Earthquakes vs Whitecaps Insight
The Whitecaps face their second consecutive tough opponent from California this week in the form of the league leading San Jose Earthquakes.
Vancouver wasted a two goal lead over LA mid-week to disappointingly post a 2-2 draw to the Galaxy and now come up against a San Jose outfit that has scored more goals than any other MLS squad with an impressive 43 strikes.
4:00 PM PT
Record
San Jose 13-4-4 (6-3-2 V)
VANWH 8-6-7 (5-1-4 H)
Matchup
San Jose Earthquakes
The vaunted San Jose attack is led by the best player in MLS for 2012 Chris Wondolowski.
The lanky striker has exceptional movement and despite the mandatory close attention of defenders he always manages to find a crease to slide into for a quick shot or header. His 17 league goals top the stats by 4 over second place Kenny Cooper.
Wondo has been more than ably supported by Alan Gordon this year too.
The former utility player for San Jose has been used as the target forward to hold up the ball, allowing Wondolowski to make many of his off the ball runs.
Gordon has 8 goals of his own.
Kenny Miller is certain to make an appearance tonight
Vancouver Whitecaps
Barry Robson Was the Caps’ man of the match against LA and has become better integrated with the other players. He has in particular seemed to strike up a good understanding with Gershon Koffie who also played very well last time out.
Kenny Miller is certain to make an appearance tonight, but whether it will be as a sub or starter is still a little up in the air.
Robson and Miller are well acquainted with one another from the Scottish national team and will be looking to rekindle some chemistry.
(Now that Eric Hassli is gone, another foreign player slot has opened up and it seems as though Martin Rennie will fill that with a mandatory Scotsman: I wonder if Shrek plays soccer).
Predictions
It was a full house at BC Place against LA with the visit of the big stars, and this game could well be another barnburner. If anything, San Jose is even more well-rounded than their Californian rivals. The Earthquakes are not quite as good on the road as they are at home, so expect another draw.
Vancouver will come out with a 1-1 draw.
Video
Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie comments after training.
