D.C. United-Whitecaps FC Preview

In a matchup between two of the league's top clubs, the Vancouver Whitecaps and D.C. United will have key players back in the lineup as they try to extend unbeaten streaks.

Pedro Morales returns from suspension Saturday night when Vancouver looks to avoid its first loss in four home games, while Fabian Espindola makes his season debut for a D.C. team that hasn't lost in a month.

Playing without their captain, the Whitecaps (5-1-2) extended their best start with last Saturday's 1-0 victory at Real Salt Lake. The 16 points are the most they've had through eight games in their five-year history.

Darren Mattocks scored his second goal in three games and David Ousted had four saves in his fourth shutout.

Morales, who led the Whitecaps with 10 goals and 12 assists in 2014, lost his appeal of a red card after he was ejected in the 88th minute against San Jose on April 11. He has three assists but no goals in seven matches this season.

The Chilean forward is now available to return as the Whitecaps look to improve upon its 2-0-1 mark at B.C. Place since a season-opening 3-1 loss to Toronto. Cristian Techera, an exciting winger on loan from the Uruguayan Primera Division, is also expected to make his debut.

They'll attempt to boost a Vancouver attack that has one goal over its last two matches after scoring twice in each match during a three-game homestand. Octavio Rivero has scored three of his team-high five goals at B.C. Place.

"It's a work in progress, this team," coach Carl Robinson told the team's official website. "Even though we've done decent at the start of the season, every day I'm on at them because I know they can get better. That's me included. If we continue to do that, we're going to build something very special here."

The Whitecaps have blanked United in each of the last three matchups and are 2-0-2 in the series since a 4-0 road loss in the first meeting in August 2011. The teams played to a scoreless draw in Vancouver in the only matchup last year.

United (3-1-2) have scored one goal or fewer in five of six matches this season, but they've gone 2-0-2 since a 2-0 road loss to the New York Red Bulls on March 22. The squad is aiming for three points after settling for draws in its last two matches.

Espindola, the team's MVP last season, should be able to help after serving a six-match ban to begin the season for shoving a referee last fall. The Argentine forward had a career-high 11 goals and 10 assists to help D.C. finish atop the Eastern Conference in 2014.

"He tends to create things out of nothing," backup goalie Andrew Dykstra told the team's official website. "He's going to be another tool in the team's box."

Dykstra had four saves in last Saturday's 1-all draw with Houston as he filled in for reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Bill Hamid, who sat out due to a thigh contusion but could return for this match.