MLS Power Rankings: Week 24

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  14W-3L-9D

Last Week: No Match

Next Week:  Sep 5 at Sporting Kansas City 

Galaxy feeling pressure from Sounders and will play this week without Keane

2. Seattle Sounders (2)

Record:  13W-5L-9D

Last Week:  6-2 Win vs Columbus Crew

Next Week:  No Match

Another big win for Seattle against top team in East 

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Houston Dynamo

The Vancouver Whitecaps returned home to Empire Field and recorded their second straight home win with 1-0 result over the Houston Dynamo.  Shea Salinas provided the heroics, with a little help from Long Tan, as the American midfielder got the gorilla off his back scoring for the first time this year.  Other standout performances in the game against Houston included Koffie in the midfield, Rochat and Demerit on the backline, Hassli up front and Cannon in goal.

FORWARDS

Eric Hassli- Considering how much the striker was held by the Dynamo central backs, it was amazing Hassli did not file charges.  Another continuing issue is the lack of service the Frenchman receives from the current group of midfielders which forces him to create his chances on his own.  GRADE: B+

Subs Lead Caps To Victory

A goal late in the second half helped lift the Vancouver Whitecaps to their fourth victory and avoid another home draw as the home side were on the positive side of a 1-0 decision against the Houston Dynamo.  The win was the club’s second straight at Empire Field and their first cleansheet in a win or draw since June against Philadelphia.  The winning score, assisted by substitute Long Tan, was the first goal of the season and as a Whitecap for Shea Salinas.

It was almost another quick start for the Caps at Empire as Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall bobbled a free kick from Chuimiento but there was no attacking player able to capitalize on the subsequent scramble.  The Dynamo controlled play after that initial chance as Adam Moffat struck the bar while Cannon made a couple of saves off shots from Brad Davis.  Hall came up big once again just before the half getting his hand on a glancing header by Mustapha Jarju off a set piece.  Then in injury time Salinas, coming on as a sub for an injured Thorrington, sailed his shot over the bar after being set up by Jarju in the box. 

Houston Dynamo vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps return to Empire Field, after two road games, to face the Houston Dynamo as they for their fourth on home turf.  The two teams faced each other on April 10^th where a patchwork Caps team lost in the heat to the Dynamo by the score of 3-1.  On that day the Whitecaps were without a number of players due to suspension (Hassli and Koffie) and injury (Dunfield, Salinas and DeMerit at halftime).

MLS Power Rankings: Week 23

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  14W-3L-9D

Last Week: 2-0 Win vs San Jose Earthquakes

Next Week:  Aug 28 at New York Red Bulls

Robbie Keane makes an immediate impact for the Galaxy

2. Seattle Sounders (3)

Record:  12W-5L-9D

Last Week:  1-0 Win at FC Dallas

Next Week:  Aug 27 vs Columbus Crew

Sounders gain possession of second in West with win over FCD

Caps Reserves Collapse In Injury Time

A late game collapse in injury time by the Vancouver Whitecaps allowed the Timbers to come back and win their Reserve League match by the score of 3-2.  The Caps held the lead and looked good for the victory when in the first and fourth minutes of injury time goals by Brian Umony and Peter Lowrey turned the tables on the visitors from the north.  The Whitecaps goals were by Mustapha Jarju and Omar Salgado while Lowrey opened the scoring on a penalty kick.

The majority of the play in the first half went the Timbers way and they were rewarded with a penalty kick after a hand ball by Greg Janicki.  Soon after the penalty kick conversion by Peter Lowrey, the Whitecaps tied it before the half with a perfectly placed free kick by Mustapha Jarju.  The designated player was able to just clear the line and out of the reach of the Timbers goalkeeper to the far post.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Portland Timbers

The Vancouver Whitecaps were looking for their first win on the road as they travelled to face the Timbers in Portland but in the end the club had too many passengers on this trip. The 2-1 score flattered the Whitecaps as their expansion cousins dominated, rarely allowing the Caps any chances on goal and constantly breaking down a leaky backline.


FORWARDS

Camilo- It was an off game for the normally hardworking Brazilian striker and despite that he was still able to create a goal in the box by turning the Portland defender before scoring his eighth of the season. With him being more dangerous around the box, it may be time for Soehn to put Camilo back up top at striker where he can display his natural scoring ability. GRADE: B

Caps Outclassed And Outworked By The Timbers

In a season which has had its share of disappointments as the Whitecaps failed to show up and were beaten soundly by the Portland Timbers 2-1, a scoreline which flattered the visitors.  Like most of the games this season the Whitecaps were disorganized at the back and failed to show creativity moving forward.  The Timbers were helped by two first half goals by Colombians Jorge Perlaza and Diego Chara while the Caps were able to salvage a late score by Camilo.

The game couldn’t have started out worse for the Whitecaps as they were caught flat and Portland’s young designated player Chara volleyed a shot past Cannon within the first five minutes.  The Timbers continued to press and collect quality chances while the Whitecaps whipped in crosses that were easily cleared out of the box.  Portland doubled their lead off a corner as Perlaza caught a couple of Vancouver defenders looking at the ball in the box and deposited in the back of the net.  Another great run by the two Colombians almost gave the Timbers a three goal lead into the half but the two goal lead would stand into halftime.

Portand Timbers vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

Vancouver and their expansion cousins, Portland, renew their long rivalry for the first time in MLS as the Caps visit the Timbers at Jeld Wen Field on Saturday.  While both teams sit on the bottom half of the Western Conference table, it is clear the Timbers are enjoying more success in the first year as they sit two points higher with six additional points.  It is the Whitecaps second game of the Cascadia Cup while it will be Portland’s third game and both clubs have a single point so far.

Harris Goes Under The Knife Again

It was announced by the Whitecaps that striker Atiba Harris recently underwent a follow up surgery to his right knee.  The original surgery was performed, to the meniscus of his right knee, back in April and has sidelined the MLS veteran for most of the year.  This type of surgery allows the recipient to start putting weight on it within a week or two but a return to soccer may not be possible this year.  The Caps are hopeful that Harris may return to some action in the month of October when the team will play five league and two reserve matches.  However, there will be no need to rush the striker back if he is deemed not ready by the medical staff.  The expansion draft pick up has played in five matches this season and contributed with two goals and three assists.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 22

 1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  13W-3L-9D

Last Week: No Match

Next Week:  Aug 20 vs San Jose Earthquakes

Galaxy have added Keane in time to face California rival

2. FC Dallas (4)

Record:  12W-6L-7D

Last Week:  2-2 Draw at Philadelphia Union

Next Week:  Aug 20 vs Seattle Sounders

Dallas will attempt to hold on to 2nd in Western Conference

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus D.C. United

The Whitecaps were in a prime position to pick up two straight wins as well as their first on the road against DC United.  Their opponents had one of the worst records at home and the Whitecaps had their captain returning to the starting eleven.  Unfortunately two goals, one at end of the first and the other at the start of the second, essentially took them out of the game and the winning streak would end at one.

FORWARDS

Camilo-  The Brazilian was the only consistently dangerous player on the pitch and almost gave the Whitecaps the lead with his free kick in the first half.  Camilo creates more chances on his own and his runs make him the most fouled Vancouver player in the final third.  GRADE:  B+

Whitecaps Take A Beating From D.C. United

After what seemed like a season turning win last week, the Whitecaps returned to their regular form losing to D.C. United 4-0.  The match turned in the last minute of the opening half and the first five minutes of the second half when two goals were scored and ended the Caps chances at picking up a second straight win.  The Whitecaps gave up two goals to Pontius and singles to Najar and King with the all four all goals being attributed to backline and goalie error.

The control of the match went back and forth with DC United pushing play for the first fifteen minutes, the Caps taking over for the next fifteen and the balance going back to the home side for the next ten.  With about five minutes left in the first half, the Whitecaps came close to scoring on a Camilo free kick as well as the scramble afterwards but they were denied by the third string goalkeeper.  Then in injury time D.C. United opened the scoring as Chris Pontius opened the scoring as he converted a cross from the player of the week Dwayne De Rosario.

D.C. United vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps will attempt to accomplish two firsts for their franchise in MLS by winning two games in a row and earning three points on the road.  The opponent they try to accomplish this goal is one of the MLS originals as the Caps travel east to face D.C. United.  The match may see the return of their Captain Jay DeMerit as well as designated player Mustapha Jarju who was away on international duty.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 21

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  13W-3L-9D

Last Week: 3-0 Loss at Portland Timbers, 3-1 Win vs FC Dallas

Next Week:  No Match

Galaxy looked past Timbers but rebounded to  beat FCD

2. Seattle Sounders (5)

Record:  11W-5L-8D

Last Week:  2-1 Loss at Sporting Kansas City

Next Week:  Aug 13 vs Chivas USA

Two late goals allow Sounders to pick up three points

Caps Defeat Sounders In Reserve League

The Vancouver Whitecaps picked up their first Reserve League victory as they defeated the division leading Seattle Sounders 2-1 at Swangard Stadium.  The goals for the Caps were scored by 1^st round pick Michael Nanchoff and Long Tan while the Sounders responded with a goal by Nate Jacqua.  By winning the game the Whitecaps handed the Sounders their first defeat in the league play as they had won all of the seven previous games this season.  Looking to improve their fitness, the starting eleven included both Jay DeMerit and Davide Chiumiento as both of senior team regulars played the first half.

Whitecaps Appoint Rennie As Head Coach For 2012

Two months after deciding to fire their first coach, the Vancouver Whitecaps have found their new head man in 36 year old Martin Rennie.  Rennie, currently with the Carolina Railhawks of the NASL, will complete his current duties and then will assume the new position at the end of this season with a reported three year deal.  Until then Tom Soehn will continue coaching and will move back to his Director of Soccer Operations position once Rennie completes his move.

A meteoric rise would be an understatement when it comes to describing the coaching career of Rennie as the Scotsman has been coaching for six years, including the current one, moving from PDL to MLS over that time.  After a knee injury ended his playing time at the age of 25, Rennie went forward and worked on getting his UEFA licenses for coaching.  His first job was taking over a struggling PDL side, the Cascade Surge and in one year led them to a PDL finals appearance.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Chicago Fire

There was a sense of dread going into the Chicago Fire match after the result from the previous weekend against the Galaxy.  There was some relief when Hassli scored less than a minute into the game but concern returned when the Fire even the score.  Fortunately for the supporters the Whitecaps added three more goals and were able to seal the match with a 4-2 victory.

FORWARDS

Camilo- While many had Hassli named as man of the match, Camilo actually was equal if not better than the Frenchman when it came it to the impact on the game.  In addition to his beautiful goal, the Brazilian drew a penalty as well as numerous other fouls, took the a great free kick that led to the fourth goal, and won the ball in the air which was instrumental in Koffie’s goal.  GRADE:  A-

Whitecaps Provide Fireworks Against Chicago

The finale for the Symphony of Fire was on Saturday night but the Whitecaps with a little help from Eric Hassli continued the fireworks at Empire Field with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire.  The scoreline actually flattered the visitors from the East as the Caps dominated play and the Fire were forced to consistently foul the Vancouver attackers.  In addition to Hassli’s brace the other goals were scored by Camilo and Koffie while Chicago responded with goals by Oduro and Barouch.

It did not take long for Vancouver to open scoring as an error by a Fire defender gave Hassli the ball on a break and the French striker made no mistake with a world class finish as he fired the goal past Sean Johnson in the first minute.  The Caps continued their pressure for the first twenty minutes but could not find the second early goal.  It was costly as the Fire equalized after a speedy run by Dominic Oduro put him alone on Nolly as he fired over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.

Chicago Fire vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps will look to rebound from their worst defeat of the season as they face the Chicago Fire for the second time this season.  Their first meeting in Chicago ended in a goalless draw in which both teams failed to generate few scoring chances.  Both clubs sit at the bottom of their respective conferences and also hold the bottom two spots in MLS.

Teibert Makes Move To New Position

Injuries on the backline combined with a logjam of available players on the wings have Canadian teenager Russell Teibert move from the midfield to the left back position.  The season started with Teibert in the starting eleven playing opposite wing from Davide Chiumiento.  It was a game that the homegrown product impressed with both his skill and poise on the pitch. 

At the time the Caps were forced to start the youngster as other potential starters like Salinas and Nanchoff had been injured for most of the preseason.  After the first two games in which he started Teibert saw very little time due to international duty with the U20 Canada team as well as injury issues.  Once he regained his health time on the pitch was limited with Salinas back from the injury list and Camilo becoming a regular starter on the wing once Soehn took over as coach.  With Nanchoff also returning from injury and the ability of Chiuminento to play the wing, Teibert was going find it difficult to find time on the pitch.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 20

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  12W-2L-9D

Last Week: 4-0 Win at Vancouver Whitecaps

Next Week:  Aug 3 vs Portland Timbers, Aug 6 vs FC Dallas

Galaxy look to extend unbeaten streak against other expansion team

2. FC Dallas (4)

Record:  12W-5L-6D

Last Week:  1-0 Win vs Chivas USA

Next Week:  Aug 6 at LA Galaxy

Big test against the other 12 win team in MLS