Whitecaps FC vs. Colorado Rapids Match Day Report: Shoot for the top

And we’re back.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to action after an extended break on Wednesday, when they host Colorado Rapids at BC Place. And after a pair of road losses to Colorado earlier this season, the ‘Caps feel they have “something to prove.”

“Those were two crucial losses, but this is football,” said defender Pa-Modou Kah. “You always get a new chance. We get a new chance to redeem ourselves, and we’re looking forward to take it.”

“From our point of view, we owe them one,” added assistant coach Gordon Forrest.

Match Day: Wednesday, September 9

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Venue: BC Place

TV: TSN1
Radio: TSN 1410

Tickets still available

Whitecaps FC

The ‘Caps enter Wednesday’s contest second in MLS – just one point back of LA Galaxy. That means a win against the Rapids would propel Vancouver into the top spot once more.

They’ll have to earn it, though.

Whitecaps FC will be without the services of centre back Kendall Waston and midfielder Matias Laba, who both picked up red cards in Vancouver’s 2-0 loss to Houston Dynamo on August 29. Midfielder Russell Teibert and striker Darren Mattocks are also away on international duty.

“That’s why we’ve got the roster we do,” Forrest said. “You’ve seen it before. The guys that have come in have stepped up to the plate. It only develops guys like Tim Parker coming into that that position and Christian Dean, etc. It’s not a problem.”

Colorado Rapids

While Whitecaps FC are chasing the top spot in MLS, the Rapids are fighting for their playoff lives.

As it stands, Pablo Mastroeni’s side are seven points out of the sixth and final playoff position in the Western Conference. But don’t let their place in the standings fool you.

The Rapids are one of the hottest teams in MLS, having won three straight matches. They’ve also conceded the fewest goals in the league (27), one less than Vancouver.

However, they too will be without some key pieces, including three defenders who started their last MLS match (Drew Moor and Axel Sjoberg due to caution accumulation, and Miguel Figueroa due to international duty).

Striker Kevin Doyle, who has scored in consecutive games, is also a question mark. The Designated Player was with Ireland for a Euro qualifier on Monday, though he did not feature.

“There are lot of different permutations that they could play … you obviously want your best players in the team so they could fly [Doyle] back and he’s in there,” Forrest said. “We have to prepare for all their different players.”

Did you know?

The ‘Caps have won three straight league matches at BC Place, outscoring their opponents 8-1 in the process. Five of Vancouver’s final seven MLS matches are at home.