The Vancouver Whitecaps, the top team in the MLS Western Conference through six games, will expand a hot start to the season on Saturday evening when they compete against the rapids in Colorado.
Vancouver (4-1-1, 13 points) in eight days after a 0-0 draw against Toronto FC on March 29, a distance of three games and a 1-1 draw against the Liga MX outfit Pumas Unam on Wednesday in the leg one of her quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
But the star player of the Whitecaps, Ryan Gauld (10 goals, 15 templates in 2024), has not played since March 8 and will probably stay outside for the game on Saturday.
Despite the absence of Gauld and the deficit of an away goal, which was in Mexico city on April 9 on April 9, the whitecaps came from the game against Pumas, who felt positive before returning against the rapids.
“I have definitely spoken of the trust that every type came into the line -up whoever it is,” said Vancouver defender, Tristan Blackmon. “(I am) really happy and satisfied with everyone who (against Pumas) and want to keep confidence in training in the next game.”
The rapids (3-1-2, 11 points) will occur as calmer of the two clubs. Djordje Mihailovic’s bracket led her to a 2-0 victory against the visit of Charlotte FC on March 2; Mihailovic was elected MLS player of the game day for his efforts.
Colorado’s challenge is now building up to this swing because it wants to push up the western conference table. Although the weekend takes fifth place, the rapids are just two points behind the Whitecaps.
“We want to pick up where we stopped and test ourselves in first place against a team,” said Rapids head coach Chris Armas. “We are a few points ahead (first place) and we don’t talk about it internally, but as a trainer I know that we like what is going on to us. It will be a big task because (Vancouver) falls to a big start.”
Sam Vines will be available for the selection for the game on Saturday per arm. Rapid’s defense lawyer recovers from an injury with a lower body that was suffered during the playoffs in November.
In the meantime, the goalkeeper from Colorado, Zack Steffen, three parades against Charlotte, while he was a clean sheet, his third year.
-Media on the Level field
