Ahead of Saturday's match at Vancouver, SportingKC.com caught up with TSN broadcaster Peter Schaad to preview #VANvSKC. Live coverage of the match is available on FOX Sports KC, FOX Sports GO, 99.3 FM, and La Grande 1340 AM with the official Watch Party at No Other Pub.. Check out MatchDay Central and @SKCMatchDay for complete online coverage.
How would you sum up the Whitecaps season up to this point?
After last season, it was anyone's guess as to tell how this season would start. With the added CCL games and a slew of early season injuries (including newly acquired Yordy Reyna) I'd say they've navigated the first third of the season reasonably well. The U2 Concert kept them out of BC Place for 4 games and 18,000 kilometers(11,250 Miles) traveled, yet, they managed 6 points from those 4 games.
Brek Shea has scored two goals in his last two appearances (both as a second half substitute). What’s been the key to his recent success and what impact might he play on Saturday?
The big Texan has been an excellent spark of late, but even vs Tigres (where he scored the opening goal before getting injured), he's proven to be a handful. After being sent off for dissent at home vs Toronto, it seems he's been very committed to the cause. It may be too soon for him to start, but he's certainly earned consideration after his last two appearances.
Saturday is the first home match for Vancouver in almost a month. What are you expecting to see from the Whitecaps in their return to BC Place?
I would hope they would put SKC under pressure from the first minute, given Sporting played on Wednesday. Whether Carl Robinson puts the same XI out for a 5th consecutive game is the big question. I think he might make at least one change.
What players have stood out for Vancouver this season?
The back-line has, for the most part, been very good, and they've been stable. It's looking a lot more like 2015 than 2016. Making Kendall Waston captain was clever. He's elevated his game, and stayed out of the referee's book. But if you had to award an early season Whitecap MVP, it might be contested between Tim Parker, Christian Techera and possibly Andrew Jacobson who has been very effective as a number 8.
How important is Saturday’s match for Vancouver with a very busy schedule ahead (MLS and Canadian Championship games for next two weeks)?
Having success in MLS isn't a secret. You need to win at home. The 6 points from these last 4 road games was decent, but they mean nothing if Vancouver can't take maximum points against SKC and DC United in the next week. The roster will be put to the test on Tuesday with Montreal in town, and the Whitecaps desperate to get another crack at the Voyaguers Cup which literally slipped out of their goalkeepers hands last year.
