Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Dynamo

Playing in their third game in eight days the Whitecaps knew it would be tough task going into Houston and get a result.  However, the match turned out even worse than the scoreboard would indicate as the Caps may have lost their captain for an extended period of time due to injury.  The match also showed how valuable Terry Dunfield and Gershon Koffie have been as the Dynamo controlled possession for the majority of the game.  Below are the grades for the game versus the Dynamo.

FORWARDS

Camilo

Camilo:  Was the only dangerous Whitecap on the pitch and was rewarded with a first half goal.  Camilo also came close to earning an early penalty kick which could have changed the complexion of the match in the Whitecaps favour.  It’s very clear that if given space near the net, Camilo will finish his chances.   GRADE: B

Atiba Harris:  The Hassli suspension hurt Harris the most as it was obvious that he required a day off.  Harris had no jump from the kick off and wore down as the match progressed.  It was very surprising to see him remain for the full 90.  GRADE:  C

Omar Salgado:  The first overall pick was able to make his debut in his home state in front of friends and family.  Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to get anything going as the Dynamo were running down the clock.  GRADE:  INC

MIDFIELDERS

David Chiumiento:  Making his first start since the opener Chiumiento had some moments including a perfect pass through Dynamo Corey Ashe’s legs that set up the only goal for the Caps.  By the end of the game he was tired and frustrated but did last the full 90 which is a positive.  GRADE:  B-

Alain Rochat:  The defender filled in for Terry Dunfield in the central midfield and did have the same impact as he normally does.  He moved to the back line to start the second half but by then it was clear Rochat’s legs were done.  GRADE:  C+

Jeb Brovsky:  The second round pick was another debut player for the Whitecaps in Houston.  Brovsky had a solid performance as he did nothing worthy of notice but did not make any major mistakes that caused the team problems on the pitch.  GRADE:  C

Teibert

Russell Teibert:  The under 20 Canadian international returned to club and came on as second half substitute.  Teibert did not have the same jump as his previous two matches as the travel and his sickness may have slowed him down.  GRADE:  C

Mouloud Akloul:  Another debut as the defender came on in the 79^th minute to play in center midfield for Khalfan.  He was able to get a few touches but did not make an impact until injury time where he showed his ability to be dangerous in the opposition’s box.  GRADE:  C

Nizar Khalfan:  The Tanzanian started the match as the left midfielder but was moved inside at halftime, because of injury, where he struggled with giveaways.  While he provided very little spark offensively Khalfan shows he not afraid to shoot as he unleashed his regular long distance shot that missed the net.  GRADE:  C-

 DEFENDERS

Jay DeMerit:  The first half saw the Vancouver’s captain play a strong game as he organized the backline very well.  It did not last long as DeMerit reinjured his lingering groin injury and was forced off the pitch before the second half.  GRADE:  C+

Micheal Boxall:  The Whitecaps rookie continues to impress with each outing as he adjusts well to the MLS speed and style of game.  Boxall was rarely out of position and located the ball in the air with ease to clear it out of the box.  GRADE:  C 

Johnathan Leathers:  While Leathers was a little off his game, he did not make many mistakes in the match.  He also continues to impress with his ability to move up on the play without turning the ball over.  GRADE:  C

Wagner

Blake Wagner:  After having a solid performance against the Revolution, Wagner showed that he can’t be a regular in the starting eleven.  He regularly gave the ball up when he attempted to make runs up the field and could not handle the runs of Danny Cruz.  GRADE:  D

GOALKEEPER

 

Nolly

Jay Nolly:  The Goalkeeper had another strong performance and kept the Whitecaps in the game with saves off of Bruin and Davis.  The only reason his grade isn’t higher is because of the mistake on the third goal when he missed the ball as he came off his line.  GRADE:  C+

OVERALL

The Whitecaps came into Houston and displayed no energy throughout their match against the Dynamo, who controlled the game and possession.  There are plenty of reasons for this as it was their third game in eight days, six of their starters were either suspended or injured, and the humidity sapped the energy right out of them.  The Whitecaps now have two players who have three goals each on the season and Chiumiento went a full 90 minutes.  They will now have a week to figure out how to get back into the win column as well as who plays in the central midfield against Chivas USA.  GRADE: C