CONCACAF Champions League Preview: Whitecaps vs. Red Bulls

Vancouver Whitecaps FC welcome the New York Red Bulls to BC Place on Thursday for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal. The first leg ended 1-1.

The 2017 MLS season starts on Friday, but for the Vancouver Whitecaps and New York Red Bulls, there’s a different hurdle to clear first. In the only all-MLS quarterfinal match-up, ‘Caps and Red Bulls will face off Thursday night for the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg.

Last Wednesday’s first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that leaves the Whitecaps with a slight edge going into Thursday’s match-up. Thanks to the away goal scored in the first match by Kekuta Manneh, the Whitecaps will advance to the semifinals with a win or a goalless draw. The Red Bulls, meanwhile, need a win, or a 2-2 draw or higher. Another 1-1 would mean extra time and, if the score persists, a penalty shootout.

That being said, the Whitecaps still have plenty of work to do. Last season, Vancouver had the second-worst defense in the Western Conference, conceding 52 goals in 34 games. Keeping Bradley Wright-Phillips, last year’s golden boot winner, off the scoresheet will be a monumental task.

The winner of this match-up will have to face a Mexican team in the semifinal. Pumas UNAM and Tigres UANL also drew their first leg 1-1. The return leg in the all-Mexican quarterfinal is Wednesday night, so Whitecaps and Red Bulls will know their potential opponent before they kick off on Thursday.

Match Info

What: CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, 2nd leg
Who: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. New York Red Bulls
When: Thursday, March 2nd, 7 pm PT (10 pm ET)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
How to Watch: Univision Deportes Network (U.S. only); Facebook Live (online)

First Leg Recap

Last week’s first leg was not short on excitement. A Kekuta Manneh header had the Whitecaps up 1-0 at the half, and right after the break David Ousted saved a weakly-hit Sacha Kljestan penalty with his feet.

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However, as the second half progressed the Red Bulls found their way back into the game, courtesy of Wright-Phillips. Cristian Techera was then red-carded for a high foot to Sal Zizzo’s groin. The Whitecaps, however, managed to hang on for the final 20 minutes without conceding again.

Changes on the Horizon

The Red Bulls will likely field a similar lineup to last week. According to MLSsoccer.com, their only injuries are long-term absentees Connor Lade (still in rehab after a torn ACL last August) and Gideon Baah (broken tibia last July). Any changes by Jesse Marsch will likely be tactical.

The Whitecaps, on the other hand, will see some forced changes. Techera will be suspended after his sending-off in the first leg. Erik Hurtado’s yellow card has also earned him a suspension. Giles Barnes, who played just under half an hour last week, now plays for Orlando City.

Next: Mauro Rosales returns to Vancouver Whitecaps

With Christian Bolaños, Yordy Reyna, and Nicolás Mezquida all injured, Carl Robinson is left with some selection difficulties in midfield and attack. Home fans can expect to see newcomers Fredy Montero and Brek Shea make their Whitecaps debuts. Fellow signing Mauro Rosales will not be able to participate as he already played in this installment of the CCL for FC Dallas.

Whitecaps or Red Bulls? Who will make the semifinals? Leave your predictions in the comment box below.

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