Remember the old days when a road trip to play Vancouver meant a lengthy journey to Rio Tinto Stadium? This is not that. We've played Vancouver on 4 June once before, in 2011. That was my and Mrs. Ismitje's 20th anniversary, and we celebrated by catching a flight to Salt Lake City to attend the game. We had some challenges at striker at the time: Jean Alexandre started up top (and scored!), and Yura's cousin came on in relief. And since it's our anniversary again and we're playing Vancouver again - well, that's a 2-0 win coming our way.
Didn't realize we were the only MLS game this weekend. Makes sense with the international window and us having not played in the last one. We lucked out, again, with few absences. Does Vancouver have any? I can't tell from their site
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Janio Bikel (M, Guinea-Bissau) Javain Brown (D, Jamaica) Andres Cubas (M, Paraguay) Lucas Cavallini (F, Canada) Just Rubio Rubin for us.
Vancouver missing Cavallini is massive for RSL. He's been their most consistent player this year, by far. While Vancouver has been bad overall on the season, they are 3-1-1 over their last five games. They are improving and showing a bit more of an idea in how they play. Without Cavallini RSL will have a better chance, but this isn't going to be an easy game by any stretch
Turf ... rarely good for us Rizzles. But this team has more fight than its had in years, so I guess we'll see.
Ya know what? I'm just going to stick with my same old RSL 3-1 victory. Why not? I never know what to expect and have really just started trying to enjoy the games with that in mind. Should be fun.
MacMath Herrera Glad Silva Brody Chang Loeffelsend Ruiz Meram Cordova Wood Bench: Gomez; Kappelhoff, Kablan; Besler, Caldwell, Everton, Luna; Savarino, Julio Luna moves right into the gameday roster.
Just that Chang shot through the bulk of half one. Vancouver has more or less ceded part of the field to us so we have lots of possession, but no chances.
I wonder what wood thinks as he stands there and watches a ball roll by him. I don't think he ever moves toward a ball that is coming his direction.
Herrera's two crosses a moment ago were fantastic. And that header from Sergio - that was a near certain goal, denied. Amazing save.