After a successful road match in the first leg of the Canadian Championship against FC Edmonton, the Whitecaps return to MLS action to face the San Jose Earthquakes for the second time this season. It was in San Jose that the Caps were able to break the MLS record for the longest shutout streak to begin a season. It was also in San Jose where Vancouver allowed three goals in ten minutes as they suffered their first loss of the season.
<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
A quad strain prevented <b>Camilo</b> from starting in the last match between the teams, allowing the Quakes to concentrate on Hassli and Le Toux. Outside of the injuries, the Brazilian striker has had a decent season, has scored 2 goals in 4 starts and provides the Caps with the ability to breakdown defenders off the wing.
In the offseason, the Quakes brought in Colombian International <b>Tresso Moreno</b> to provide some playmaking ability from the midfield. The veteran has been eased into the lineup, having only started 4 times and playing more than 70 minutes once, but has already provided 3 assists in limited action.
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DEFENCE
Looking for some redemption from the previous match, <b>Jay DeMerit</b> will most likely find himself matched up against Chris Wondolowski. It was the Captain's mistake on the first goal by Wondo that ended the shutout streak and started the avalanche of scoring that provided the Caps their first loss.
In the last match Quakes captain <b>Steve Beitashor</b> did not have to deal with Camilo for the majority of the match, allowing the right back to be more aggressive in the attack. While he didn't acquire any against the Caps, Beitashor leads San Jose and is third in MLS with assists.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
This season, there is no doubt who the best player for the Whitecaps is. <b>Lee Young-Pyo</b> has provided a stability that was missing on the right side last season. In addition to his great play on the backline, Lee scored a highlight reel goal off a free kick against Columbus, whether he meant it or not.
Since the brace he scored against the Whitecaps <b>Chris Wondolowski</b> continues on his torrid scoring pace, scoring four times in his last four games. The all star striker has ten goals in nine games and has been involved in sixty percent of the team's goals this season.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
4W-2D-2L
4th in Western Conference
Last Match: 2-0 Win at FC Edmonton (Canadian Championship)
San Jose:
7W-1D-1L
1st in Western Conference
Last Match: 5-3 Win vs DC United
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: GK Brian Sylvestre (knee)
Questionable: FW Darren Mattocks (shoulder)
San Jose:
Out: DF Victor Bernardez (knee); MF Joey Gjertsen (knee); FW Alan Gordon (hamstring); MF Shea Salinas (clavicle); DF Tim Ward (soft tissue injury)
<b>GAME PREDICTION :</b>
The Whitecaps are looking to exact a little revenge on the Earthquakes as they look to take down the Western leaders. With it being a Conference opponent look for Martin Rennie to start what he deems his strongest line-up.
Joe Cannon returns to goal after getting a game off against Edmonton and he will have the backline that started the season as Alain Rochat returns to the left side opposite Lee, with Bonjour and DeMerit in the middle. The central midfield should see Davidson and Watson return to the lineup with Koffie getting another start.
After sitting out the Voyageurs Cup match, Camilo and Le Toux will return to the starting eleven against San Jose. With Salgado playing a full 90 minutes on Wednesday and Hassli subbing off, it is expected Hassli will start and look to build off his first goal.
The Caps seemed to catch a break last time as striker Steve Lenhart picked up a knock the day before the game. However this time the big striker will look to start and will be a load to handle in and around the box, as he creates space for Wondolowski. Another big factor when it comes to defending will be closing down on the wide players in order to limit the crosses by the Earthquakes.
Rochat's return from injury may have a bigger impact on the attack as there was a lack of quality distribution on the left side during his absence. The attackers may be able to find more space in the box with San Jose's "enforcer" Victor Bernandez unavailable due to injury. It will be up to Hassli to remain patient and not force the issue when he has a shot on target, like he did in Edmonton.
Not only is this a chance for a little revenge for the Whitecaps, it's is an opportunity for them to prove that they belong in the conversation when it comes to the top clubs in MLS. It is vital for them to protect their turf, which wasn't done against Kansas City, if they want to make playoffs.
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