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Skidding Whitecaps in Search of Quality vs. Rival Sounders
The Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off May aiming for the top spot in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference. still, Vancouver( 5-4-3, 18 points) has struggled, failing to score in three matches this month and dropping to seventh place. They face a crucial Cascadia Cup clash on Saturday against the Seattle Sounders( 3-6-4, 13 points).
Vancouver Whitecaps’ Recent Performance
Struggles and Hope for enhancement
The Whitecaps have been winless in MLS play since their 2- 0 victory over Seattle on April 20, a match where the Sounders ended with nine players due to red cards.” What is different from the first few games is the rate of realization is a little down because the chances are still there,” said Whitecaps trainer Vanni Sartini, whose team is 0-2-2 in their past four matches.” The quality( in the final third of the field) will be back very soon, hopefully( Saturday).”
Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Raposo added,” We know what the atmosphere is going to be like. They were unlucky to go down to nine men, so it was not a real match. They are going to want that back.”
Former Meeting and Context
April 20 Match Recap
In their last meeting, Ryan Gauld and Brian White scored in the second half to secure a 2- 0 victory for Vancouver. This was the Whitecaps’ first win in Seattle since 2016, but the circumstances were unusual with Seattle reduced to nine players.
Midweek Matches and Team Updates
Vancouver’s Midweek Defeat
Vancouver suffered a 1- 0 defeat at Colorado midweek, with protector Bjorn Inge Utvik receiving a red card in first- half stoppage time for handling the ball in the penalty area. The Rapids converted the ensuing penalty kick for the game’s only goal.
Seattle’s Midweek Defeat
Seattle dropped a 2- 0 decision at conference- leading Real Salt Lake, playing without their leading scorer Raul Ruidiaz( toe). Sounders trainer Brian Schmetzer expects Ruidiaz to return for Saturday’s match. Seattle was also missing protector Nouhou Tolo( unheroic- card accumulation) and midfielder Obed Vargas( calf), with winger Leo Chu( adductor) substituted off in the 21st minute.
” It was a tough match,” Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva said.” Coming from a win against Portland, which was a hard game to play, that gave us a lot of confidence and motivation. When you come to a match like this with new players, we knew everybody on the roster demanded to be ready.”
Player and Injury Updates
Crucial Player Returns
Seattle’s leading scorer Raul Ruidiaz is expected to be back for Saturday’s clash, which will boost their attack.” We did not win, so the communication to the team is to keep working hard and try to get the results,” said Leyva.
Conclusion
As the Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders prepare for their Cascadia Cup clash, both teams are eager to overcome recent lapses and secure a crucial victory. With crucial players returning and the intensity of the rivalry, this match promises to be a competitive and thrilling encounter.
