Good Morning,
Columbus Crew take on Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place tonight on their legendary Polytan LigaTurf 240 RS+ surface. Game starts at a reasonable 7:30 PM Eastern or 4:30 PM Whitecap time.
GAME NOTES
• BC Place is an indoor soccer field that occasionally gets played on by a CFL team (and must get damp) so parts of the field looked worn and rusted in places.
• Did you know that playing on a fake field virtually eliminates sliding tackles?
• Nigel Reo-Coker should feature tonight for the Whitecaps
• Matias Sanchez might see his first MLS minutes tonight for Danny O'Rourke (usually sits out fake field games)
• Vancouver looked as rusty as their field in last weeks 1st half against Toronto but found a rhythm in the 2nd.
PREDICTIONS
The betting sites are leaning towards Vancouver in this one. Bet365 has VAN 5/4, Draw 23/10 and Crew 11/5.
Odds aggregate site Win Draw Win's fairly accurate 'your vote' section shows the edge to VAN with 41% going their way and only 23% for the Crew.
Drew Epperley, who was correct about last weekends Crew win (confidently) has the Whitecaps this weekend, 2:1 over the Crew. "I think the two week trip on the West coast ends up costing Columbus points in the end though, even though I like where they are headed." Well said.
The 'Pick 'em' bunch over at MLSsoccer seem a bit torn this week but slight edge to Vancouver. 3 votes 'Caps, 2 Crew and 1 draw.
Goal.com's fan vote is leaning pretty heavily towards Vancouver this week. 61.5% of the vote going to them as of this writing.
Patrick Guldan at Massive Report see's the outcome of this one as a Draw.
Adam Jardy of the Dispatch seems to be leaning draw based on time on the road and the stiffer challenge Vancouver will provide as compared to Chivas USA. Pick up today's paper, Sports Section page... C11(?geeze).
MY THOUGHTS
After being just slightly favored last week, Columbus appears to be pretty heavy underdogs this week. It's for good reason as they have been on the road for a while. Keep in mind that they were also in Florida for all of February as well.
What will matter is whether enough players have enough fight left in them or are they ready to be back in Columbus.
What also matters is the playing surface. Speed is a huge factor on turf because nobody wants strawberries on their hips from slide tackles. Expect Crew defenders to get bumpy off the ball with a few of the attacking Whitecap players.
I would say a Draw here for the Crew is enough and probably what Warzycha has in mind. Both teams have a good amount of individual talent so a wonky crusty surface bounce might be all it takes for either team to win.
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