VANCOUVER, B.C - Whitecaps FC are looking to bounce back after a second half collapse against expansion side Minnesota United FC last Saturday. The Caps jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the feisty Loons came back and scored a pair of goals to salvage a draw. Coach Carl Robinson was not happy with his team’s sloppy defence and the end result.

The gaffer put his club through the paces during a pair of lengthy training sessions at the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC this week. Working on the little things, and staying switched on is something the Caps need more of from everyone for a fully ninety.

Whitecaps FC winger, Bernie Ibini had an eventual 17' minutes of action off the bench. He was determined to score his first MLS goal, and had a pair of top chances. Ibini is still trying to find his groove after the May 9th transfer that brought him to Vancouver.

"Yes, it still takes time," said Ibini, when asked about adjusting to his new club. "When I first came over, I was injured a little bit. It takes time to get use to the players, training, and stuff like that. I think I'm slowly adapting to everything over here."

The 24 year-old is finally fit and back to full fitness after dealing with a hamstring injury when he first joined Vancouver. He's all good, and raring to make an impression on the pitch. Robinson can see that a healthy Ibini is starting to show his offensive strengths.

"He's generated chances for us," said Robinson. "I think he nearly scored two goals for us on Saturday. He's a different type of player than what we have with Fredy (Montero). We're going to need different types of players in that forward area, whether we play with a one, or two. He's looked very positive when he's come on. It's nice to have him healthy now. He's training hard, and he'll get some more minutes."

The Australian international could see his most action in a Caps kit come Saturday in Chicago when the Whitecaps play the 10-3-4 Fire. The Windy City snipers, have not lost a match at Toyota Park (8-0-1) this season. They are on a nine-match MLS unbeaten streak.

"To be honest, I don't really know their record," said Ibini. "Our coach was saying they've won eight in a row. We're going to try and break that record. They're doing well, and it's going to be a tough game. I'm sure if we play to our game plan, we can have the players that can win the game."

Yordy Reyna, Erik Hurtado, and Nicolas Mezquida could all earn a few minutes off the bench, but not much. Kendall Waston and Christian Bolanos are still unavailable. Not having Alphonso Davies, Marcel de Jong, and Russell Teibert as an option because of due to international duty with Canada really hampers the Caps lineup choices.

Carl Robinson was hoping Canada Soccer, and Coach Octavio Zambrano would make the Whitecaps FC Canadians available this weekend, but that request was promptly denied.

"Bernie (Ibini) would have an opportunity even if the Canadians were here," said Robinson. "I'm disappointed that the Canadians aren't here. I did ask for the release based upon me being down to the bare bones, but I was denied."

Brek Shea, Fredy Montero, and Cristian Techera will have to carry the offence. Ibini, Hurtado, Reyna, and veteran Mauro Rosales will have to contribute in some capacity.

You can't have any lapses against the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, and MLS goal-scoring leader, Nemanja Nikolić. Vancouver will have a bare cupboard, bare bones, and bare necessities up front. Stopping Schweinsteiger in the midfield will be a huge ask.

"Yes, he's a world-class player," said Ibini. "They're a good team overall. You don't win eight games in a row, and do so well just from one player. We have to focus on the team, know our game plan, follow that through, and everything will look after itself."

Vancouver needs a positive result as they prepare for some time off during the MLS Gold Cup break. Going into Chicago and picking up a big result, not a 2-2 draw, but something they can be happy about would go a long way in building confidence and consistency.

It would also be a great gift on Canada's 150th Birthday!!