Our prediction for this MLS match:
San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps face each other at Earthquakes Stadium in the opening match of the weekend. San Jose did remarkably well to beat star-studded Los Angeles FC in their last league match, with the team moving closer to the playoffs berth. Since the Earthquakes are only two points behind top seven, we predict that they will go all guns blazing at Vancouver.
Luciano Abecasis, who limped off with injury in the triumph over Los Angeles FC, is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s game. The Canadians, on the other hand, are not enjoying a season to remember as they are stuck at the bottom of the table ahead of the trip to San Jose. Even though Vancouver boss Marc Dos Santos should have a full squad to choose from, we are tempted to put our money on the hosts, who have been showing signs of improvement of late.
Highlighted Player (Danny Hoesen):
After making only one league appearance for Fortuna Sittard, Danny Hoesen joined English club Fulham in 2009, but he did not see any game action for the capital club during his spell at Craven Cottage as he was sent on loan to HJK and Fortuna Sittard.
In 2012 the 186-cm tall attacker signed a deal with Ajax and he scored seven goals in 32 league appearances for the Amstedammers from 2012 to 2014. In 2014 he joined fellow Eredivisie outfit Groningen and during the 2016/2017 season he was on San Jose Earthquakes’ radar. The Dutch footballer, who was born on January 15, 1991 in Heerlen, Limburg will play for the MLS outfit (on loan) in the 2017 season.
Speaking of his international career, Daniel Hoesen has 10 caps for Netherlands U17 team and he made three appearances for the Dutch U21 side. He is still a Groningen player and his contract with the Eredivisie side expires on June 30, 2018.
Highlighted Team (Vancouver Whitecaps):
Vancouver Whitecaps are yet another Canadian side that compete in Major League Soccer. Vancouver began play in the USA top flight in 2011 and one year later they became the first Canadian outfit to book their place in the MLS Cup play-offs. However, star-studded Los Angeles Galaxy proved to be a big catch for the Whitecaps in the knockout round. Vancouver, though, did remarkably well to win the Canadian Championship in 2015, with the team beating Montreal Impact in the title game.
In 2016 they made it to the final of the tournament as well, but Toronto FC eventually won the trophy. The Whitecaps are owned by Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Steve Nash, the former NBA star, and they play their home matches at BC Place. Speaking of MLS games, the capacity of the venue is 22.120 and you should know that the stadium was opened back in 1983. The Caps wear white shirts and white shorts when playing at home, while the colour of their away kit is blue.