Nasujak: Guess the Starting XI - Match 24 vs. Rapids

Welcome back everyone...

It might have felt like the good times were going to keep on rolling forever, but at some point, the undefeated streak in MLS play was going to have to come to an end.

Portland has been a tough nut to crack for many teams in the Western Conference this year, and they lived up to that mantra last weekend. The Timbers handed the Whitecaps a tricky match in which the home team defended well, but ultimately conceded in a critical moment, and were unable to find a goal despite a big late push. Looking back at the predictions, only Edmondk saw this one going the way it did, and this vaulted him up to second in the overall standings.

Looking ahead to the match upcoming, Colorado will serve as another tall test. The Rapids have quietly been one of the better teams in MLS this season, sitting just behind SCK and the Seattle Sounders in the West. Defensive play has been where the Rapids have really shined this season, as they sport the third best defensive record in MLS. A big part of this successes has been due to the number of quality options the Rapids have at centreback, as well as the tactical consistency which has been provided by Manager Robin Fraser.

Over Colorado’s current unbeaten run (their last nine matches), they’ve stuck with a back three structure, although where players have slotted within that shape has been flexible. Both Keegan Rosenberry and Mark-Anthony Kaye are ones to watch out for in that sense. If Vancouver can pick up at least a single point in this away fixture, it will put them in good stead for a more critical series of upcoming matches where they will need some wins against FC Dallas, Houston and San Jose.

Here’s the latest on the VWFC injury front as well.

Updates from #VWFC training:

Deiber Caicedo was back after missing yesterday with a cold. He looked good

Also was no Cristian Gutierrez or Erik Godoy today. Gutierrez looks to be out for another week or 2, but Godoy seems to be maintenance. We’ll see, Caps still train tomorrow https://t.co/2i2Ze10h0C
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) September 17, 2021