The Rapids look to make it three in a row this weekend when the team travels to Vancouver for a match against Whitecaps FC at 5 PM MT. To get you ready for the team's third match of the season, Connor Cape, the voice of the Rapids on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5, has three storylines to watch.
1. Contain Lucas Cavallini
Vancouver brought the Canadian back to the Great White North after paying a hefty reported transfer fee to Liga MX side Puebla FC. While the hype is high, 'El Tanque' appears to still be adjusting to life in MLS. This isn't unusual; It's a different league with various factors that affect newcomers. Cavallini has played every minute through two games but has zero goals or assists. A player of his quality, however, won't be kept down for long. Expect him to do everything to break out and announce himself against the Rapids, and the visitors will need to be ready for his physical play from the opening whistle.
2. Recognize Vancouver's Style of Play
The season is so young, and our sample size is what experts would call small. In addition, Vancouver's second-year bench boss, Marc Dos Santos, said he wants to eventually turn the team's 4-4-2 formation into a 4-3-3. How soon could that happen? Nobody this side of the Rockies knows, so the Rapids have to come prepared to attack and defend two different formations. Vancouver fell at home to Sporting KC in the opening week of play but stymied Javier Hernandez's home debut with a win in LA last week. As Dos Santos continues to build the side in his vision, there will be ups and downs, and diagnosing Vancouver's game plan early will help make life on the road immensely easier.
3. Stay in your lane
Vancouver is currently doing small tactical things that should continue regardless of formation. They want to get their wingers wide and spread out the defenders, creating passing and attacking lanes through the middle. Rapids defenders need to find the balance of staying where they're supposed to go as to not leave gaps on the flanks, while also not being bombarded with endless crosses off the wings.
