Vancouver Whitecaps 1 – 1 Chivas USA
VANCOUVER, B.C - Carl Robinson and his Vancouver Whitecaps travelled to California to take on Chivas USA in their first away match of the season. Both teams recorded high-scoring victories on opening day. The Whitecaps trounced the Red Bulls 4-1 at home and Chivas USA squeaked by the visiting Chicago Fire 3-2.
The Caps made one significant change to their lineup as they took the pitch at the StubHub Center, in Carson, California. Russell Teibert has been battling a hamstring strain and did not make the traveling roster. Pedro Morales drew into the starting eleven and he had a brilliant debut last week coming on as a sub, scoring once and adding an assist.
Chivas USA surprised many MLS pundits by upsetting the Chicago Fire. Former Seattle Sounders playmaker Mauro Rosales was outstanding with a pair of assists. The goats scored three-second half goals thanks to Erick Torres, Thomas McNamara, and Bobby Burling. Chivas USA also features former USA international Carlos Bocanegra.
The Vancouver Whitecaps dropped the ball against Chivas USA and settled for a 1-1 draw. Torres opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, despite his team being down to 10-men. Chivas can play, and they certainly showed that they won't be a team that can easily be stepped on by any opposition. Substitute, Kekuta Manneh rescued the Caps and earned them a point with a goal in the 81'. Make no mistake Chivas USA was the better team on this evening, and Vancouver was not. The Whitecaps underestimated Chivas USA and it cost them three points.
The Opening 45
With both teams starting out cautiously in the opening 10 minutes, scoring opportunities were hard to come by. Referee Ramon Hernandez wasn't looking to keep his whistle in his pocket for long as he instantly made a crucial impact on the game in the 13'. Argentine midfielder Agustin Pelletieri was given a straight red card for a minor challenge on Pedro Morales. The Whitecaps designated player was no worse for wear and continued on. Wilmer Cabrera's squad would be forced to play the next 77' minutes reduced to 10 player.
Sebastian Fernandez scored a cracker of a goal against New York despite playing with a foot injury. The Uruguayan winger had his left foot stepped on during the Whitecaps final preseason match. Despite missing a few training sessions this week, Fernandez was good to start against Chivas USA. He had a wonderful opportunity to open the scoring in the 19' when he came down the left flank. Unfortunately Fernandez did not get a shot on target as he fell to ground.
Chivas was rewarded with their positive play after the harsh sending off to Pelletieri. Nigel Reo-Coker gave the ball away to Mauro Rosales who raced back on the counter attack. Erick Torres received a pass from Rosales before his attempt on target. Torres had his shot deflect off of Jay DeMerit's bum and past David Ousted. The Caps keeper went to his left and the deflection sent the ball the other way into the net.
Vancouver was unable to consistently get anything going in the Chivas half. The Whitecaps had zero shot attempts on target, and zero corners. Chivas did a terrific job defending and shutting down Vancouver. Pedro Morales, Darren Mattocks, and Kenny Miller were not getting any service. If you didn't know better you would think the Whitecaps were playing down a man. Dan Kennedy was not tested by the Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps paid for their sloppy play in the first half, and Chivas USA deservingly went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
The Second Half
During a halftime interview Carl Robinson told a sideline reporter that he would make substitutions in the first ten minutes of the half if he didn't see any changes from his team. The Whitecaps had 48% ball possession in the first half despite being a man up.
The Caps continued to look lost as Chivas USA defended well and gave the Whitecaps nothing on offesne. It was Chivas who generated a quality scoring opportunity with the Whitecaps pressing forward. Erick Torres caught the Whitecaps with a quick counter attack. He played a lovely ball over to Barrera who came down the left flank and had his shot turned away. Ousted came charging out of his net to get a leg on Barrera's shot.
Andy O'Brien, and Jay DeMerit didn't have much to worry about against the New York Red Bulls but that wasn't the case against Chivas USA. Torres, Morales, and Barrera constantly gave the Whitecaps defenders fits with their quick pace and agile play with the ball. Vancouver looked panicked at the back-end.
Looking to inject some offense into his club, Robinson brought on Kekuta Manneh for Nigel Reo-Coker in the 60'. The Caps gaffer also switched his team's formation to a 4-4-2 with Kenny Miller partnering with Darren Mattocks as a striker tandem. Mattocks was onside in the 65' as he was able to get the ball past Dan Kennedy after a beautiful over the top pass from Morales. Chivas USA was able to clear the ball as it slowly inched towards an unguarded net.
Manneh had a shot on target in the 68' that forced Kennedy to dive to his left. The dynamic Gambian player provided a spark off the Whitecaps bench, but as a team Vancouver was not clicking on offense as they did so easily in week 1. Manneh had another chance to score as he fired a shot that sailed over the top left corner of the Chivas net.
The Whitecaps were able to find the equalizing goal thanks to a great run from Darren Mattocks and a perfect finish from super sub Kekuta Manneh. Mattocks broke down the left flank and centred the ball in the box for Manneh. The 19 year-old made no mistake and scored his first goal of the season. Mattocks earned his second assist, and was instrumental in finding Manneh in a dangerous spot.
As the referee blew his whistle for full-time Chivas USA had to settle for a 1-1 draw after carrying the play against a slow start Vancouver Whitecaps team. Manneh made the difference as 10-man Chivas USA showed they won't be a laughing-stock pushover in the 2014 MLS campaign.
Man of the Match
Kekuta Manneh
Kekuta Manneh showed exactly why he is a dangerous threat when given minutes off the bench. As soon as he came onto the pitch he created scoring chances. Manneh had a shot turned aside and also narrowly missed the top corner. Mattocks found him for the tying goal, and Kekuta was a threat whenever he got forward. Manneh was the best Caps player, and he should be able to earn more minutes going forward after his teammates looked lacklustre for much of this match. Kekuta Manneh has the ability to be a game changer and he did just that by stealing a point for his side.
Honourable mention
Mauro Rosales is the star attraction for Chivas USA. He led the attack and was able to generate chances for Torres, and Berrera. Rosales is a playmaker and teams coming into play Chivas USA should not underestimate him as he his a key ball distributor. Rosales has earned a trio of assists in two matches thus far. Going forward he should be a top MLS assist man if Chivas can keep surprising opponentsm.
Vancouver Whitecaps Line-upDDavid Ousted; Steven Beitashour, Andy O'Brien, Jay DeMerit(C), Jordan Harvey; Nigel Reo-Coker, Matias Laba; Kenny Miller, Pedro Morales, Sebastian Fernández; Darren Mattocks. (4-2-3-1)
Notes: Johnny Leveron did not travel with the Whitecaps because of a concussion that he picked up in training. Whitecaps rookie centre-back Christian Dean made his debut in the 76' minute coming on for Andy O'Brien. Vancouver will travel to New England to face the Revolution on Saturday, March 22 at Gillette Stadium.
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