Storylines to Watch:
Whitecaps FC will be without two key players on Sunday
Vancouver Whitecaps FC entered the World Cup break unbeaten in six games but the Philadelphia Union ended that streak with a decisive 4-0 win on June 23. Head coach Carl Robinson started an unchanged lineup for the first time in the 2018 season, trotting out the same group from a 5-2 win over Orlando City SC on June 9. In the loss to Philadelphia, a red card to José Aja in the second half, and a second yellow to Yordy Reyna issued in stoppage time means both regulars will be out of the lineup on Sunday against the Rapids.
"It was a disappointing result," Robinson said. "I thought we got what we deserved, which was nothing.... We let ourselves down with some unacceptable behavior with with a little bit of discipline."
In addition, Kendall Waston will return to Vancouver this week as Costa Rica failed to qualify for the knockout rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The game will take place on Canada Day
Canadian fans will be celebrating the 151st birthday of their country this Sunday, July 1 at BC Place. This match marks the first time Vancouver Whitecaps FC will have played at home on Canada Day.
Player to Watch: Alphonso Davies
At the midway point in the season, Alphonso Davies has solidified himself as one of the 'Caps most lethal playmakers. The 17-year-old has scored two goals and notched seven assists in just 17 regular season games. The Homegrown can beat opponents with his pace, but is also capable in possession when the game slows down. One of his best nights as a professional came on June 9 in Vancouver's 5-2 win over Orlando, where the midfielder scored one goal and added three assists en route to an MLS Player of the Week win.
"Alphonso is doing his job," Whitecaps' forward Kei Kamara said postgame. "It's a good team for him to be a part of. We all feed off of each other. I'm not going to be as good as I'm going to be if I don't have people around me doing the things they're supposed to do to make me look good. We know what Alphonso's strengths are and we're definitely putting them in positions where he can use those strengths."
Davies earned his first call-up to the Canadian Senior National Team in June 2017, shortly after receiving his Canadian citizenship. He is currently the youngest male player to ever get a cap with the Canadian National Team.
Keep an eye out for the #67 of Davies in Vancouver's midfield on Sunday night.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Colorado Rapids - Head-to-Head
The Rapids have met Vancouver 21 times in the MLS regular season, resulting in a 9-8-4 record. The 'Caps currently sit just above the red line in the sixth spot in the West with a 6-6-5 overall record. The Rapids, meanwhile, are coming off a dramatic 3-2 win over Minnesota United FC that sees their season record sit at 3-9-3 overall.
The last time the two sides met was on June 1, with Whitecaps FC snagging to a 2-1 win over the Rapids at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park following goals from Cristian Techera and Yordy Reyna.
The Rapids have the edge in the overall head-to-head series, but have only walked away with a win in two out of their 10 visits to Vancouver.
- Head-to-Head Overall: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 8 wins, 28 goals | Colorado Rapids 9 wins, 29 goals | 4 ties
- Head-to-Head in Colorado: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5 wins, 18 goals | Colorado Rapids 2 wins, 12 goals | 3 ties
- Previous Meeting: Colorado Rapids 1, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 (June 1, 2018)
