VANCOUVER – Carl Robinson’s youth movement continues.
Like he did in the first game of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals versus Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps coach plans to field a youth-infused starting lineup for Wednesday’s return leg at BC Place.
With an average age of just over 22 years, the Whitecaps managed to hold their own against a more experienced TFC side last week in a 2-1 loss. Goalkeeper Marco Carducci (17) and midfielder Bryce Alderson (20) made their pro debuts for the Whitecaps, while youth academy players Marcos Bustos and Kianz Froese (both 18) also earned their debuts. Defender Christian Dean (21) was making only his second appearance.
Wednesday programming alert: Watch Montreal Impact vs. FC Edmonton (on Sportsnet ONE, 7:30 pm ET) and Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Toronto FC (on Sportsnet Ontario and Pacific, Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet World, 10:30 pm ET) in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinals. | TV schedule
While Bustos and Froese are away with Canada’s under-20 team this week, Carducci will start again in goal, while Dean and Alderson will also likely feature, as will forward Eric Hurtado (23)—this despite the Whitecaps having a bye in MLS this weekend and there being no need for Robinson to rest his veterans.
Robinson has made no apologies for giving opportunities to his young players in this competition, repeatedly saying that they have to gain experience some time. He also refutes the claim that by doing so he’s not taking this tournament seriously.
“I know it might not be the exact same team that played in the first leg, but it shows that our young guys can compete if given the chance, which (Robinson) does give to young players,” Canadian midfielder Russell Teibert said.
“The coach and the veteran guys have done a great job in keeping us young guys in check, keeping us honest, but keeping us confident at the same time.”
With Jay DeMerit given the night off, Russell Teibert, who at 21 has also benefited from the faith Robinson has shown in him, will serve as team captain for Wednesday’s contest.
A draw would see Toronto advance to the final. Michael Bradley scored in the 89th minute in the first leg to hand TFC a 2-0 lead and had that score held up, the Whitecaps would have needed a 3-0 victory on Wednesday. But because of Kekuta Manneh’s late goal the Whitecaps can move on with a 1-0 win and advance on the away goals rule.
“We were gutted when Bradley got that second but then Kekuta came down and did what he’s been doing and scored a goal. It’s a huge away goal and it puts us in a good place here to come away with a victory,” Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey stated.
“We need to win. I don’t think that comes from sitting back, so we’re going to go for it.”
Wednesday will be Bradley’s last game for TFC as he’ll immediately leave to join the U.S. national team’s training camp ahead of the World Cup.
Toronto leads the semifinal series, but Bradley expects another tough game against Vancouver’s youngsters.
“Maybe I’m old fashioned but I still think that if you win the first leg you have the advantage. … (But) for us the focus is on coming here, building on what we were able to do in the first leg and take care of business,” Bradley stated.
Toronto is firmly focused on making the playoffs this year. Winning this tournament is also a priority, though.
“It’s a big game for us. We’re really focused on finishing the job off. We were in such a good position in Toronto when we let a late goal slip in. We’re going to try to take the game to Vancouver and score goals, not just protect our lead,” TFC captain Steven Caldwell offered.
Former Aston Villa forward Luke Moore, acquired by TFC in a trade from the Colorado Rapids last week, will be available for selection against the Whitecaps. Look for him to partner Gilberto up front against Vancouver, with Jermain Defoe saved for Saturday when Toronto hosts the New York Red Bulls in MLS play.
“He’s fit in really well. He’s been a good addition,” Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen said of Moore.
“He has a natural ability to get on the score sheet. He has some lovely natural abilities. … For us, it’s an amazing deal to bring a guy like him in.”
Canadian midfielder Jonathon Osorio, who missed the first leg because of injury, is fully fit and is expected to start on Wednesday alongside Bradley, Kyle Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran. Backup goalkeeper Joe Bendik will start in goal.
Look for Toronto to field a back line consisting of left back Ashtone Morgan, Doneil Henry and Bradley Orr in the middle, and Nick Hagglund at right back. Winger Alvaro Rey (hamstring) and Jeremy Hall (Achilles) are both injured and won’t play.
The winner of this series advances to the two-legged final (May 28 and June 4) versus the winner of the other semifinal between the Montreal Impact and FC Edmonton, who compete in the second-tier NASL. Edmonton won the first leg 2-1 at home. The teams meet again Wednesday in Montreal.
Toronto won four Canadian championships in a row from 2009 to 2012. Montreal won last year and the inaugural competition in 2008. The Whitecaps have finished runners-up the last five years and is vying for its first Canadian title.
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