It’s the defending Supporters’ Shield champions versus the current leaders for the 2015 Shield, as Vancouver Whitecaps FC hosts Sounders FC at BC Place on Saturday (4 pm PT; JOEtv/This TV). The two rivals have split the season series thus far: Seattle won 2-0 at BC Place early in the season and Whitecaps FC earned a 3-0 win at CenturyLink Field last month.
Here are three key matchups to watch in Saturday’s contest at BC Place.
Osvaldo Alonso vs. Mauro Rosales
The ex-teammates will battle it out in the midfield, where Alonso helped Seattle control the run of play the last time these teams met at BC Place. Alonso wasn’t fully healthy for last month’s loss to Vancouver, and this time around the pesky defensive midfielder is ready to go. Rosales, meanwhile, has yet to play against Seattle this year but will surely be featured in Sigi Schmid’s scouting report, as the Argentine midfielder tallied 34 assists in his three seasons with the Sounders (2011-2013). Whether it’s him or Pedro Morales playing the central attacking role, Vancouver will boast plenty of creativity in midfield.
Clint Dempsey vs. David Ousted
Ousted is part of the reason why Vancouver has conceded the fewest goals in MLS (28 goals in 28 games). The veteran goalkeeper is among the league’s best in saves, clean sheets and save percentage. Dempsey appears almost fully recovered from his hamstring injury , having played over 80 minutes in each of the last two games. He had an assist in the victory at BC Place in May, which was his ninth straight MLS match with a goal or an assist. Despite all his success in MLS, he's never scored against the Whitecaps.
Nelson Valdez vs. Steven Beitashour
Valdez showed in the last two weeks he could fit in well on the wing with fellow Designated Players Obafemi Martins and Dempsey up front. He hasn’t scored since his MLS debut one month ago, but the technical staff is pleased with the Paraguayan striker’s willingness to play anywhere on the pitch and put his body on the line when tracking back to defend. On Saturday, Valdez could line up across from Beitashour, a veteran rightback who has started 24 games in his second year with the Whitecaps.
