Before the Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles Galaxy square off in Canada's first-ever Major League Soccer Playoff game, TSN.ca takes a look at how the teams got here and what might lie ahead.
THE RECORDS
Galaxy: 16-12-6, 54 points. Fourth in Western Conference
Whitecaps: 11-13-10, 43 points. Fifth in Western Conference
THE ROAD TO HERE
Galaxy: MLS' marquee club had a tough start to the 2012-13 campaign. The defending champs went 1-3 in their first four matches including a shocking 3-1 defeat to the lowly New England Revolution. A lot of the team's early-season woes could be chalked up to an MLS Cup hangover as well as general strength-of-schedule, drawing three of what would end up being the league's top five teams this season.
The team would hit a worse slide in May, garnering just one point (an away tie with Montreal) from six matches.
However, from the end of summer onward the Galaxy have ripped the league apart. L.A. has gone 6-1-3 over its past 10 games with a staggering five sheets to their credit since August 12.
Whitecaps: Vancouver's sophomore MLS campaign has seen them reach a level of play that their cross-country counterparts in Toronto have not been able to hit in six seasons. The team qualified for the MLS playoffs with a strong start that was aided by the ability to pick up enough points along the way to stay in the picture.
The season started admirably with a pair of shutout victories, at home over the Impact and away to Chivas and the club looked like one of MLS' strongest through 15 games, posting a 7-3-5 record.
The summer, however, was not kind to the Caps, as they went 1-6 between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15 and collected just one victory in their last 10 matches.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Galaxy and Whitecaps squared off three times this season.
June 23: The Galaxy blank Vancouver 3-0 at the Home Depot Center on a trio of first-half goals.
July 18: Vancouver looks primed to earn three points at home when David Beckham and Jose Villarreal score within the final 10 minutes of the match. The teams settle for a 2-2 draw.
Sept. 1: Juninho puts the Galaxy up just before the half, while Beckham puts the game away with a free kick in the 79th. L.A. takes the game 2-0 and the season series 2-0-1.
LUKE WILEMAN'S PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver: Andy O'Brien, D
The veteran O'Brien has been a key to the Whitecaps defensive improvement in recent matches. His experience, leadership and communication have helped the 'Caps keep three clean sheets in the last four matches. O'Brien and Jay DeMerit will have to be at their best to keep LA's stars quiet.
Los Angeles: Juninho, MF
Over the last three years, Juninho has developed into one of the best midfielders in MLS and finishes the year in very good form. He scored six goals in his final 10 matches including a stunning long-range strike against the Whitecaps in September. The 'Caps can't afford to allow him space to influence the game from midfield.
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