VANCOUVER, B.C – The Vancouver Whitecaps have their work cut out for them if they are to retain their Amway Canadian Championship crown this year.
The Whitecaps head in to the second leg of their semifinal against NASL side Ottawa Fury (TSN2 in Canada, MLS LIVE in US) with a two-goal deficit to overcome after last Wednesday’s 2-0 away loss.
The challenge is a tough one for the ‘Caps, but not an insurmountable one. They will, however, have to put in a far better performance in the return leg if they are to get the job done.
After fielding a young and inexperienced side in Ottawa last week, Vancouver will be making changes and turning to their more established stars. Goalkeeper David Ousted, and Designated Players Pedro Morales and Matias Laba have been added to the ‘Caps roster for the return leg, and the players have been left in no doubt of the importance of the match to the club and the task in hand.
"We'll obviously look to make changes for the game," Whitecaps assistant coach Gordon Forrest told reporters at training on Monday. "We've preparing for that, so you'll see a few different faces in the team.
"We know what we need to do in the game. We've got to come here and be positive. We've got to score goals. We've got to win the game. There's no doubt in our minds and the players’ minds, what we have to do in the game. They'll be ready for that, they're prepared for that and we've got to go out and do that."
The Whitecaps need to score at least twice to keep themselves alive in the tie, but with the away goal rules in effect, they may have to play a patient and controlled game against a Fury side that will be content to sit back and hit on the counter.
If Ottawa score, Vancouver will need at least four goals, so adopting a gung-ho attitude from the off could cost the ‘Caps dear and they need to find the right balance between pushing for the goals they need but remaining tight at the back.
"We've got to start strong," veteran defender Jordan Harvey noted. "You start as if it's the start of a game, but it's really half time. You're two goals down and there's 90 minutes to make it up. We're at home and we're going to be gunning for them, man. It's going to be a tough game. I'm really looking forward to it."
Forrest also cautioned against pressing recklessly, but promised an attack-minded game. After the sluggish performance the 'Caps put in during the first leg, his message for the players was clear: everyone needs to be performing at their top level if Vancouver are to advance to the final and keep their grip on the Voyageurs Cup.
"We've got to be careful that we don't get caught on the break, but we know we need to win the game," Forrest said. "We've got to score, so there will be a lot of positive play.
"We need everyone pulling their weight. We need everyone rolling up their sleeves. Everyone needs to contribute to either assist or scoring goals. If a defender can step up on a set play, or a midfielder coming forward – as well as the wide players and forwards – if someone can really step up in those situations, then the more the merrier for us. But we need everyone in this game."
