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Vancouver seeks first points vs. L.A.

Sep 1, 2012 - 12:57 AM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Vancouver Whitecaps FC has not fared well against the Los Angeles Galaxy in competitive matches.

In fact, the Whitecaps have failed to take a point from any match against the Galaxy to this point in their second season in Major League Soccer.

With an 0-4-0 record against Los Angeles, Vancouver will be looking for its first result against the reigning champions as the two sides meet at The Home Depot Center on Saturday.

But despite Vancouver's lack of success against Los Angeles, 'Caps head coach Martin Rennie chooses to focus on the bigger picture for his club: improving its standing in the table to nail down a playoff berth.

Vancouver comes into the match occupying the final postseason berth out of the Western Conference with 37 points from 27 games.

"All the games are important - they always have been - especially in the [Western Conference]," Rennie said. "I think for us now you start to gear up toward that point where you want to be in a good position at the end of the season and playing at your best. We've got a lot of work to get to that form, but we know we can do that."

The 'Caps bring a three-game losing skid into The Home Depot Center, but the fact that the Galaxy were involved in a CONCACAF Champions League fixture midweek, which it won 4-0 against the Puerto Rico Islanders, certainly bodes well for the visitors.

Los Angeles still should be fresh as head coach Bruce Arena handed playing time to a plethora of reserve players, including star-striker Edson Buddle, who made his return to the fold after a lengthy layoff due to injury.

"It was good," Arena said of Buddle's first match back. "It was probably the first time he's been on the field in close to three months, so I think getting him back on the field is a good starting point and hopefully we could build on it."

It was a resounding performance from the reserves, which is certainly comforting for Arena in his future team selections in league matches.

"Hector Jimenez did a good job, played the first 50 minutes at right-back and I thought it was a solid effort," Arena said after the match. "I think [Michael] Stephens had an outstanding game tonight, was very active for us with good leadership on the field for the young players in the midfield. I thought he did a good job. Mikey's played very well for us as of late."