contribute some of his attacking ability in the final third.  His hat trick against Chivas in early September were his only goals since June as he looks to find his form from early in the season.

DEFENSE

The central midfield has been a place where the opposition has been finding it difficult to manoeuvre thanks to Gershon Koffie and his tackling ability.  Against RSL, Koffie did not allow their midfield, especially Morales, to find space forcing them to withdraw in their attack.

United has been without Dejan Jakovic because of injury which has allowed Brandon MacDonald to become a leader on the backline.  He was acquired from San Jose mid-season and has helped improve the club’s play in the box around the goalkeeper.

WHO’S ON FORM

After a subpar game against the Timbers, Camilo returned to form as he continually kept the RSL defenders on their heels.  He increased his goal totals to double digits and has taken the team lead from Hassli after converting two spot kicks.

Look for Andy Najar to be a focal point for DC United’s attack with DeRosario missing as the winger will is capable of breaking down opponents and crossing the ball into the box.  The teenager has two goals and two assists in his last four games as he becomes one of the dangerous players in MLS.

2011 RECORD

5W -16L-10D

9^th in Western Conference

Last Game: 3-0 Win vs Real Salt Lake

9W-10L-11D

6^th in Eastern Conference

Last Game:  2-1 Loss at Columbus Crew

PROJECTED LINEUPS

INJURIES

OUT:  FW Atiba Harris (knee), GK Brian Sylvestre (knee), MF Russell Teibert (toe), DF Jonathan Leathers (hamstring)

PROBABLE:  MF John Thorrington (groin)

OUT:  MF Branko Boskovic (knee); MF Chris Pontius (leg); DF Jed Zayner (knee)

QUESTIONABLE:  DF Dejan Jakovic (hamstring)

PROBABLE:  DF Ethan White (knee)

GAME PREDICTION

 

2

1

The Whitecaps are looking for two wins in a row and for the first time this year are playing the game after a victory at home.  In previous matches after a win the Caps were always on the road, normally on the east coast, and their inability to win on the road is well known.  The Whitecaps once again have the advantage of their opponents missing key players with DeRosario missing due to international duty and Pontius and Jakovic out with injuries.

The Caps will most likely put out a similar line up as the one in the match against Real Salt Lake which gained the club their biggest margin of victory.  There is a chance that Hassli could return to the line-up after serving a one game suspension due to his eighth yellow of the season.  A win would give the Whitecaps three points which would take the expansion side out of the MLS basement, something that didn’t seem possible two weeks ago.