|
Posted by
,
October 20, 2017 |
|
Twitter
@HarJournalist
|
|
Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VANCOUVER, B.C. - The MLS playoffs are around the corner, and the jockeying for playoff position, and playoff bye weeks will conclude following MLS 'Decision Day' on Sunday. Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Portland Timbers FC will battle at Providence Park for first place in the western conference. A coveted bye to the conference semi-finals is at stake for both clubs.
Whitecaps FC (15-11-7, 52 points) need a win or a draw to get the job done, and for Timbers FC (14-11-8, 50 points), they need to defeat Vancouver if they wish to take first spot on the last day.
Carl Robinson will run out his best starting eleven with a simple goal in mind. Win the match. Although a draw will see Vancouver lock up first spot, you never want to see a team play for a draw. It's boring, unnatural, and the gaffer don't play that game.
"No, we won't", Robinson said. "The reason why I won't, if you do, you'll lose, and we won't do that. We'll try and get a goal, and we'll try and get the first goal. If we try and get the first goal when we know that they need to score two to beat us, and that'll be their mentality. We're going there to try and win the game. I want a performance, and I want the guys to show me how much it means to care, playing for this football club with first place on the line, but we're also in playoff mode. We want to try and get into a rhythm."
Vancouver could get a massive boost with the potential return of winger, Christian Bolaños. The Costa Rican international was on international duty when the club lost 3-0 to New York Red Bulls on October 7, and he served a suspension vs San Jose on Sunday.
"We have to give a little bit extra," Bolaños admitted "In that game, everything is close, especially in this one. If we win, we win the conference, and if they win they win (it) too. Both teams try to do the same thing, but we have to be very smart because they play good with the ball. It's not about one player, it's about a football team. We have to take every chance. In this game, you don't have so many opportunities so you have to be very focused in that kind of game."
It's not been a typical season for Bolaños. He's missed several matches due to various injuries. He's earned 17 starts, and chipped in with 7 assists, and 7 shots on target. Bolaños has often found his form while with Costa Rica in 2018 World Cup Qualifying. When he's come back to Vancouver, he hasn't been as healthy as the club would like.
"He's been successful when he's played," Robinson said. "I've used them four attacking players. He's gone down after the last Costa Rica game, he came back, and played one in six, before he went away again. Brek Shea, Bernie Ibini have all stepped up, and Alphonso Davies. He brings a different dimension, it's nice to have him back, because he is a quality player."
The 33 year-old Bolaños, has the experience of playing in big matches, contributing, and finding his form. You want your marquee players to step up and deliver when top fixtures come into play. Could Bolaños be the key to a Whitecaps FC win in Portland?
"I certainly hope so," said a coy Robinson. "If I do decide to pick Christian Bolaños, then that's what I will be expecting him to do. In games like this, when good teams play against each other, it's down to the players, the big players. We know they've got a couple of key players. We've got a couple of key players, I'll be hoping my players step up, and I'm sure Caleb (Porter) will be hoping his players step up."
The creative, and dynamic midfielder adds a lot of offensive potential when he is on his game. We haven't seen that often enough from Bolaños. He has 0 goals this season, and his last tally came on June 25, 2016 away to Philadelphia.
"I hope I can score in this game," said a confident Bolaños. "That would be really important for my teammates, because we want to win the game. If we win, I'm very happy."
The chemistry between Fredy Montero, Yordy Reyna, and Cristian Techera has been carrying the Caps offence, and if they're on form against Portland, Vancouver should come away with a win, and first place. Bolaños is that missing piece of the puzzle, if he can get going Whitecaps FC will be in luck.
"Yeah, of course," Bolaños agreed. "I'm trying to be around my teammates. I feel very comfortable playing with Yordy (Reyna), Fredy (Montero), (Cristian), Techera, and Brek (Shea). For me it's simple, when I get the ball I try to do positive things to create chances for my teammates to create spaces. I am that kind of player, and if I play this game I'll try to score and create chances too."
The next chapter of the Cascadia rivalry will be written on Sunday afternoon, with either Vancouver or Portland earning top spot, and clinching a bye. The Caps will look to build momentum heading into the playoffs, but so will Portland. It could come down to the final kick.
|