First Look: Vancouver Whitecaps

For the second straight week, the Revolution will greet another opponent coming off a result that left them wanting for more in the Vancouver Whitecaps, who’ll grace the pitch at Gillette Stadium for the first time since 2012.

The game kicks off at 2:00 p.m., and will be televised locally by Comcast SportsNet New England. 98.5 The Sports Hub will carry a radio call of the contest.

Here are a few things to know about Saturday’s Revolution home opener:

Two games, two very different performances: The Whitecaps looked like the class of the league in their opener against New York, which they grabbed a 4-1 win from up at BC Place. But just when it seemed as if they’d run away with the Western Conference in March, lame-duck Chivas USA shot that idea down when they forced the Whitecaps to settle for a 1-1 draw. A ten-man Chivas USA. Ten men for nearly 80 minutes. It’ll be interesting to see which Whitecaps side shows up on Saturday.

The Jose Goncalves Situation: Last week, club captain and MLS Defender of the Year Jose Goncalves was left at home for Saturday’s clash in Philadelphia, which the Revolution lost 1-0. Making matters worse, his replacement – Andrew Farrell – became a victim on the build-up to the game-winner. Regardless of who said what, or what ultimatums were issued (or weren’t issued), the Revolution need Goncalves on the pitch more now than ever, especially with the offense stuck in a catatonic state at the moment.

Another offensively stacked side: The Whitecaps may have lost Golden Boot winner Camilo Sanvezzo under dubious circumstances during the offseason, but their First Kick performance showed they probably won’t be hurting for goals this year. Kenny Miller can still finish with the best of them, while Darren Mattocks continues to use pace and touch to leave defenses in the dust. Oh, and they added Matias Laba and Pedro Morales, to their midfield. Don’t look now, but the Whitecaps may have something special on their hands this year.

Last week’s stat of concern: After collecting 18 shots in Houston during the season opener, the Revolution only recorded five against Philadelphia last week.

Early weather forecast: 46 degrees with a 40 percent chance of rain. (Source: weather.com)