Five Questions for Whitecaps vs. Revolution

The surging Vancouver Whitecaps FC meet New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Saturday looking to continue their charge to the top of the MLS table.

Vancouver currently sits tied for first in the Western Conference with Seattle Sounders FC and a victory against a strong Revolution side will be paramount to Vancouver’s upward trend.

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Along with his ban, Waston was also fined an undisclosed amount for embellishment in Saturday’s game against the Red Bulls. Waston went down fairly easily following some rough exchanges after the whistle with Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

Koffie will also be difficult to replace. With a few lingering injuries for Vancouver, Robinson will have to rely on some of his depth pieces.

As for who will replace them, Robbo told media that he is considering slotting Christian Dean or Tim Parker into Waston’s spot, while 19-year-old Deybi Flores will likely take Koffie’s place if Russell Teibert’s ankle injury persists.

Dean and Parker are both over six feet tall. That kind of size can help alleviate the loss of Waston.

2. Can David Ousted repeat his performance from last week?

Jun 20, 2015; Harrison, NJ, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted (1) reacts after making a save on a penalty kick by New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (not pictured) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

On Saturday, Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted became only the third goalkeeper in MLS history to save two penalty kicks in the same game. The 30-year-old Dane’s outstanding performance earned him MLS Team of the Week honours.

Ousted stopped Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips on two separate penalty kicks and made a brilliant save on Manolo Sanchez late in the match to solidify Vancouver’s 2-1 win. Can he continue his dominant ways this week?

Confidence is likely not an issue, as he seems to be in top form. However, it would be better for the club if he didn’t have to mirror his performance from last week. Ousted rose to the occasion and deserves a lot of credit for that win. Now, his teammates need to have his back. The ‘Caps need better defensive coverage. They need to make sure they don’t leave their keeper exposed to dangerous shots on target. Limiting New England’s skilled attack is essential to success.

3. Will Vancouver have Pedro Morales and Mauro Rosales on Saturday?

Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales was unavailable for Saturday’s contest against New York after he sustained a calf injury prior to the match. The ‘Caps’ captain has three goals and four assists so far this season.

On whether or not the Whitecaps will have their 30-year-old captain back for Saturday’s match, Robinson said there is a possibility that Morales will suit up for the club. Robinson said Morales took part in a full training session with the club this week, which is a good sign. However, if he is fit enough, he will likely only be available off the bench for Saturday’s match.

While Morales may not see the pitch on Saturday, midfielder Mauro Rosales likely will. The 34-year-old Argentine was battling a bout of food poisoning during Saturday’s contest in New York. He appears to be in better fitness this week. This is a positive sign for Vancouver as the club’s depleted roster could use a boost from Rosales.

4. Can Kekuta Manneh make it three goals in a row?

Like Ousted, Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh also earned MLS Team of the Week honours this week. With two away goals in consecutive matches against the Red Bulls and Galaxy, Manneh is becoming a perennial piece of Vancouver’s attack. Can he continue his success with a goal in New England?

Before scoring against LA Galaxy on June 6, the last time Manneh found the back of the net was on April 4. That goal came against the Galaxy as well. But Manneh’s play is growing as of late. While he continues to shoot hard and often, the ball is finally going in. Now that he has more confidence and things are going right, the 20-year-old Gambian will be looking for his third consecutive goal on Saturday. However, he has to control his emotions on the pitch and keep his focus in check if he wants to sustain his recent success.

5. Can the ‘Caps contain New England’s Charlie Davies?

May 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; New England Revolution forward Charlie Davies (9) scores a goal against Orlando City FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Revolution striker Charlie Davies has seven goals on the season so far. The 29-year-old American is the driving force behind New England’s resilient attack. However, fatigue may play a factor in this one – the Revolution are playing their third match of the week.

Nonetheless, Davies scored for the second straight game in the Revolution’s 2-1 loss to D.C. United on Sunday. Davies has been magnificent as of late with all seven of his goals coming in his last 11 games.

Vancouver will need to tighten up defensively if they want to contain Davies. The ‘Caps’ second half against a 10-man Red Bulls side was worrisome to say the least. They need to play smarter and more disciplined. The club committed 22 fouls on Saturday. That number has to improve if they want to avoid conceding against a New England side that will capitalize on their opposition’s mistakes.

Game Notes

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9-6-2) at New England Revolution (6-6-6)

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. PT

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