Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LA Galaxy: Preview and How to Watch
By Gareth Wolff
Injury-hit LA Galaxy heads to struggling Vancouver, as both sides resume MLS action after the international break.
The break is over for Vancouver Whitecaps and LA Galaxy fans. Both teams had two weeks off, during which time Christian Bolaños and Kendall Waston combined to score for Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Sebastian Lletget scored for the USMNT and then suffered a foot injury.
Now MLS action is back. Neither team has started as well as they would like this season, making this an important match for both. Here are the main storylines as the Whitecaps welcome the Galaxy to Vancouver.
Injury carousel for LA
LA have started the season off the pace, with two defeats and only one victory in three matches so far. The Galaxy will receive a boost from the return of several key players. Gyasi Zardes, Ashley Cole, and Giovani dos Santos are all back from injury and available for selection. Zardes and Cole have not played yet this season.
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Captain Jelle Van Damme is also back after missing a match through suspension, and Jermaine Jones survived international duty.
However, as players return from injury, another takes their place. Lletget will miss 4-6 months after breaking his foot against Honduras.
Tchani in line for debut
The biggest news this week for Vancouver was the departure of Kekuta Manneh. Manneh was traded to Columbus on Thursday in exchange for midfielder Tony Tchani. And a pile of allocation money, of course. There will likely be an emotional farewell on Saturday for the fan-favourite Manneh.
After trading away a prized asset, all eyes will be on the replacement. Tchani has only been with the squad for a day, but is already in line to make his debut for the ‘Caps.
Robinson confirmed that Tony Tchani will be in the 18 tomorrow. Said he could start. #VWFC #VANvLA
— Farhan Devji (@farhandevji) March 31, 2017
Can Vancouver keep 11 on the field?
If the Galaxy have an injury carousel, the Whitecaps have a suspension carousel. David Ousted will be back after missing the Toronto match. Meanwhile, Brek Shea is suspended after his red card for dissent against TFC.
So far this season, the Whitecaps have scored two goals and conceded none while at full strength. While reduced to 10 men, on the other hand, they have scored none and conceded five.
Suspensions have been a real problem for the ‘Caps. They finished last year’s home match against the Galaxy with 10 after a red card to Matías Laba. Coach Carl Robinson will be hoping to keep everyone on the field this time.
Match Info
Who: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy
When: Saturday, April 1st, 7:00 pm PT (10:00 pm ET)
Where: BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
How to Watch: TSN 1 (Canada only), MLS LIVE
Predicted Lineups
Vancouver Whitecaps
Los Angeles Galaxy
Next: Whitecaps Trade Manneh to Columbus for Tchani
Vancouver Whitecaps or LA Galaxy? Leave us your predictions below.