The Vancouver Whitecaps put in a poor performance and dropped a 2-0 decision to FC Dallas in front of 19,000 plus fans in BC Place. After a scoreless first half the visitors scored twice with Fabian Castillo scoring first followed up by Jonathon Top which were both assisted by David Ferreira.
The Whitecaps started the first five minutes of the match on the front foot keeping the FC Dallas pinned in their zone but were unable to come away with anything. The first chance for either team came in the 16th minute when Castillo attempted a shot but Andy O’Brien was able to get in the way and deflect the shot.
Some great buildup 25 minutes in by the Caps leading to a dangerous cross by Robson that was just cleared away before Miller was able to get a foot to it. Moments later Camilo attempted to dance into the box and was almost in the clear before George John was able to recover and clear the danger.
A handball at the edge of the box by a player in the FC Dallas wall led to a free kick just at the edge of the box by Camilo. Unfortunately for the Brazilian his attempt cleared the wall and evaded Hartman but struck the bar leaving it a scoreless game at the half.
The Whitecaps started the second half similar to how they ended the first as they earned a free kick at the edge of the box. This time it was Robson’s turn as his attempt was a blast at the net that Hartman was able to punch the ball out.
Those two missed chances came to haunt the Caps as FC Dallas opened the scoring when Fabian Castillo was able to slip through the backline after getting a pass from Ferreira and get the ball past Cannon off the post and into the net. After some failed attempts to equalize by the Caps, FC Dallas was able to double their lead when Ferreira was able to break free and slip a pass to Jonathon Top for his first goal in MLS.
The Caps had a couple of chances to get within one when Watson took a pass from Lee but was unable to avoid a charging Hartman. Then a minute later on a clearance FC Dallas defender Benitez almost scored on his own net as he put the ball a foot away from the post.
A number of factors led to a poor performance by the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 2-0 loss to FC Dallas at BC Place. There were significant players missing from the lineup at each particular level as DeMerit is recovering a head injury, Koffie was suspended and both Richards and Mattocks were away on international duty.
It was especially the pace of the two attackers that was the biggest factor as the FC Dallas backline was able to play higher as they not concerned with the speed of three players up top. Because of the high line, players like Robson, Lee and Rochat were unable to get enough space to work the ball around into dangerous areas.
There will be very little time to dwell on the loss, which is only their second at home, as the Caps travel down south to Seattle for their second match of the season. In addition to the effect this game will have on the MLS table it will be an opportunity for the Caps to go to the top of the Cascadia Cup standings.
(image courtesy of whitecapsfc.com)
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