by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
Revs Recap
The Whitecaps make their way to Commerce City hunting a fourth victory in a row having already slipped past the ten men of New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls in past weeks.
I don’t think anyone was looking forward to a five game road trip due in part to the Women’s World Cup playing out of BC Place. The Whitecaps have already succeeded in defying expectations with three wins from four and even without a result against Colorado the ‘Caps should hold steady at the top of their Conference.
Techera scored his second of the season in last weeks win over the Revs
Carl Robinson saw his side make the most of their one man advantage against New England last week after last man Andrew Farrell was sent off for a tug on Techera around the half hour mark. And Rivero doubled the ‘Caps lead from the spot after Cristian Techera had finished off London Woodberry’s terrible header.
The Revs began to exert their influence in the late stages with Teal Bunbury pulling one back in the 84th minute, that ultimately turned out to be no more than a consolation with David Ousted holding firm in goal for the ‘Caps.
Another match winning performance from the Dane that saw him pick up not only his second MLS save of the week victory in as many weeks, but he managed to beat out Sebastian Giovinco for the MLS Player of the Month award. The second Whitecaps player to receive the award this season after Octavio Rivero collected back in March.
With the Sounders dropping more points in Dempsey’s and Martins’ absence the ‘Caps have moved out in front on 32 points.
Rapids Matchup
It’s been a rough ride for Pablo Mastroeni this season as his club languishes at the bottom of the Western Conference with only 15 points from 17 matches played. Out of those 17 the Rapids have only come out on top twice a 4-0 thumping of FC Dallas and a 1-0 victory over the Whitecaps at the end of May.
But with 9 draws and as many defeats as the Whitecaps (6), Colorado are only a few pieces from being a mid-table squad, hardly push overs as they’ve yet to lose by more than two goals.
If Vancouver manage to live up to expectations at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park it would see the Rapids lose three in a row for the first time this season after being humbled by Orlando City and Sporting Kansas City in their previous fixtures.
The former US international has been an interesting character in his new role as a head coach since succeeding Oscar Pareja, rarely does he throw out the same lineup in back-to-back matches as he has tries to reflect his combative spirit from his playing days onto his team.
Kevin Doyle is still waiting on his first MLS goal
Since Kevin Doyle made his debut against the Whitecaps at the end of May the Irishman has yet to score as the Head Coach has tried to juggle Doyle with Luis Solignac. His desperation to wedge them both into the lineup has seen Doyle play creator to Solignac in the loss to Orlando and with his insistence on sticking to a 4-2-3-1 its unlikely the tandem ever have a chance to play in the same lineup successfully.
While goals have been hard to come by, the defense has been steely even if Pablo tends to shake them up from game to game. That’s hardly been helped by Captain Drew Moor’s fitness this year. O’Neill and Moor would be the natural partnership but Axel Sjoberg has proved to be a tidy pick up in the SuperDraft. The trio has found themselves rested for the likes of Burling and Watts at times while even SuperDraft pick Joseph Greenspan has seen time in Sjoberg’s absence.
Carl Robinson’s biggest test really came against New England Revolution when he had to make do without Kendall Waston and Gershon Koffie to suspension with Pedro Morales sitting out due to injury.
The two pieces will be thrust back into the lineup while Morales continues his recovery likely with an eye towards featuring at home against Sporting Kansas City.
The DP’s loss has barely been felt though, as Mauro Rosales has slotted in nicely. Even Nico Mezquida has made efforts to battle Pedro as provider to Rivero. Mezquida has shown the energy to put the pressure on the opposition while Rosales has the knowhow and delivery to set the three pronged strike force of Rivero, Manneh and Techera on their way while expending minimal energy.
Tim Parker stepped in for Waston and despite a lack of awareness his athleticism allowed the team to hold out for a third win in as many games. Safe to say our depth is beginning to bear fruit.
Probable Lineups
Colorado Rapids: Irwin; Greenspan, Moor, O’Neill, Burch; Cronin, Sarvas; Vicente, Powers, Torres; Solignac
Vancouver Whitecaps: Ousted; Beitashour, Waston, Kah, Harvey; Laba, Koffie; Techera, Rosales, Manneh; Rivero
6 PM, TSN and TSN 1410
