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Whitecaps host D.C., Toronto FC visit Kaka and Orlando: Canadian MLS Week 8 preview

Matias Laba, Vancouver Whitecaps (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)
Matias Laba, Vancouver Whitecaps (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)

Vancouver hosts a tough D.C. United team while Toronto FC makes a trip to Orlando to take on Kaka and the Lions. The Impact's scheduled Week 8 game against San Jose was moved to Sept. 16 to accomodate Montreal's participation in the CONCACAF Champions League final. The second leg of the final is Apr. 29 at Olympic Stadium and the Impact enter in a good spot after nabbing a surprise 1-1 draw against Mexico's Club America on Wednesday.

Here are three key storylines for Canada's MLS teams heading into Week 8 action.

Saturday, April 25:

D.C. United (3-1-2, 11 PTS) at Vancouver Whitecaps (5-2-1, 16 PTS), 10:30 p.m. ET

1. A tilt at the top

Coming into Saturday's contest the Whitecaps are first in the Western Conference with 16 points while D.C. United's 11 points are enough to put them in a tie for first in the East. It will be a good challenge for Vancouver as United is a particularly stingy defensive team. They gave up just 37 goals last season, tying them for the fewest goals allowed in MLS.

2. Health matters

One area where the Whitecaps have a decided advantage is when it comes to the health of their players. Vancouver brings forth a full-strength squad while the Black and Red have a few key injuries to contend with. Starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid (thigh) is likely to miss the game and forward Luis Silva (hamstring) is still not fully fit, though D.C. will get a boost from designated player Fabian Espindola's return from suspension.

3. Time for Techera?

Cristian Techera, Vancouver's newest signing, could make his debut against D.C. The dynamic Uruguayan winger didn't work his way into the Whitecaps' lineup in last week's 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake, so it's worth watching if he gets his shot at home this week.

Sunday, April 26:

Toronto FC (1-4-0, 3 PTS) at Orlando SC (2-3-2, 8 PTS), 7:00 p.m, ET

1. Bad form

It's been over six weeks since Toronto FC recorded their first and only win of the 2015 MLS season. Since that lone 3-1 victory at Vancouver, the Reds have lost four in a row and conceded a ghastly 10 goals over that span. With rumours of head coach Greg Vanney's demise already out there according to the Toronto Sun, TFC needs to fix their issues fast or there will be a new boss on the sidelines.

2. Star gazing

The big name in Orlando's lineup is none other than Brazilian superstar Kaka. Brought over from AC Milan as the marquee signing for one of MLS' two new clubs for 2015, the 33-year-old attacking midfielder is off to a fine start in North America. He's scored three goals and also has an assist in seven games.

3. Into the Lions den

No team in MLS has had larger crowds than Orlando so far this season. In three home games their average attendance is 42,135. The honeymoon phase for the expansion franchise is still in effect and expect the fans to bring the noise again Sunday.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter.