PREVIEW – Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Colorado Rapids at BC Place this weekend in the first matchups between the teams this year. The Caps are coming off a bye week, having lost in Champions League to LAFC. The Rapids won the Platte River Derby in the U.S. Open Cup on the weekend but their league results are not yet matching performances. Both teams could use a win.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Colorado Rapids Prediction
Vancouver Whitecaps Recent Talking Points
Vancouver are figuring things out offensively with new DP striker Sergio Cordova out injured. They’ve scored just one goal in the last four games in all competition. Brian White and Ryan Gauld have been playing up top with Simon Becher, who’s in just his second year professionally. They’ve been positive at home so far this season. Yohei Takaoka has settled in in goal. Julian Gressel has been excellent in a midfield role in a 4-3-3 formation. If White or Gauld can get on a good run of form, they could get into a rhyme just in time for Cordova’s return to exceed external expectations. A win against the Rapids would be a step in the right direction.
Colorado Rapids Recent Talking Points
The Pids have put together a good run of performances, but they’ve struggled in both boxes. Last Saturday, they beat St. Louis CITY on expected goals by a factor of three, but drew 1-1. They’re not finishing. Diego Rubio is their only reliable chance creator. They’ve yet to score a goal on a set piece. Defensively, they’re getting better but still flawed. They can control the game, get more chances, but the opponent finishes better than they do and they draw. Head Coach Robin Fraser’s side did get a 3-1 win in the U.S. Open Cup against Northern Colorado Hailstorm. Perhaps that will be a confidence boost for a side desperate for finishing. They have a number of injuries going into this game which could hurt them offensively.
Recent Head-to-Head
This has been a competitive series in recent times. The home team won both games last year, though Colorado were competitive in the match north of the border. Colorado took four points from two games in 2021, though the Caps home game took place in Salt Lake City. Fraser and Whitecaps Head Coach Van Sartini are both settled. Both teams added good pieces in positions of weakness in the winter. Both teams are dealing with injuries. This is a true six-pointer for two mid tier clubs looking to move up in the table.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Colorado Rapids Match Prediction
Vancouver is coming off a two week break and should be fresh and prepared. Colorado will be finishing off their first three game week of the season. With Rubio and Bryan Acosta both questionable, it’s hard to see Colorado getting a result in this one. They’ll set up in a defensive posture. The Whitecaps will try to unlock their defense on the front foot. Brian White gets a garbage goal after a mistake at the back. The home team wins 1-0.
Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken, Last Word on Soccer.
