Whitecaps Continue to Impress

Coming off an impressive win the past weekend has the Whitecaps knowing that defeating a stronger opponent is easier said than done, especially in front of 19,638 supporters.

Having a solid fan base helps the product grow in the area, especially at the minor level and to date the Cap’s have attracted 153,992 fans through seven (7) home games.

This averages out to 21,998, rain or shine or it should be stated roof open or closed.

Rival Portland Timbers came to town in hopes of not only leaving with a win, but in doing so taking the enthusiastic fan base known as the South-Siders out of the match, which clearly took a full ninety (90) minutes plus for the Caps to pull off the win.

Ousted played his usual stellar style of play not only making impressive saves, but also directing traffic from the crease.

The win saw the Caps extend their home unbeaten streak and currently sit in a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference with 14 points through 11 games.

The win also saw them put an end to a two-game winless streak, which was their second win in the last seven (7) matches.

This match is the only league meeting between the clubs this year and Chicago is in need of a win as they currently have one win in seven matches.

Chicago has played the least amount of games (7) in the MLS season, whereas the Caps have played 11, this being their 12^th match of the season.

Both clubs have met once this season in a pre-season match with the Fire pulling off a win.

While the match started with speed the 11^th minute saw Whitecaps Masato Kudo taken off after a huge collision with Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Matt Lampson after falling hard to the pitch.

The impact saw him take a heavy fall hitting the pitch hard and in the process falling and biting his lip quite possibly getting a concussion.

The medical team was quick to respond to the direction of Chicago Fire Goaltender who made the initial call to the bench for medical personal.

April saw the Caps have a horrendous stretch seeing them go scoreless in three (3) straight matches and with the addition of Manneh it’s hoped this will improve.

The first half ended with the Whitecaps up 1 nil over an aggressive Chicago team, who are looking at ending the losing streak.

The 46^th minute saw the Fire get a free-kick sending it wide to the right side with no attacker in reach.

The second half saw the Whitecaps dominate until the 62^nd minute when Chicago’s #77 Kennedy Igboananike who send one past a surprised David Ousted tying the match at one.

The 66^th minute saw Mezquida exit the match in place of Kekuta Manneh for additional power up front.

The second half saw the Fire attack shutting down the middle of the field, but the 87^th minute saw Cap’s #27 Blas Perez get his second of the match on an over the shoulder kick sending one past a surprised Lampson.

Following the celebration and returning to play the 90^th minute saw the forth official indicate the addition of three extra minutes.

Try as they might and at times trying to “sell” a penalty the Fire were unable to out play any attack the Whitecaps sent over half field.

Robinson’s comments were more on the injury of his player, but were impressed with the overall play of the team.

Looking forward to the game in Toronto, he indicated that changes will be possibly be made due to the sloppy play at times in various areas of the pitch.

It was mentioned to him (Carl) that this game might have been a trap game, which he was not impressed with and for the time being he’ll take the three points.

When questioned about going on the pitch to see his player, he (Carl) indicated that he obtained permission from the side official.

It’s interesting to note that Jordan Harvey (32) is the team’s new leader for Whitecaps FC games played with 134, surpassing Gershon Koffie’s 133.

Harvey has played 224 career MLS games with Philadelphia, Colorado and Vancouver.

Following the press conference Whitecaps Head Coach Carl Robinson was headed to the hospital to check on his player.

Huge win for a team moving forward!!

Photo’s taken by Laird Allan – Sportswave’s Official Photographer