Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Colorado Rapids: 10 Bold Predictions

Oct 27, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Colorado Rapids midfielder Nathan Sturgis (24) marks Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Matt Watson (8) during the second half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Pablo Mastroeni’s Colorado Rapids have been engaged in a number of electrifying contests in league play late last season. With Colorado pipping Vancouver at the end to leapfrog over San Jose, the Whitecaps will look to put their best foot forward in sticking it to the Rapids at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. on Apr. 5.

Colorado is coming off a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Kansas City at home, while Vancouver will look to build on a solid 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo at BC Place. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. CT/6:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Colorado Rapids.

1. Heavy action: at least 30 fouls and three cards

On Saturday at BC Place, the action will be heavy and the fouls will be coming. There will be at least 30 fouls whistled and three cards issued.

2. Kenny Miller on goal for Vancouver

Keep an eye on the ice-cool Scotsman, Kenny Miller, to whip the home fans into a frenzy. Already with three goals this season, the first half is Miller Time.

3. Vicente Sanchez with a brace

Vicente Sanchez is Colorado’s most reliable scorer this year and he will slot home two goals: one from the run of play and a penalty.

4. Darren Mattocks…look out!

The MLS Multiplex, truth be told, is waiting patiently for the moment when Darren Mattocks makes his move and scores. We’re hoping Saturday is the day.

5. Nigel Reo-Coker strikes for Vancouver

A man with pedigree, Nigel Reo-Coker is sure to get people talking in B.C., if he hasn’t already. Reo-Coker will record a goal and an assist.

6. David Ousted with at least four saves

David Ousted has had a solid year for the Caps, with 13 saves. Ousted will make at least four for Vancouver.

7. John Berner with at least four saves

This is going to be the first game Colorado Rapids goalkeeper John Berner gets busy. Berner will make at least four saves

8. No goals for Deshorn Brown

While Rapids young gun Deshorn Brown already opened his scoring account last month, he is going to have it tough against the rising Whitecaps. Brown will fail to score on the road on Saturday.

9. Pedro Morales with two assists

Pedro Morales has been a godsend for the Vancouver Whitecaps and currently has two assists to his name. He’ll have another two on Saturday against Colorado.

10. Vancouver win a shootout at home

It’s going to be a shootout at BC Place Stadium, but this is a venue that has been very nice to the Whitecaps so far. Vancouver will will take all three points.

Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Colorado Rapids 2