As our school year begins, the Whitecaps’ season nears the playoffs. I mean, there’s still at least seven games left, but soon, you’ll be knee deep in homework you won’t even notice.
This last week has been a busy one for the ‘Caps, who were starting it off after a win over Colorado. Set to play Honduran club C.D Olimpia and the Seattle Sounders, the ‘Caps were hoping to make history, and increase their lead in the standings. The game against Olimpia showed the depth Carl Robinson has at his disposal. The coach chose to play a WHOLE new starting 11. Yes, that’s correct, 11 out of 11 possible changes. It was Canadian Kianz Froese who scored the only goal of the game, and with it, the ‘Caps improved their record to an overall 1W-0L-1D. Now in second place, they still have to play two more games in this tournament, one at home against Seattle and the other in Honduras against Olimpia.
But before they play Seattle in the Champions League this Wednesday, they had to play Seattle in the MLS on Saturday, and it’s one they’re likely going to forget. The fans were showing signs of excitement and confidence coming into the sold out game, because last time these two teams faced each other, the Whitecaps rolled them over 3-0, in Seattle’s own stadium. This game, had early signs of promise for the ‘Caps, however, failed attempts only lead to momentum switching over to the Sounders side. The team from the south of the boarder finally found the back of the net just before the first half finished, and added another two in the 71st, and 87th minute. If you’re to see any goal from this game, make sure it’s Pineda’s strike in the 71st minute, trust me.
Even though the ‘Caps lost a chance to get an additional three points, they’re still in first place. Of course now, it only complicates the matter, making the next few games in the league all that much more important. Realistically, ‘Caps fans should be happy that their team is where they are right now. The Whitecaps are contenders for the Supporters’ Shield, and still have a chance to progress to the next stages of the Champions League, a huge improvement from last year. However, for this season to not be forgotten, the ‘Caps are going to have to stay consistent and produce the quality of soccer we’ve been lucky to see almost all season.
Now, if you get caught up with your homework, or just need a break from reading mid-week, catch the Whitecaps playing the Sounders at 7PM on SNET World, SNET One, or TSN 1410.