RSL 2014, Game 8: Vancouver Whitecaps at RSL, Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 7:30 UDT

I think this is needed.

 

Why even bother covering it? They don't cover the practice field up the road and that pitch looks absolutely perfect. It's almost like they're trying to do too much instead of letting nature do it's thing.

 

Sounds like Rio Tinto needs better fertilizer. Have some of the kids from your apartment complex over?

 

Wasn't the reason for the crap field because of the machinery used to clear out all the snow in case we hosted the final? You can tell it looks like it was driven through and hasn't quite recovered yet.

So my hopes were raised earlier in the week when I thought I'd be able to go, only to be crushed the following day. I'm going to hate missing the game, especially if it rains. I love watching/playing soccer in the rain. Fixing my car in the rain, however, will be a lot of fun.

 

I believe her first MLS match was Houston at Vancouver on March 29. http://www.proreferees.com/news-article.php?item=9

 

Yeah, but can they do it on a cold rainy night in Salt Lake?

 

I thought the field issues were from the grass getting scalped by plows from the Portland playoff game.

Amazed they don't have rollers on whatever they used to keep it from gouging the field out.

The fact that they tear it up with Rugby for a few bucks makes me ill.

Hopefully the world cup window will give time/heat to really regrow the sum-bitch.

 

It'll be interesting to see what kind of crowd we get out to tomorrow's game. Seems like we don't get weather like this very often - anyone got a feel for how heavy rain and a soaked field will affect each side?

 

Here is a look at some Vancouver stats prior to tomorrow's match.

http://ccb1212.blogspot.com/2014/04/statting-opposition-vancouver.html

 

Wet fields favor the short passing game. Long passes over the top do not fly as far. With our lack of turf, once those long passes hit the ground they are going to be moving faster that the passer intended. Offensively, Plata will be crucial more than usual. Aggressive attackers have an edge over defenders in wet conditions, and he fits the bill there. I do not know how used to wet conditions the Whitecaps are...doesn't BC Place have a retractable roof? I do not know if they train in the elements or under a roof.

 

It's the LifeVantage convention this weekend; just what we all needed, another fanbase that'll need a little training before they're ready for primetime. Let's just hope someone clued them in to the Xango faux pas. I'm pretty sure it was the first (maybe second?) year of their sponsorship, and the game they attended during their convention everyone was wearing nice orange Xango T-shirts. Trouble was, we were playing Houston . . .

 

From MLSsoccer.com:

RSLvVWFC Scouting Report

 

shameless plug on my preview
I think the amount of water that the field takes and, more specifically, how the field takes it will be key to the game.
Vancouver, IMO, would benefit from a field that speeds up play but doesn't cause it to get sloppy with footing. Mattocks on a field that is allowed to slot in balls will kill us. If the pitch is too poor for him to get great footing, though, we'll have eliminated his skill without having to really do anything but praise the rain gods.

 

Good stuff, 15. I'm hoping Vancouver pushes up far enough that it gives us some opportunities to counter. It'll be a good show.

 

I wonder who the designated 'boo' victim will be this week?

 

Can't be Mattocks, too obvious. How about Pedro Morales, because "there can be only one..."

 

I'd choose manneh. I think a younger player might actually let that get in his head.

 

Teibert.

 

Prediction: RSL 2 Vancouver 0 Rimando ties the all time shutout record and RSL keeps pace with both Seattle and Dalllas. Dallas up a goal at the half but down a man. Hoping Espindola can put one past Seitz.
Edit:
posted a couple seconds too soon, my wish came thru. Espindola ties it up!

 

Espindola has been more critical for DC than EJ so far.
Probably at a fraction of the salary.

Anyways, I'm excited for this one. I can't remember the last rainy game I've gone to, hopefully the crappy part of the field sucks an entire Vancouver player into the void.

 

2 goals and a assist for Fabi, sorry guys I do miss seeing him a RSL jersey.

 

From Twitter/Instagram #RSL XI: Rimando; Beltran, Borchers, Schuler, Wingert; Beckerman, Mulholland, Grabavoy, Morales; Sabo, Plata

#RSL BENCH: Attinella, Maund, Mansally, Stertzer, Velasquez, Sandoval, Garcia

 

Makes me very happy to see Plata back in the mix.

 

Yup. Happy.

 

Wow, both Plata and Sabo had to put their shots in ONE spot to beat the keeper/defense, and they both did. Great finishes from both.

Also, chemistry in the midfield and forwards is great right now.