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July 4, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Reeling Vancouver Whitecaps FC will look to turn the tide against New York City FC on Wednesday night at B.C. Place, but it won't be easy for the 6-7-3 Caps. New York City FC Manager, Patrick Vieira, and his 10-5-3 team are on a four-match MLS winning streak. The boys from the Bronx haven't played since Thursday night, and will be ready to pounce on a beleaguered, and injury riddled Vancouver squad.
David Villa can expect a lot of attention from centre-backs Tim Parker, and Kendall Waston, but that might not be enough to stop the Spain's all-time leading goal-poacher. The slick striker is aware of his opponents form, but he's not taking Vancouver lightly.
"I think it's really important for us," admitted Villa. "We want to fight for first position of the table. We are close, we have two teams in our conference, Chicago, and Toronto. They are strong, great, and we need the three points. I know that Vancouver is not in a good period. They have a lot of injuries, important players out, but it's difficult always in MLS. It's difficult always here to play, and we hope to give our best to take the three points on Wednesday."
Villa is settling in just fine after 2.5 seasons with New York City FC. The 2016 MLS MVP is consistently among the league leaders in goals, shots, and shots on target. He's scored 11 goals this season. Villa has feasted on Canadian MLS teams. He's scored 52 goals in 80 MLS matches, and 14 goals have come against the likes of Toronto (6), Montreal (5), and Vancouver (3). Maybe it's pre-game poutine, or a box of Timbits.
"It's a coincidence," revealed Villa. "In soccer, I hope to keep doing these good things against the Canadian teams."
A 26.9 percent, goal-scoring success rate against Canadian MLS teams is something of a unique feat when you realize Villa has played 12 combined matches vs Canada's three MLS clubs. Perhaps it's a case of Villa being in a groove or the net being theoretically bigger when his team plays a Canadian club?
"No, it's the same," said Villa. "It's the same goal. I try always to do my best every game, but I have more luck against the Canadian teams."
A native of Langero, Spain, Villa's football accomplishments are what every young footballer dreams of growing up. He's done, and won it all, including, the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, La Liga, Champions League, Copa-del Ray. The former Valencia, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid man is enjoying his MLS journey.
"It's different, no", said Villa of MLS in comparison to other leagues. "For me soccer is soccer, around the world. I think the big difference is the system here. In Spain, you always play for the team taking the most points winning the league. Here, they have the playoffs situation, and it's a big difference."
Whitecaps FC fans will be hoping luck is about to change in favour of the Caps. A 4-0 Chicago Fire thrashing could have been a wider margin, but that could be forgotten if Vancouver can shut-down David Villa, and the creative magician that is Andrea Pirlo.
Patrick Vieira is expecting a tough, hard-fought match. Vancouver's recent form might suggest a vulnerable opponent for New York City FC, but the gaffer doesn't quite agree.
"No," said Vieira, "I watched the game they played against Chicago. Yes, they had a difficult game, but when the team is losing like that they're really looking forward to the next game to bounce back. I don't think it's the best period to play them, but we know how tough and difficult it will be. What I'm really proud about these group of players is, we're taking every team seriously, and we have the same focus and concentration that we had when we played against the Red Bulls, and Seattle. We need this consistency to perform."
New York City FC is taking a business approach. They arrived on Sunday to acclimate themselves to Vancouver, and the pitch that awaits them at B.C. Place. They know Vancouver will want to show that the Chicago result was a blip. New York City FC is preparing so they don't step on a banana skin heading into the MLS Gold Cup break.
"If we felt this, we would make a mistake," said Villa. "We need to think about playing against a strong team. Of course they are not in a good period. We are realistic, they miss a lot of important players for Wednesday. We need to think about doing our best for fighting for a great team. If we do this, we have a chance to get the three points."
Villa will be ready to front up, turn up, and do his best to help his team earn a positive result. It's a treat when the likes of Villa, and Pirlo come to town. There is a buzz, and a sense of anticipation in the air when football legends are in your city for a match.
How long does David Villa think he will continue to lace up his boots and play?
"I don't know," said Villa. "I live in the present, in the now, day by day. I know that I am 35 years-old, but I'm feeling good. I'm fit, I'm scoring goals, and I try to play as the most time possible."
He scores when he wants, and David Villa could be hungry to feast on the Whitecaps FC back-four. It's important for both teams to head into the break on a high. Whoever can put forth a solid ninety minute effort will be deserving of three points, and a few sunny days at the beach.
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