Caps Caught Star Gazing In Loss To Galaxy

The Vancouver Whitecaps were able to hang around with the LA Galaxy for about forty minutes but eventually the best team in MLS showed their superiority as they defeated the Caps 3-0.  For the majority of the first the Whitecaps carried the play and created more chances but could not capitalize on their opportunities.  The Galaxy was led by a brace from midfielder Mike Magee and a second, since joining MLS, for newly acquired DP Robbie Keane.

Once again the Whitecaps came out aggressive against the Galaxy as they showed creativity in their attack.  Chiumiento carried over his stellar play from the week before early on as he made a great run which allowed him an early chance on goal.  Because of a clashing of heads, Rochat was forced off the pitch to get repaired for an extended period allowing the Galaxy to turn the flow of the game towards the Whitecap goal.

Once Rochat returned to the pitch, the Caps were able to string together a collection of chances by Camilo, Salinas and Hassli but still no goal.  In fact Camilo’s chance may have earned a penalty kick but the referee waived the game to continue.  The final minutes of the half continued to haunt the Caps with Mike Magee scoring his first of the game from a wonderful pass by Robbie Keane.

Coming out of halftime the Whitecaps continued their strong play carrying the majority of play with one of those leading to another controversial non call by the referee as Camilo was once again fouled in the box.  As Vancouver’s bench complained the call to the fourth official, the Galaxy moved up the field as Bryan Jordan delivered a cross that was converted by Robbie Keane.  About ten minutes later the Galaxy finished off the visitors from the North as Magee picked up a brace converting another cross from Jordan making the score 3-0.

 

It was another road game where the Whitecaps teased everyone with their ability to play a high tempo game but in the end there was no contest.  Once again the question is asked if they had scored first on one of their many chances would it have made a difference in the outcome.  Unfortunately it did not come to that as the Galaxy scored first, second and third.

The backline was let down by the fullbacks as they could not handle the width of the Galaxy and were consistently broken down.  The poor play forced the two center backs to cover for their mistakes opening up gaping holes for LA to attack.  As per the norm, the Caps were unable to hit the target on the majority of their attempts on the opposition net.  Camilo was the only dangerous player in the final third for the Caps as the Brazilian was taken down twice in the box by the defenders but the referee waived the game to continue.

While the club sit dead last in the MLS standings, they still have something to play for as they prepare for the last match at Empire.  With the Sounders and Timbers making stops in Vancouver for the next two weeks, The Cascadia Cup will be up for grabs.  Some hardware would help heal the wounds of a difficult season as the Caps face the Sounders next Saturday.