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Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Philadelphia Union: Preview and How to Watch

By Gareth Wolff

Jun 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Young fans escort players from the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps prior to the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Young fans escort players from the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps prior to the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Union visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final match of the 2017 MLS opening weekend.

Three days after sealing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals with a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls, the Vancouver Whitecaps welcome Philadelphia Union to BC Place to get both teams’ MLS seasons going.

The Union and Whitecaps both had disappointing 2016 seasons. Philadelphia were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference. Vancouver, meanwhile, missed out on the playoffs entirely, finishing in eighth spot in the West.

Match Info

Who: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Philadelphia Union
When: Sunday, March 5th, 6:30 pm PT (9:30 pm ET)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
How to Watch: TSN 1/4/5 (Canada only), MLS LIVE

Mar 2, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Fredy Montero (12) celebrates his goal with midfielder Russel Tiebert (31) against New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Fredy Montero (12) celebrates his goal with midfielder Russel Tiebert (31) against New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (31) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place Stadium. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Preview

Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson made some key changes to try and address last season’s biggest weaknesses. Out went right backs Fraser Aird and Jordan Smith, replaced by Sheanon Williams and SuperDraft pick Jake Nerwinski. Captain Pedro Morales was shipped out, and Giles Barnes was traded for Brek Shea. Probably the biggest signing, however, was former Seattle Sounders striker Fredy Montero.

Montero, who came off the bench to score the ‘Caps’ second on Thursday, will likely get the chance to start on Sunday. Robinson will have some difficult decisions to make when selecting the rest of the starting XI.

Christian Bolaños and Nicolas Mezquida are still injured, reducing the options in midfield. Christian Dean will likely replace the suspended Kendall Waston in central defense. Fatigue may also be a factor for the Whitecaps, who will only have had three days of rest.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, made fewer changes over the offseason. Midfielder Haris Medunjanin is likely their biggest signing. USMNT veteran Oguchi Onyewu could also prove key in Joshua Yaro’s absence (shoulder injury). Philadelphia will be hoping to build on a good preseason and take advantage of some tired legs, particularly in the Whitecaps midfield.

These two sides only met once in 2016, on June 25th in Philadelphia. Vancouver took all three points on that occasion, winning 3-2.

Next: Minnesota vs. Portland - 3 things we learned

Whitecaps or Philadelphia? Leave us your predictions below.

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