Preview: ‘Caps aim to stay in first place in battle against Austin FC

VANCOUVER, BC – What a start to the season it has been.

After advancing to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to continue the momentum on Saturday. The ‘Caps return to MLS action in a home match versus fourth place Austin FC at BC Place. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC hold a record of 5W-1L-2D in eight all-time meetings against Austin FC.

BRING ON MIAMI: It was a magical night on Wednesday at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City as a last-gasp goal from Tristan Blackmon against Pumas UNAM sent Whitecaps FC to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the second time in club history. The ‘Caps will now face fellow MLS side Inter Miami CF in the semifinals. The first leg will take place on Thursday, April 24 at BC Place, with the decisive second leg on Wednesday, April 30 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

TOP OF THE LEAGUE: With their dominant 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids last weekend, the ‘Caps lead the Supporters’ Shield standings with 16 points (5W-1L-1D), marking their best seven-game start to an MLS regular season in their history. The win saw Yohei Takaoka record his fourth clean sheet in MLS play this season, which is tied for the league lead, and Emmanuel Sabbi score his first goal for the club. Sabbi became one of 13 different goalscorers to find the back of the net for the ‘Caps this year, showcasing the team effort on display from Jesper Sørensen’s side. Brian White also scored in the win, as he’s now five goals away from equaling Carl Valentine for fourth all-time in goals scored and further extended his club-record for game-winning goals in MLS regular season play with 16.

SHUT DOWN VERDE: Following their mid-week Concacaf Champions Cup match-up, the ‘Caps will return to BC Place for another key Western Conference showdown against fourth-placed Austin FC in the club’s Women and Girls in Sport Match. Austin are riding a four-match unbeaten streak in the league but have only scored five goals through their first seven matches, which is the second-lowest mark in the West. Dating back to 2021, the Blue and White have posted a 5W-1L-2D record against the Verde and Black, with three of those wins coming at BC Place.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *