Whitecaps return home to face Sporting KC
Posted August 10, 2014 9:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – After a long layoff, the Vancouver Whitecaps get back to work at BC Place on Sunday with a visit from the league’s best.
Sporting Kansas City is the defending MLS champion, and boasts a strong record of 11-5-6, good enough for top spot in the eastern conference. Vancouver (6-4-11) comes into this match with four straight draws under its belt, but could jump from seventh place to fifth in the western conference with a victory.
The Whitecaps have yet to beat Kansas City all-time – Sporting KC have amassed two wins and two draws in four matchups. Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson knows this will be a difficult test for his squad.
“They’ve got the strongest team in MLS at the moment, arguably.” Robinson said.
“It’s going to be a great test for us, but it’s a test we’re going to be ready for. It’s a test that will show us where we are. It’s a game I feel we can get a result out of…not just a draw, but a win.” Robinson added.
There’s plenty of talent for Sporting KC, with four MLS all-stars, including Graham Zusi, defenders Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin, and striker Dom Dwyer. Dwyer has found the back of the net fourteen times this season.
Vancouver made an addition last week, bringing in Costa Rican centre back Kendall Waston. While Waston is eligible to suit up, it’s not likely the defender will play.
Even after four consecutive draws, the playoffs are within reach for Vancouver, and they know it.
“This is a good stretch right now.” said defender Steven Beitashour.
“This is where you have to make sure you do all the little things. Towards the beginning two thirds [of the schedule] you can kind of get away with things. Now every point counts. Hopefully we can start off on Sunday with a good result.”
It’s the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Vancouver and Sporting KC battled to a draw in Kansas City last season in the teams’ only match-up.
