Whitecaps FC vs Chivas USA Match Preview

MLS Power Rankings: Week 11

There were a couple of surprises as Week 11 ended in the MLS as two clubs that seemed unbeatable at home lost for the first time in league play.  For the Timbers it was a five game streak since the beginning of their season while for Real Salt Lake it was a streak that had lasted for more than a season.  The biggest risers for this week were DC United who collected the win Portland while RSL dropped the most because of not only their loss but what the teams behind them did.  New England went up in the rankings due to TFC dropping after their horrendous loss to the Philadelphia Union.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  8W-2L-5D

Last Week: 1-0 Win vs Houston Dynamo, 1-0 Win at New England Revolution

Next Week:  June 3 vs DC United

It’s an impressive week when you can collect six out six points

Whitecaps Dismiss Thordarson After Twelve Games

The Whitecaps organization shocked the majority of the MLS world when they announced the firing of Teitur Thordarson from the position of head coach.  It is very rare that an expansion team in any sport makes a move like this because of their record and where they are in the standings.  The first year is normally a learning experience for everyone but the letting go of Thordarson shows of the high expectations the top of the Vancouver’s organization has for the club.  At the press conference the Whitecaps named Director of Soccer Operations Tom Soehn as their manager for the remainder of the season.

Since the opening victory on March 19 against TFC, the Whitecaps have suffered five losses and have had to settle for six draws including last weekend against New York.  When you include the Nutrilite games played against Montreal and Toronto their overall record for this year was two wins, five losses and eight draws.  What was especially pointed out at the press conference was their record at home which includes just a single win in seven MLS and two Nutrilite matches.  The majority of those matches were in front of raucous crowds which should have been a factor in turning Empire into a fortress for the opposition.  It was deemed by the organization at the presser that the next three games will be the breaking point for the season if the Caps wish to contend for a playoff spot and they did not see it turning around unless a change was made.

Report Card: Whitecaps FC Versus New York Red Bulls

While it was not a poor performance for the Whitecaps in their 1-1 draw with the Red Bulls, it was definitely a frustrating one for the players, coaches and the supporters.  As tweeted by Benjamin Massey of 86 Forever, it was a game they should have but could have also easily lost. In this game like others the Whitecaps were not consistent in their play and in the few stretches where they did apply pressure there was no conversion.

FORWARDS

Eric Hassli- The French striker was very dangerous against the Red Bulls as he, in addition to his goal scored on a penalty kick, had a couple of great opportunities to get a brace including one that was stopped by a great kick save by Sutton.  There is a solid chemistry building between Hassli, Camilo and Chiumineto in the builup to chances which just need to be finished.  GRADE:  B+

Lack Of Finish Cost Whitecaps Another Two Points

The Whitecaps blew another opportunity to collect a full three points, in front of over 21,000 at Empire, by missing on their chances in the final third and settling for a 1-1 draw.  It was typical indecisiveness and that lack of touch in the final pass that caused the Caps to miss out on the goal that could have earned them a second victory.  The Whitecaps opened the scoring with a penalty kick conversion by their DP Eric Hassli in the first half which was answered soon after by the Red Bulls striker Luke Rodgers.

Except for Wes Knight coming in for Leathers at right back the Whitecaps were able to start the same eleven for third straight game and it showed in their play right from the beginning.  Hassli was involved early on as he just missed a volley off a cross from Salinas and then almost set up Camilo in the box for another chance.  After a couple of missed shots by the Red Bulls, Empire exploded as Camilo was able to convert a cross from Rochat but it was waived off as Rochat was in an offside position.  Camilo came right back with another chance as he passed it back to Hassli who left it for Chiumiento but again there was no conversion. 

New York vs Whitecaps FC Match Preview

Cup Dreams Washed Away By Weather

The Vancouver Whitecaps were thirty minutes away from accomplishing one their main goals entering into this season.  Thirty minutes away from erasing the memories of the 2009 debacle when the Caps were waiting in Stade Saputo to accept the Voyageur’s Cup.  That day it was the Impact who let them down and everyone thought that it would be different this time as it was in their control.  Unfortunately this time it was the weather who let them down as lightning strikes delayed the match and then the rain made the pitch unplayable forcing an abandonment of the second leg.

The Whitecaps pushed their attack right off the opening kickoff as they looked for the early lead by controlling the tempo.  It did not take long for the Caps to get their first chance as Hassli slipped a nice through ball to Camilo into the box who unleashed a shot that beat Frei but missed the net by a couple of feet.  Unlike last week it did not take long for the Whitecaps to capitalize as great work by Hassli forced Cann to spill the ball.  It came to Salinas who slid it to Hassli and the Frenchman unleashed a shot which after a deflection off of de Guzman’s leg found the back of the net.

Nutrilite Championship Final: 2nd Leg Match Preview (Abandoned)

Dunfield Will Join Canada's Squad For 2011 Gold Cup

With the 2011 Gold Cup nearing, the majority of rosters have been named by the CONCACAF participants and the Whitecaps had one of their own named to the Canadian roster.  Alternate captain Terry Dunfield will make his debut in a major international competition for Canada after making appearances in two friendlies for the national squad.  While Dunfield will be a loss for Vancouver’s central midfield, the Caps did dodge a bullet as Jay DeMerit was not named to the USA roster for the Gold Cup as he has not played in enough matches since his injury.

It’s been quite a turnaround for Dunfield when it comes to his international career as he made his debut for the senior team on May 29^th of last year at the age of 28.  His only other experience with Canada was with the U23 and U20 teams where he had a combined seven matches.  His story of making Manchester City youth system and the struggles, injury and his own poor choices, he went through after leaving his initial club is well known by most fans.  A great write up on his career by The Province's Marc Weber can be read by clicking here.

MLS Power Rankings: Week 10

There was absolute no changes in the top six of the MLS with all the top teams earning a win or a draw in their weekend matches.  The maximum amount of spots either moving up or down in this week's rankings was two.  Portland and San Jose were the two biggest risers while New England, Chivas and Columbus dropped two spots.

1. Los Angeles Galaxy (1)

Record:  6W-2L-5D

Last Week: 1-0 Win at Chivas USA

Next Week:  May 25 vs Houston Dynamo, May 28 at New England Revolution

Galaxy maintain top spot after beating the Goats for LA bragging rights