Sep 10, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Omar Salgado (17) passes the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes during the second half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
With the Cascadia Cup in hand, Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps can not only inch closer to a MLS Cup Playoffs spot, but can clinch a spot in the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League with a win over Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes, who are saying farewell to Buck Shaw Stadium after seven years of calling it their home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by TSN and MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps.
1. At least 50 fouls and four cards
This will be a scrap between a spoiler and a playoff contender at Buck Shaw. Hey, why not go out with a bang? So, the MLS Multiplex will boldly predict for at least 50 fouls whistled and four cards issued.
2. No goals for San Jose
This is a mismatch. Again, I will say this one more time: this is an obscene mismatch. Because it’s a mismatch, there will no goals for San Jose. Again, no goals for the Quakes in this contest. That is all.
3. Under five saves for Jon Busch
It will be a tough night for Jon Busch at Buck Shaw on Saturday. At least five saves will need to be made from Busch against the Whitecaps. Even so, Busch will give up goals left and right.
4. Under five saves for David Ousted
Meanwhile, Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted will have a decent night in goal for the Whitecaps. At the same time, don’t expect Ousted to make a lot of saves on Saturday. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts under five saves from Ousted.
5. Pedro Morales will score
Pedro Morales one of a number of player that will come up huge for Vancouver against the Earthquakes. Morales will record a goal and an assist in this match.
6. Darren Mattocks will score
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Darren Mattocks has six goals and three assists to his credit. Watch for Mattocks to provide a cool finishing touch on Saturday against the Earthquakes.
7. Erik Hurtado will score
Erik Hurtado will record a goal and an assist in this contest. Hurtado had five goals and three assists this season for the Whitecaps and will need to step things up to help Vancouver this weekend to ensure that they are back in the postseason.
8. Kekuta Manneh on goal for the Whitecaps
This will be a rout for Vancouver, and everyone will get involved. Kekuta Manneh, who was a hero for Vancouver last weekend against the Seattle Sounders, will get in on goal late in the second half against San Jose. Manneh has four goals this season for the Whitecaps.
9. Mauro Rosales with an assist
Mauro Rosales has three assists this season for the Whitecaps and will record another assist against San Jose on Saturday. After a tough stint with Chivas USA, Rosales is finding his niche as a provider once against as part of Vancouver starting XI.
10. Vancouver walks to the playoffs
This will be a walkover for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are taking on a San Jose side in need of a complete reboot in terms of purpose, identity and relevance. Watch for a one-side game at Buck Shaw, it will be ugly.
Vancouver Whitecaps 4, San Jose Earthquakes 0