The Whitecaps return home following an extended 39 day absence from BC Place, trying to attract more of a fan base given the current NHL lock-out.
On this day they managed to see 18,992 visits BC Place on a sunny day where they had the roof open – again.
The last meetings between both clubs saw them play each other in a span of three weeks with the Whitecaps winning 1-0 both times. Sebastian Le Toux got the lone goal June 16th and Darren Mattocks got a single marker July 4th.
The Caps had their losing streak extended to five games as FC Dallas scored on the last kick of the game, keeping the Cap’s sitting in 5th place in the Western Conference with 37 points from 29 games.
Entering the game the Whitecaps lead Colorado by a single point for the race for 5th and the final play-off spot.
This game is a game in hand for the Cap’s and Head Coach Martin Rennie told the media “It’s a big step for our club to get ourselves into the play-off’s and we feel good for our chances in all areas. ”The Rapids returned to the road and took yet another loss.
This time to the LA Galaxy and currently sit in 7th place.
Lack of scoring seems to be a concern and for a while it looked as thought it would continue not to make mention of the losing streak they were on.
Trailing midway through the second half the managed to get one on the board in the 64th minute from Alain Rochat, they seemed to come to life.
This was the first goal (unofficially) 310 minutes.
A short five minutes later, Kenny Miller scored giving them the lead, which has not happened since August 11 against Real Salt Lake.
They have three of the next four games at home and are now 7-2-5, with no room for taking any time off. They need win’s to keep them in the hunt for the play-off stretch.
The reason they were behind in the first half was Colorado striker Omar Cummings walked in alone in the 34th minute jumping out front.
The initial shot was taken by Rivero who hit the post and a slow Brad Knighton was unable to get over in time to stop the shot. Knighton is making his third consecutive for the Cap’s and somehow managed to keep the game close for a club that seemed desperate at times.
Miller has had one goal since joining the Cap’s which dates back to July 16th is looking for a much stronger play on the pitch.Knighton was forced to make a spectacular stop in the 90th minute off Cummings who managed to get his right boot on the ball from inside the box.
Game Notes:
Dane Richards will not play for the next home match against the Seattle Sounders FC, due to an accumulation of yellow cards forcing a suspension.
With no NHL being played the Whitecaps are one club that are looking at strong support from the local fans.
