Colorado Rapids vs WhitecapsFC Match Preview

The Whitecaps make their first trip to the Rocky Mountains as they face the MLS defending champion Colorado Rapids for the first time in regular season play.  The teams faced each other in a preseason tune up at Empire Field which was won on a late goal by Colorado.  The Whitecaps will most likely be without DeMerit and Chiumiento while Hassli is again a gametime decision.

Caps Take First Step To Revamping Roster

Looking to add more depth to their backline and improve their play in their own end the Vancouver Whitecaps made their first in season transaction acquiring Jordan Harvey from the Philadelphia Union.  In exchange for the American defender the Whitecaps sent an undisclosed amount of allocation money to the Eastern club.  Harvey is set to join the team in Colorado and will be eligible to play immediately for the Caps whether he starts or is on the bench.

After his senior season at UCLA, Harvey was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 1^st round of the 2006 Supplemental Draft after being bypassed through four rounds of the Super Draft.  It wasn’t until the 2008 season when Harvey became a full time starter with the Rapids as he made 42 starts on the backline with 29 of them coming in 2009.  Four years into his professional career, the Union made Harvey their first selection in the 2010 expansion draft.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus Columbus Crew

Despite missing three of their best players to injury, it was a solid performance by the Whitecaps and a game that they deserved to get the full three points but a late goal by the Crew cost the club a necessary result.  The backline was very organized and even before the penalty miss the Whitecaps should have been up on Columbus by a couple of goals.  The red card late in the game to Shea Salinas took a lot of energy out of the players and the supporters in the stands.

FORWARDS

Camilo- One of the most consistent performers for the Whitecaps over this losing streak, Camilo once again had a dynamic performance and was easily the best Cap on the pitch.  He had multiple chances of his own, could have scored one or two, and also set up Salinas for his opportunity.  GRADE:  B+

Late Goal Extends Whitecaps Losing Streak

The Vancouver Whitecaps extended their frustrating losing streak to four as they dropped the match to the Columbus 1-0.  While the Caps were missing their top goal scorer, playmaker and captain, and unlike the previous three games, where the Caps lacked a sustained effort for a full 90 minutes, this game saw the Caps carry the play.  Unfortunately a missed penalty kick by Terry Dunfield and a late goal by Jeff Cunningham gave the visitors from Ohio the victory and the three points.

The first half saw the Whitecaps start with some promising chances as they pressured the Columbus backline causing turnovers.  Early in the half, after a turnover, Omar Salgado was sent on a forty yard run but was only able to fire his left footed strike wide of the net.  Camilo had a couple opportunities in the first half as he attempted two shots on goal but was denied each time by Will Hesmer.

Columbus Crew vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

The Vancouver Whitecaps face the Columbus Crew for the second time this season losing the first match 2-1 on the road.  The club looks to bounce back from a disappointing week in which they lost all three games including the Canadian Championship to TFC.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

It was a week of draws in MLS as only 3 games had a victor last week.  Sporting Kansas City and TFC moved up two spots while Vancouver, Portland and Columbus were the only sliders of the week.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  9W-2L-9D

Last Week: 0-0 Draw vs Seattle Sounders

Next Week:  July 9 vs Chicago Fire

Galaxy hold on to top spot with a draw against Sounders

Whitecaps Look To Fill Holes During Transfer Window

With the 2011 transfer window now open, the Whitecaps will look to upgrade their MLS roster as they attempt to improve their slim chances on making the playoffs this year.  There are quite a few holes that need to be filled in their starting eleven and in their overall depth.  However most of those changes will take place in the offseason when they will have more time and opportunity to scout players.

For now the Whitecaps can bring in a few players which would help solidify the line-up and correct the current weaknesses in their game.  These players will have to fit in the current salary cap structure for this season which only the team officials are aware of.  With the imminent release of Akloul, the roster currently has two openings on the 30 man roster and the Caps can bring in up to three international players.  Of course more spots would be available if they decide to release additional players.  These are the four positions that the I believe the Whitecaps need to upgrade in order to have any chance at finishing the season on a positive note.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus TFC for Canadian Championships

It could have not gotten any worse for the Whitecaps on this three game road trip as they lost each of their game by a single goal.  The disastrous week came to an end on Saturday when TFC beat the Caps 2-1 in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship final and 3-2 on aggregate.  The Voyageur's Cup was one of the club's major goals this season and the loss is a major disappointment for the players, the organization and its supporters.

FORWARDS

Eric Hassli- The big Frenchman had feasted on the TFC defenders in the first two and a bit games, scoring four goals in about 240 minutes, but without any quality service he was goalless on Saturday.  Hassle did have a chance to win the Cup for Vancouver as he found himself alone in front of the net but fired a shot wide of the net.  GRADE:  B-

Promises Of Championship Broken By Whitecaps Collapse

In a season that started with so much promise for the Whitecaps, the season has reached a new low as the Caps dropped the second leg of the NCC 2-1 to TFC which gave the Toronto side its third straight Voyageur’s Cup.  After losing in disappointing fashion every year in the competition, especially 2009, the front office had made it a major priority to win the title this year and represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions league.  Unfortunately for Vancouver lost 3-2 on aggregate despite taking a one goal lead into halftime as they gave up two goals in the second half.

The Whitecaps started the game strong as they tried to apply pressure on the makeshift backline of TFC as they controlled the majority of possession.  It looked as though TFC’s chances at winning the Cup took a hit when their captain pulled up lame with a hamstring early in the first half.  Soon after the substitution the Caps seemed to seize control as a perfect curling free kick from Camilo beat Frei from outside the box. 

TFC vs WhitecapsFC NCC Match Preview

It will be their second attempt this year for the Whitecaps to win the Canadian Championship and capture the Voyageur’s Cup.  The previous game in Toronto was abandoned after 60 minutes when the match was called off due to rain and poor pitch quality.