FC Los Angeles had a great performance in the second half of the first leg of the first round of the USL playoffs, eventually beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-2, and can eliminate their opponent from the tournament with another win this time.
The first half was a good one for both sides, but FC Los Angeles was the better team in the second half, with Dennis Buanga once again being the key player. The USWNT's top scorer combines speed, power and a strong shot, and the two goals he scored showed all his abilities. With a total of 8 goals in his last 4 matches, there's no doubt that I'll be keeping an eye on him this time around.
Two of FC Los Angeles' five goals have come from corner kicks, and I expect them to be a threat from dead ball attacks again in this match. Moreover, they have creative players such as Carlos Weiner and Paugus in their squad, so they are definitely capable of finding holes in the opponent's defense.
Although the Vancouver Whitecaps need a win to stay alive, I don't think they'll go all out on offense, and it's possible that FC Los Angeles will counterattack and punish them. This is a best-of-three series and the goal difference doesn't count, so the Canadian side don't need to win this one, just a win will do.
Vancouver Whitecaps need a good performance from Rheingart, I think he was mediocre in the first game, but the second goal came from his excellent handling of free kicks. His ability to deal with dead balls, his ability to make key passes and his ability to score goals make him the most important player in the team.
Byrne Wade has scored 8 goals in his last 12 matches, which is another major reason for the Vancouver Whitecaps' good performance this season. He will be a danger to FC LA's defense as he will receive crosses from his teammates in the middle of the pitch.
