MLS Cup Playoffs: Whitecaps Brace for Beckham’s Galaxy

The Vancouver Whitecaps head to Los Angeles for a date with the Galaxy Thursday in a one-game playoff after becoming Canada’s first MLS team to advance to the postseason. However, it looks as though the odds are stacked against them. Vancouver has won just one of its last 10 games and has never scored in three games in L.A. The Galaxy are the defending MLS Cup champs and have taken at least a point in nine of their last 10 games, winning six of those.

Embracing the Underdog Tag

The Whitecaps know they aren’t expected to get past Los Angeles, but that isn’t getting them down as they prepare for Thursday’s match. “I think going into a game like that, being the underdog, means you’re going to have a little bit less pressure, which I think we all enjoy,” Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit told reporters. “Now it’s just a matter of channeling that the right way.”

The right way is to keep their shape in midfield and at the back, trying to limit Los Angeles’ chances. Vancouver has three clean sheets in its last four games, but against the likes of Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Landon Donovan, the Whitecaps will have to be extra careful. “As long as we’re sound defensively and we limit their opportunities, I think we’re going to have chances at our end,” Vancouver keeper Brad Knighton told reporters. “It’s a one-off game, so whatever it takes to go in and score a goal … it really doesn’t matter. It doesn’t have to the prettiest game.”

Lineup Changes on the Way?

Vancouver head coach Martin Rennie sent his two highest paid players a major message. Rennie kept Kenny Miller ($1.2 million per year) and Barry Robson ($600,000 per year) on the bench to start the team’s final regular season game. Vancouver ended up earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake with Miller and Robson making late appearances. While it’s unlikely either player will be on the sidelines Thursday, it was a great message to send the club.

All About Becks

David Beckham isn’t the player he used to be – that much is obvious. But he’s still a dangerous offensive weapon when healthy. He played 62 minutes in Los Angeles’ last game, after sitting out the three previous matches with an ankle injury. Beckham has scored seven times and added nine assists in 24 games played this season.

Prediction

Vancouver has had a great second MLS season, but the Whitecaps are in way over their head against the Galaxy. Los Angeles has far too much firepower and Vancouver will struggle to defend for the full 90 minutes. The Whitecaps may keep it close for a while, but the Galaxy should pull away in the second half. Final score: Los Angeles 2, Vancouver 0.