Breaking News: ‘Lighthearted’ Vancouver Whitecaps confident as they head out on the road
‘Last season’s prolonged series of road losses is now a distant memory as the Vancouver Whitecaps prepare for their upcoming match against FC Dallas.
According to head coach Vanni Sartini, away games had weighed heavily on the team last year. Despite putting up a fight and securing wins at home, the ‘Caps couldn’t clinch a victory on the road in Major League Soccer until June 24, which created a sense of burden and perhaps even superstition.
However, this season has already seen a shift. The ‘Caps (1-0-1) secured their first win last Saturday, defeating the Earthquakes 2-0 in San Jose, lifting the weight off their shoulders.
Looking ahead to their match against FC Dallas (1-2-0) this Saturday, the Whitecaps will face formidable opponents, including Petar Musa, Dallas’s recent acquisition from Benfica, known for his goal-scoring prowess. Damir Kreilach, Vancouver’s attacking midfielder, acknowledges Musa’s talent but hopes to keep him at bay during the upcoming game.
The Whitecaps must also be wary of Jesus Ferreira, a Colombian striker who proved to be a threat last season.
Captain Ryan Gauld emphasizes the importance of teamwork in defensive strategies, recognizing the need to limit the influence of key players like Ferreira and Musa.
Gauld asserts that a draw won’t suffice in the match against Dallas, highlighting the team’s raised ambitions for the 2024 season following last year’s playoff exit and a strong finish to the regular season.
Despite a promising start, Gauld acknowledges that there’s still room for improvement both on and off the field. He stresses the importance of continuing to progress and hopes to secure points against Dallas to maintain the team’s positive momentum.’
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (1-0-1) AT FC DALLAS (1-2-0)
Saturday, Toyota Stadium
INS AND OUTS: Sartini will observe from the press box as he remains sidelined due to a six-game suspension. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps are still without the services of Canadian fullback Sam Adekugbe, who is nursing a knee injury. The Toros, on the other hand, are grappling with a lengthy list of injuries and are anticipated to be without seven players this weekend. This includes defenders Geovane Jesus (knee), Sebastien Ibeagha (calf), and Amet Korça (groin), along with midfielders Asier Illarramendi (adductor), Marco Farfan (back), Paxton Pomykal (knee), and Alan Velasco (knee).
HISTORY BOOKS: “The teams have faced each other 28 times during MLS regular-season matches. Dallas leads the overall series with 11 wins, 9 losses, and 8 draws, and they emerged victorious in the most recent encounter with a 2-1 scoreline on May 17, 2023.”
THE NEW GUY: Ralph Priso participated in training with the Vancouver Whitecaps this week following his acquisition from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for general allocation money and draft picks on Monday. Sporting Director Schuster expressed his longstanding interest in the 21-year-old Canadian midfielder, describing him as a versatile player with untapped potential. Schuster believes that Priso’s addition will enhance the depth of the Whitecaps’ roster, which is anticipated to be heavily involved in multiple competitions this year.