Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Montreal Impact

The Whitecaps were hoping for a result and would have settled for a draw coming back to Empire for the second leg. The two Canadians on the pitch for the Whitecaps combined for the only goal of the game as Russell Teibert sent in a cross from just outside the box and Terry Dunfield headed it into the back of the net. The 1-0 victory with an away goal was a definite bonus as the Caps look very good at this moment to move on to the finals of the Nutrilite Championships.


FORWARDS

Camilo- The Brazilian continued his strong play as he was one of the most dangerous Whitecaps in the final third. Camilo came close on a strike from outside the box which forced the Impact goalie into an acrobatic save. He was subbed off as he was being rested for the weekend. GRADE: B+

Eric Hassli- After receiving a caution in every game so far this season, Hassli got through this one without a yellow. He had a couple of chances, the best coming in the first half, and was able to create space for his teammates. GRADE: B

Nizar Khalfan- Coming on as a sub Khalfan played up front like he did most of last year. While he did not create many chances he did apply pressure on the back four and kept them honest. With Harris’s injury there may be more games that have Khalfan play as a forward. GRADE: C+


MIDFIELDERS

Russell Teibert- In his first start since the second game of this season, Teibert returned to form as he gave the Whitecaps a consistent threat down the left wing. In addition to assisting on the goal by Dunfield, he made some great runs into the box and was a threat with his crosses. GRADE: A-

Terry Dunfield- It was fitting that a Canadian scored the winning goal as Dunfield, despite a broken nose, found the Teibert cross to head it into the back of the net. His presence and poise in the central midfield spreads confidence throughout the entire team on the pitch. GRADE: B+

Davide Chiumiento- Returning to his normal right side of the midfield, Chiumiento had a solid game for the Caps. He drew a lot of attention from the Impact defenders which caused others to get more space. Chiumiento needs help defensively as the opposition LB seems to always have a good game. GRADE: B

Mouloud Akloul- A year and three days after he shattered his ankle Akloul returned to the starting 11, although in an unfamiliar CM role. While he didn’t impress with his touch and passing, he was winning balls which allowed Dunfield to venture up the field. GRADE: C+

Shea Salinas- After being the best Cap in the preseason and then suffering an injury, Salinas was finally able to make his debut against the Impact. He was able to get a few touches on the pitch but was not a threat as it will take a few matches for him to get to full match fitness. GRADE: C


DEFENDERS

Alain Rochat- Returning to his birth province and playing in front of family and friends, Rochat played his normal game. There were some minor blips as he allowed Impact players to get a better chance than they deserved. He setup Hassli with a great pass into the box that was not converted. GRADE: B+

Jonathan Leathers- The other iron man of the Whitecaps put together a solid game as he limited the Impact’s left midfielder in his opportunities. He ventured into the attack more which did expose the Caps on occasion to a couple runs by Impact’s LB Tsiskaridze. GRADE: B

Blake Wagner- Improving on his game versus FC Dallas Wagner was more of a threat offensively and limited the Impact best midfielder, Kreamalmeyer, to a few opportunities. He still has his share of brain freezes but in this game was able to recover. GRADE: B-

Micheal Boxall- The rookie had a difficult time in this game as Boxall was beaten by Ali Gerba to the ball a couple of times. It seemed as though he was surprised by the amount of long balls that were played through as Gerba seemed to beat him on a couple of occasions. GRADE: C+


GOALKEEPER

Jay Nolly- Despite never forced into making a game saving stop, Nolly was kept busy with the amount of times he had to come off his line to snatch up crosses and long balls. After earning his second cleansheet of the season it is clear he is feeling more and more comfortable in his role as starting goalkeeper. GRADE: B



OVERALL

This game saw the Whitecaps start slow in the first and then come out strong in the second half as they began to apply more pressure. If not for the goalkeeping of Bill Gaudette, the Whitecaps may be returning to the second leg with a two or three goal lead. The Caps are getting healthier in the midfield as the return of Russell Teibert to the starting eleven provided a spark to the attack and the debut of Shea Salinas as a substitute was another positive. The Whitecaps are a game away from the finals as the Impact must now travel to the west coast and play their first game ever at Empire Field. GRADE: B+