Feb 26, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Marco Bustos (32) controls the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes in the second half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
The MLS Western Conference is full of heavyweights, and while Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, both teams still pack a punch. A major tilt at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. is in the cards on May 3.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE, TSN2 and Comcast Sportsnet California Plus. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s contest between the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes.
1. At least 35 fouls, under five cards
Vancouver brings fast and fluid play, San Jose brings thug-style, tough love football. What do you get when you combine the two? A match that will see at least 35 fouls but under five cards issued.
2. Kekuta Manneh will score for Vancouver
The most unexpected of goalscorers, Kekuta Manneh, will turn his swag on for the Caps and score at home.
3. Also on goal…Darren Mattocks
Darren Mattocks may be on his way towards a breakthrough season. The harder he works, the luckier he gets. Mattocks will be on goal and also record an assist.
4. No goals for Alan Gordon
One too many offsides will prevent Alan Gordon from silencing the home fans here at BC Place Stadium.
5. Chris Wondolowski will score
As for the swingman, Chris Wondolowski, he will get on goal to help the Earthquakes battle back into this game. Wondo scores late.
6. At least five saves for Jon Busch
In front of one of the most hostile home crowds outside of Seattle, San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch will step up to the challenge and make at least five saves.
7. Under five saves for David Ousted
As for Busch’s counterpart, Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted, he will make under five saves in this game.
8. Steven Beitashour scores on his old team
Steven Beitashour, a former Earthquake, will surprise his old team with a goal that might as well ice the deal for the Whitecaps.
9. No goals for Kenny Miller
As for the ice-cold Scotsman Kenny Miller, he will have a rough go on goal. It will not be Miller Time on Saturday afternoon in British Columbia.
10. Vancouver will send San Jose packing
The Vancouver Whitecaps will need to take San Jose to the cleaners here so that they can chase the teams at the top of the West, and they will do that.
Vancouver Whitecaps 3, San Jose Earthquakes 1