Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 18
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LAFC
Providence Park – Portland
October 14 – 10:00 PM ET

TV: TSN 1/3/4/5

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

LOCAL TV: YouTube TV [LA region only], EstrellaTV 62

The Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC are looking to build off Week 17 wins and carry momentum into a Wednesday night showdown at Providence Park.

The Whitecaps (6W-11L-0D) are just one point below the playoff line in the Western Conference following a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake Saturday night, while LAFC defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-1 for their third win in their last four games. 

This is the second meeting this season, with LAFC blasting the Whitecaps 6-0 at Banc of California Stadium Sept. 23, setting an MLS record by scoring four goals in the first 14 minutes.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

The Whitecaps erased a 1-0 deficit with two goals in a four-minute span in the second half, riding an own goal and a 75th-minute game-winner from Lucas Cavallini to a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. Michael Baldisimo was influential again, whipping in a dangerous free kick that resulted in a Douglas Martinez own goal and setting up Cavallini's winner to put the 'Caps on the verge of breaking into the top eight int the West. 

"What I told the guys is we have eight games left and in the eight games we have to try and play in this way," Marc dos Santos said referring to the first half against San Jose. "Who's ready and who's able to play in this way is going to play for the Whitecaps. Who cannot follow this rhythm and who cannot follow closing down what's in front of them won't. I don't want to be a team that spends all half, or spends a game in our defensive third. I don't want to be about that."

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Maxime Crépeau (GK) - fractured left thumb
  • OUT: Cristián Gutiérrez (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Thomas Hasal (GK) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: Andy Rose (M)
• Suspended after next caution:  Michael Baldisimo (M), Janio Bikel (M)
• International duty:  Jasser Khmiri (D)

LAFC

Danny Musovski struck for a brace and Francisco Ginella added a goal in a 3-1 win over the Sounders at Banc of California Stadium. LAFC had dropped the previous two meetings against Seattle, overcame four international absences and a first-half injury to influential midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye to get three important points. 

"To win a game where, man, there's so many things that seemed to be going against us," Bob Bradley said after the match. "But I'm really proud of the guys. Some guys that haven't played regularly really did an excellent job tonight. Great game from Danny Musovski, we certainly feel good about the improvement we've seen in him. So tonight is a big game. 

"There's some moments in a game like this where guys made plays, whether it's blocking a shot, getting a ball off the line. So, we've had many nights where after games we can talk about some of the football. But tonight is a night more just about really good mentality and an important, really good team win."

LAFC acquired defender Mark Segbers on loan from USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC, the club announced Tuesday. Segbers will remain with LAFC through the end of the season. Segbers, 24, was originally selected No. 9 overall selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution but has yet to make his MLS debut. He had a goal and two assists in 10 matches with Memphis this season. He is primarily a right back.

• Updated team roster
• Injury Report:
  • OUT: Carlos Vela (F) - Grade 2 MLS sprain
  • OUT: Tristan Blackmon (D) - undisclosed injury
  • OUT: Mark-Anthony Kaye (M) - ankle injury
  • OUT: Andy Najar (D) - undisclosed injury
• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty:  Diego Rossi (F), Brian Rodriguez (F), Jose Cifuentes (M), Diego Palacios (D)

Series Matchup at Whitecaps

• Whitecaps: 1 win, 1 goal
• LAFC: 1 win, 2 goals
• 0 draws

Officials

• Referee: Tori Penso
• Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Cameron Blanchard
• 4th Official: Timothy Ford
• VAR: Drew Fischer