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Posted by
Harjeet Johal,
October 16, 2015 |
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@HarJournalist
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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes won't be making the MLS playoff this season and as a result, they've been confined to playing out the stretch. The two teams met at Avaya Stadium with each team looking to pick up minor momentum heading into the offseason. Vancouver and San Jose played to a riveting 0-0 draw before 18,000 fans. Paolo Tornaghi made six saves to earn a clean sheet and San Jose keeper, David Bingham had eight saves for his clean sheet.
Vancouver will close out the season next Sunday vs Portland at BC Place. They will look to improve on a 9-15-9 record.
The Opening 45
Paolo Tornaghi earned his first MLS start for the Vancouver Whitecaps. He had been on the bench for 99 consecutive matches as David Ousted has been the go to keeper since signing with the club in June, 2013. Tornaghi's last MLS start came on July 27, 2013 when he was a member of the Chicago Fire. Tornaghi didn't look rusty at all in the first half. He made several key saves to keep the Earthquakes from scoring and was by far the best player on the pitch.
The best first half scoring opportunity for Vancouver came off a corner. Tim Parker connected with the ball and sent it towards goal. Unfortunately for the Whitecaps, striker Masato Kudo blocked Parker's attempt on target. San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham was bailed out by Kudo, as the ball may have had a clear path to the back of the net.
Each team had decent chance to find a goal, but they had trouble finishing in the final third. San Jose started the match strong, but Paolo Tornaghi kept the match scoreless with five first half saves. Vancouver continued to struggle in the oppositions half. Heading into the interval the match awaited a goal with San Jose holding a possession advantage of 65% - 35%.
The Second Half
Vancouver started the second half with renewed energy and a hunger for goals. Masato Kudo had three glorious opportunities to break the dead-lock. The Japanese striker was stopped by David Bingham twice and his best attempt hit the crossbar with the keeper out of position. Cristian Techera could not follow-up with the net vacated in the 55' minute. Andrew Jacobson had a go from distance and Bingham was able to turn that attempt aside as well.
The Earthquakes and Whitecaps simply could not find a goal in this match. That's clearly one of the main reasons why both teams won't be playoff bound this season. Each team had a bevy of scoring opportunities, but when you don't capitalize on those chances created, you won't win the match. San Jose and Vancouver will look to be much better next season following a busy off-season.
Man of the Match:
Paolo Tornaghi
Goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi had been waiting, and waiting for his MLS opportunity with the Vancouver Whitecaps. After three plus seasons as David Ousted's patient backup, Tornaghi finally got the start for Vancouver in MLS play. The Milan native, was in terrific form from start to finish and helped his team earn a point. San Jose was all over the Whitecaps in the early stages of the match. Tornaghi was the only reason why the Earthquakes didn't score early and often.
Vancouver Whitecaps Starting XI: Paolo Tornaghi; Fraser Aird, Kendall Waston(C), Tim Parker, Jordan Harvey; Nicolas Mezquida, 63 (Giles Barnes) Matias Laba, Andrew Jacobson, Cristian Techera, 73 (Marcel de Jong); Masato Kudo, 77 (Marco Bustos) Erik Hurtado. 4-4-2
San Jose Earthquakes Starting XI: David Bingham; Cordell Cato, 79 (Kofie Sarkodie), Marvell Wynne, Victor Bernardez, Jordan Stewart; Tommy Thompson, 70 (Shea Salinas), Darwin Ceren, Anibal Godoy, Simon Dawkins, Chris Wondolowski, Henok Goitom, 59 (Chad Barrett). 4-4-2
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