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

Caps Draw Galaxy In Reserve League

After losing to the senior squad 4-0 the night before, the Whitecaps reserve squad drew 2-2 with the Galaxy reserves.  The visitors jumped out to a two goal lead with goals in the 31^st and 51^st minute as it looked like it would be a repeat of the previous night.  Then residency regulars helped bring the Caps back with two goals eleven minutes apart, both coming from the boot of Long Tan. 

There were a couple of intriguing players in the starting eleven as often injured John Thorrington got a start and played only twenty minutes before being taken off for Alex Morfaw.  Homegrown product Russell Teibert played out of position as the left winger moved to the backline at the left back position.  In addition to those two players, Bilal Duckett played as a center back for the majority of the game before coming off in the 89^th minute.

Within two minutes of coming onto the pitch, Ben Fisk was able to find Tan at the far post to bring the Caps within one goal.  The tying goal came eleven minutes later as Morfaw was able to spring Tan with a through ball and the Chinese International made no mistake.  The Whitecaps now have two points in five reserve matches as they have a record of three losses and two draws.  The reserve squad will now face Cascadia rival the Seattle Sounders on August 9^th in the MLS reserve league.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus LA Galaxy

For sixty minutes the Whitecaps went toe to toe with the top team in MLS and came within a few inches from taking the lead before it fell apart for them.  A slip by Boxall and a lazy handball in the box by new acquisition Jordan Harvey put the Caps down by two.  Tom Soehn decided to go with three at the back in order to get close the gap in the game but we`re unable to handle the Galaxy counter attack and the rout was on.

FORWARDS

Eric Hassli- Vancouver’s designated player did everything he could to set up a goal including mixing it up in the box with the Galaxy defenders.  Hassli’s cross, early in the match, almost setup an early goal while he continued good play holding up the ball and finding teammates.  GRADE:  B+

Camilo- This was a game where Camilo’s lack of defensive awareness hurt the Whitecaps in their own half of the pitch as he was unable to offer support to the defenders.  He was dangerous in the final third and almost converted a free kick but was robbed by the Galaxy goalkeeper.  GRADE:  B

Galaxy Make Caps Pay For Missed Chances

While the Vancouver Whitecaps weren’t as bad as the score line indicated, they still lacked quality as the home side were thrashed by the league leading LA Galaxy 4-0 in front of the biggest gathering this season at Empire Field.  Similar to the majority of defeats and some draws, it was a storyline of the Whitecaps unable to finish early chances and succumbing to silly mistakes which allowed the team to lose points.  It was the first time the Caps allowed four goals this season but while it was the team’s worst defeat of the year, by goal margin, it was not their worst performance.

This match saw a new formation on display by the Caps as they rolled out a 4-4-2(diamond) setup with Chiumiento playing as the attacking midfielder and Koffie playing as the holding midfielder.  It was working for thirty plus minutes as the Whitecaps brought wave after wave of attack with the chances falling to new acquisition Mustapha Jarju.  Unfortunately for the home team those opportunities consistently missed the mark either wide of the post or sailing over the net.  It was then the Whitecaps turn to survive as the Galaxy had three glorious chances to take the lead in a span of three minutes but Joe Cannon was able to stop of two of them and the third just missed the net.

LA Galaxy vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

After a ten day break the Vancouver Whitecaps return to action to face the MLS leading Los Angeles Galaxy at Empire Field.  The Galaxy come north of the border, without Beckham, on a thirteen game unbeaten streak while the Whitecaps are still looking their third victory.  While it is the first matchup in league action, the two clubs have played friendlies in the past.

Caps Release Two Defenders

A couple of weeks into the transfer season and the Vancouver Whitecaps made a couple moves to create some room on their roster for potential additions.  The club announced that defenders Mouloud Akloul and Blake Wagner were placed on waivers, and if not picked up by another MLS team, they will be released from their contracts.  The moves open up two spots on the roster including an international spot but doesn’t free up any money on their salary cap as both were waived after July 1^st.

Coming through the French youth system, Akloul went abroad spending his time in Algeria and UAE before signing with Whitecaps in April of 2010.  His season did not last long as 21 minutes into his debut he fractured his ankle while scoring a goal in front of the home crowd.  While going through rehab and multiple surgeries, Akloul quickly became a fan favourite despite playing a limited time on the pitch.  After finally getting medical clearance he was one of the last additions to the roster before the season started.

Hassli Named To MLS All-Star Roster

The Vancouver Whitecaps learned that their designated player Eric Hassli was named to the MLS All-Star roster as an inactive player.  Hassli was voted onto the roster by his fellow players and is joined by five other players.  The French striker is currently tied for fourth in MLS scoring with eight goals and has been a YouTube sensation after scoring an unbelievable goal against Sounders.  While it is highly unlikely that Hassli will see any playing time against Manchester United, he does become the first Whitecap to be named to an MLS all-star team.

It has been an up and down season for the striker who leads the club in goals with nine goals in all competitions.  He also has accumulated a high number of cautions, including the MLS leader in game suspensions.  Recently, Hassli has become accustomed to the MLS rules and been avoiding run ins with the referees.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 19

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  11W-2L-9D

Last Week: 1-0 Win vs Columbus Crew

Next Week:  July 30 at Vancouver Whitecaps

Galaxy will face Caps without Beckham and possibly Donovan

2. Real Salt Lake (3)

Record: 9W-3L-6D

Last Week:  4-0 Win vs San Jose Earthquakes

Next Week:  July 30 vs Columbus Crew

RSL blasts Quakes and now host Crew

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus San Jose Earthquakes

The Vancouver Whitecaps travelled to California hoping to snap their losing streak and to pick up their first road victory.  While a draw was not the result the club was hoping for, it is a good starting point that could lead the Caps into turning around a poor season.  It was the best game collectively for the midfielders while the makeshift backline had one of their worst performances as a group.

FORWARDS

Eric Hassli- With so many eyes on the debut of the Caps newest DP, it was Hassli who stole the show with a brace that brought the Caps to level terms twice.  There is no doubt that the Frenchman is becoming a proven MLS goalscorer as he has a nose for the net and can finish his chances.  GRADE: A-

Davide Chiumiento- After missing the last few games with a hamstring injury, Chiumiento came on for Jarju as a sub in the second half.  There was no signs of rust as the Caps top playmaker looked dangerous playing in a withdrawn role including when he found Salinas down the wing which would lead to the second goal.  GRADE: B

Whitecaps Battle Back Twice To Draw San Jose

While Vancouver’s newest designated player, Mustapha Jarju, made his debut for the Caps it was their original one who made the imprint on the match as Eric Hassli’s brace brought the Caps back twice for a 2-2 draw with San Jose.  The Whitecaps were able to pick up the point despite a shaky performance from a make shift backline missing three starters.  The Earthquakes took the lead at the start of both halves with goals by 2010 MLS golden boot winner Chris Wondolowski but the game was also tied twice with the two goals by Hassli.

The team looked very flat to start the game and it showed quickly on the scoreboard as Chris Wondolowski was able to stay onside and beat Cannon one on one.  As the game progressed the Caps started connecting better with Jarju getting his first opportunity to score in MLS but he sailed the ball just over the bar.  The Whitecaps started getting stronger as the half progressed and were rewarded for it as Shea Salinas sent in Hassli alone and after a few touches the French striker blasted the ball past Busch into the back of the net before halftime.