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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC 2 Fly to Phoenix to Face Drogba

June 9, 2017 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


In Phoenix, the young 'Caps are in for a scorcher with the current weather forecast projecting 39 degrees with no clouds in sight. Not exactly ideal playing conditions for a team residing in the Pacific Northwest but WFC2 coach Rich Fagan has his boys getting ready for the heat.

Making things count

It doesn't take much for the electric Bustos to get on the scoresheet, the 5-foot-6 midfielder now has three goals in three games for WFC2, showing his talents as a clinical finisher. The numbers speak for themselves, the 21-year-old Winnipeg native's three goals have come on only four shots on target. Bustos is making a strong case to see first-team minutes moving forward.

Another player to watch out for is Thomas Sanner, who has two goals on the season. He had a career game against then-named Arizona United SC last August, detonating for a hat trick in the final 10 minutes.

In the playoff mix

Nearing the midway point of the season, we can begin to look at the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Outside the top two clubs, it's still anyone's guess who will separate themselves from the pack. Five points separate third-place Seattle Sounders FC 2 and 12th-place Phoenix. The 'Caps sit tied in eighth place with Rio Grande Valley FC, but must continue to get results as they are spotting teams below them in the standings valuable games in hand.

The opponents

In Phoenix, the 'Caps will face a side that has been trading wins and losses for a month and a half. Sitting outside the playoff picture, a win on Saturday would temporarily move them into a playoff spot in a tight western conference.

Phoenix Rising will also get a boost from the expected sold-out crowd when player-owner Didier Drogba takes to the pitch for his season debut. The Chelsea legend signed with Phoenix in April as a player but more importantly as an owner in the club's attempt to impress MLS executives on a possible expansion to the Phoenix area.

Accomplished stars

Outside of Drogba, Phoenix Rising FC present even more name value in the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Omar Bravo. Wright-Phillips plied his trade in the English Premier League for years, most notably with Manchester City, and Chelsea. The grizzled veteran is now an integral piece for Phoenix. Similarly, Bravo was a loyal servant in Liga MX, particularly Guadalajara where he netted 132 goals over 14 seasons with the club. The 37-year-old is still humming, ranked seventh on the team in minutes played this season.

The highly-anticipated matchup presents a tough test for the young 'Caps. Tune in on Saturday to see how they will fare against their opponents with decorated resumes.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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