by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
Starting XI
Ousted 7.0
He really didn’t have that much to deal with other than a couple of half chances from distance and that was only in the second half. He did have his post to thank for keeping out Nemeth’s curled effort, but couldn’t do much about Ellis’ drilled header.
Beitashour 8.0
I thought the Iranian international was excellent defensively and in attack especially in the first half, as with the rest of the team he faded in the second but dealt with most of what came down his side.
Parker 7.5
It was a solid outing for Parker in only his fourth start of the season, his second at centre back. He had the job of cleaning up around Waston as the big man stuck to Dwyer, doing his job well. It was disappointing to see the goal come from an unmarked run into the box when Sporting had been virtually marked up for much of the match. He almost had his first goal as well if it wasn’t for Benny Feilhaber’s goal line clearance.
Waston 7.5
Hell of a battle with Dom Dwyer. The two went toe-to-toe all game long. Their battle had been bubbling and near the end it finally boiled over with Dwyer giving a slight shove that sent Waston to the ground. Dwyer was unlucky to be booked for Waston’s play acting. The two shook hands at the end, both clearly enjoying the challenge.
Harvey 5.0
His poor defending cost the ‘Caps. He always seems to have an issue with closing down anything that comes down his side, tending to get sucked inside tight to his centre backs. When Nemeth collected near the corner of the box, he had time to turn, look up, and pick out Ellis in the area.
Laba 6.0
A decent first half as he helped quell the Sporting attacks and keep his side pushing forward, but at the same time he was rarely involved in the first half attacks and by the time the second half came around the midfield faded lacking any sort of energy to keep the ‘Caps on the front foot.
Koffie 4.0
His lack of energy really killed any hopes of Vancouver closing down Sporting like they had in the first half. The high tempo of the first half clearly took its toll and there was no coming back. Despite the rest of the team impressing in the first half Koffie continually choked up possession with poor passing and a heavy touch.
Techera 8.0
His first half display was fantastic. His partnership with the attack is growing every game. He delivered a fine corner kick to the front post for Parker to head on goal that was unlucky to be cleared off the line. He also pegged a pair of shots in either half but couldn’t find a way past Melia.
Rosales 8.5
I really love his play in behind the striker. He sublime passing ability and quick feet seem to help him find space in behind the defense. Found Rivero but the Uruguayan couldn’t get a decent effort off. Everything good from Vancouver in the first half seemed to come through the veteran Argentine and I’m starting to wonder if you swap in Morales directly or maybe let him play deeper with Rosales rolling.
Manneh 7.0
As with most he was great in the first half but really fell off in the second half. The frenetic pace in the first half put Sporting under all sorts of pressure. Manneh’s passing was very impressive as he continued to find teammates with a single touch. He did seem to let up on his defensive duties in the second half.
Rivero 7.5
He had a header early on that Melia sprawled to save, and followed that up with superb link up play with Rosales. His match was highlighted by a cleaver back heel into Techera but the little guy once again couldn’t find a way past Melia.
Substitutes
Flores 6.0 (59’)
With the team drained and falling away from the match fast, Flores came on, but failed to provide the energy needed in midfield. Pretty much went unnoticed.
Hurtado 6.0 (80’)
The late sub proved useless. Robinson’s tactics seemed to fall away as he tried to add more speed and strength, but the midfield just couldn’t bring anyone into the match.
Earnshaw 6.0 (84’)
Brought on in search of another late winner, but seemed to get stuck in behind the striker where Rosales had been playing. It didn’t work at all as Sporting closed out any space in front of their back four.
