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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Preview: 'Caps Look to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

September 23, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - After 10 days on the road, Vancouver Whitecaps FC return to BC Place on Saturday afternoon to host Colorado Rapids with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.TICKETS: http://ow.ly/z9EB304te8v | KICKOFF: 4 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1 | RADIO: TSN 1040

Here's everything you need to know about the match.

STORYLINES

Staying alive: "Until it's mathematically impossible, we won't be giving in." Those were the words of Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson ahead of Saturday's contest. The 'Caps currently sit six points out of a playoff spot with four games remaining. It's a big mountain to climb, but as Robinson said, "stranger things have happened." In reality, Robinson's side will likely need to run the table to give themselves a real chance of sneaking into the playoffs. And they're hoping it starts Saturday.

Started from the bottom now they're here: A year ago, Colorado Rapids finished in the Western Conference basement with just 37 points. Oh, how things have changed. The Rapids, who now sit third in the West, already have 47 points in 2016 with six games remaining. Much of Colorado's success can be attributed to their stingy defensive play, having conceded a league-best 24 goals. "They've managed to instill a little bit of hunger with the team, a never-say-die attitude," Robinson said. "We need to get back to that as well. We've done it at times this season as well, but not enough."

Blast from the past: Prior to Saturday's match, the likes of Jay DeMerit, Robert Earnshaw, Young Pyo-Lee, and Andy O'Brien will hit the pitch at BC Place against alumni of the Vancouver 86ers in the club's second annual charity alumni match. Click here for more information.

KEY MATCHUPS

David Ousted (GK) vs. Tim Howard (GK): These are two of the best keepers in MLS. Hands down. Ousted has proven his worth with Whitecaps FC over the last three-and-a-half seasons, while Howard made a name for himself with Everton and the U.S. national team. They both made big saves last weekend too, reaching the MLS Save of the Week Final. Ousted took home in the honours in that battle. Can he do so again on Saturday?

Matias Laba (M) vs. Shkelzen Gashi (M): Gashi, who represented Albania at Euro 2016 this past summer, has been Colorado's most productive offensive player this season, with five goals and four assists. He also caused some real problems in Colorado's last visit to Vancouver linking up with striker Kevin Doyle. Can Laba keep him in check? The Argentine certainly made life difficult for Nicolas Lodeiro last weekend, recording eight tackles, five interceptions, and three blocks, though Lodeiro got the last laugh by setting up Seattle's game-winner.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Whitecaps FC record vs. Colorado (total): 5W-9L-2D Whitecaps FC record vs. Colorado (home): 4W-2L-2D

This will be the third and final meeting between Vancouver and Colorado this season.

The two teams drew 2-2 at BC Place in July, thanks to a stoppage-time Axel Sjoberg equalizer, before the Rapids claimed a 2-0 win last month in Colorado.

Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver. Get 12 per cent off 2017 Whitecaps FC Full Season Tickets from Sept. 22 - Oct 3. Click here for more information.

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