Sounders FC 2 (7-13-2) returns to Starfire Stadium on Sunday (6:30 p.m. PT, live-stream on SoundersFC.com) for its third match of the 2017 USL regular season against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (4-11-6). Both squads enter the Cascadia clash in need of points as the push for the playoffs begins in earnest. While S2’s last win came back on July 1 in a 2-0 road win over WFC2, the visitors are winless in their last ten matches and have only one victory since April 16.
Much like the Whitecaps first team, WFC2 typically lines up in either a 4-2-3-1 or a more attack-oriented 4-3-3 formation. Predicting the starting XI, however, is not nearly as straight-forward, since they tend to rely heavily on a blend of fringe first-team players and Academy prospects. But regardless of how they line up, WFC2’s playing style remains largely the same, which is to build possession quickly through the middle third before overloading one of the flanks.
With a roster composed largely of technical, intelligent midfield players, WFC2 employs plenty of short-range passes and quick combinations to build attacks out of the back. Once the ball has progressed through midfield, one of the attacking midfielders -- usually Marco Bustos -- will quickly pass to one of the wingers, who typically stay high and wide in the Whitecaps’ system. From there, the striker will make an inside-out run down that channel, the fullback will provide an overlapping run, and the central midfielders will shift across to provide support in possession.
Bustos, 21, will be the key to WFC2’s success on Sunday. The young Canadian international, who has scored a pair of braces against S2 in 2015 and 2016, is the lynchpin of the Whitecaps offense. His ability to float between the lines and pick out a killer pass will provide a stern test for the young Sounders, but with Ray Saari and Francisco Narbon patrolling the midfield, it’s a test they’re likely to pass with flying colors.
Here are three storylines to watch for in this Cascadia clash.
Mathers On Fire
Sounders FC midfielder Zach Mathers is in the form of his life. With eight goals and a remarkable 28 chances created from 14 appearances, the Duke grad is picking apart opposing defenses every time he takes the field. And with three goals from his last five appearances, including a lovely free-kick goal against Colorado Springs Switchbacks and a long-range rocket in the first half last weekend versus Rio Grande Valley, he’s playing with a level of confidence that portends a strong showing on Sunday. Fortunately for S2, WFC2 struggles with their defensive spacing, tending to leave gaps all over their defensive third. Look for Mathers to pop up in these little pockets of space and pull the strings going forward.
Chenkam’s Movement
Last weekend, S2 striker Felix Chenkam made his first appearance for the club since July 19, missing a big chunk of the season through injury. With a blend of strength and a high soccer IQ, Chenkam’s hold-up play and understanding of when to drop into midfield, the Cameroonian provides a unique skillset in the No. 9 role. But where the young striker really thrives is inside the penalty box, with his clever runs, subtle movements and finishing ability making him a center back’s nightmare. WFC2 has struggled lately when it comes to defending crosses, so look for Shandon Hopeau, David Olsen, Charles Renken and Irvin Parra to whip balls into the box and for Chenkam to apply the finishing touch.
First Team Reinforcements
Through a combination of new signings and key players returning from injury, there should be a number of first team players available for selection on Sunday. Henry Wingo has impressed in his two most recent outings with S2, and the Sounders Academy alum could reprise his attacking role in this Cascadia clash. Homegrown striker Seyi Adekoya, Wingo’s teammate in the Rave Green youth system, will likely feature as well. Goalkeeper Bryan Meredith will likely return between the sticks. The veteran goalkeeper produced several world-class saves the last time these two sides met, and will look to produce a similar performance.
