|
Posted by
Harjeet Johal,
June 25, 2017 |
|
Twitter
@HarJournalist
|
|
Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vancouver Whitecaps travelled to the land of 10,000 lakes to take on expansion side, Minnesota United FC at TCF Bank Stadium. It was a tale of two different halves in a 2-2 draw before 19,017 spectators. Vancouver scored a pair of first half goals, while Minnesota turned around a 2-0 deficit with two goals of their own.
Cristian Techera opened the scoring thanks to a first half converted penalty. Tony Tchani scored his first goal for the Caps. Minnesota countered with second half, and first career MLS goals from Francisco Calvo, and Jerome Thiesson.
Carl Robinson's squad hold firm with a 6-6-3 record on the season, and Adrian Heath sees his expansion side improve to 5-9-3.
"Well, I'm not happy. I have to be honest," said Carl Robinson. "2-nill up at halftime, game plan working. Our game management was nowhere near where it should be."
The Caps gaffer was none too pleased with how his team conceded. Vancouver was able to stay switched on and hang on for a valuable point in the end.
"Two very bad goals, we know that," said Robinson. "A cross comes in and we concede at the back post. They had a lot of efforts on goal, they played a lot of decent football in front of us. We could of won it in the end, but we also could of lost it."
The Opening 45
Carl Robinson elected to start an all American back-line with rookie Jake Nerwinski earning his second consecutive start at right-back. Fredy Montero, and Brek Shea led the line in a 4-4-2 Vancouver formation. Minnesota was without 1st overall MLS SuperDraft pick, Abu Danladi who earned himself a red card vs Portland on Wednesday. Minnesota started in a conservative 4-2-3-1 formation with Christian Ramirez up top.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 16' minute thanks to some poor goalkeeping from Bobby Shuttleworth. Brek Shea was played into the box, and instead of getting the ball, Shuttleworth caught the foot of Shea and sent him to the ground. Referee, Jose Carlos Rivero awarded a penalty, and a yellow to the Loons keeper.
Techera stepped up and delivered his 5th goal of the season. He sent Shuttleworth the wrong way. Vancouver had previously been 0/3 on penalty attempts this season.
Vancouver turned up the dial, and had Minnesota hemmed in their own half during the early stages. Jordan Harvey was played in, and had a brilliant opportunity to double the Vancouver lead. Shuttleworth came out of his net, cut down the angle, and stopped Harvey.
Minnesota's had a terrific 1v1 opportunity to tie the match in the 22' minute. Miguel Ibarra found Kevin Molino sneaking in behind the Whitecaps defence. The 27 year-old had all sorts of time in front of goal, but he failed to hit the target in prime position.
Whitecaps FC added another goal before halftime thanks to another fantastic set piece. Alphonso Davies earned Vancouver a free kick after Brent Kallman tripped up the pacy teenager. Techera sent the ball into the box, and Tony Tchani was left unmarked to smash home a header for his first MLS goal in a Vancouver kit.
Despite owning a massive 77% - 23% possession advantage, Minnesota had absolutely nothing to show for it. Vancouver was in complete control heading into the interval.
The Second Half
The Loons had a quick start to the second half and cut the Vancouver deficit in half, in the 50' minute. Kevin Molino swung in a brilliant cross into the Whitecaps FC box. Minnesota skipper, Francisco Calvo snuck in at the far back post and headed the ball off the pitch, and past David Ousted who did get a piece of the ball.
Minnesota clearly took over momentum after Calvo's goal. They applied pressure on Vancouver, and kept on coming in search of the all elusive equalizer. The Caps were slow to react and Minnesota manage to tie the match in the 63' minute after great build up.
Minnesota played a short corner after Jordan Harvey put the ball out of play under pressure. Miguel Ibarra found defender, Jerome Thiesson unmarked at the top of the Vancouver box. The Swiss international sent a low ball through a crowded Caps box and behind Ousted. Minnesota was back in the match, and Vancouver was reeling.
An under-manned Whitecaps FC squad got off to a fantastic start, but could not hold on to secure all three points. Minnesota has rebounded nicely after a difficult start in their first MLS season. The Loons were able to get back into the match with some creativity, and quality goals. The Caps will lament points lost, while Minnesota earned a huge point.
Man of the Match
Cristian Techera
The Bug was the difference make for Vancouver. Cristian Techera has stepped up during an injury plagued season for the Whitecaps. Techera converted from the spot, and delivered on Tchani's free kick goal. Vancouver needs offence with Christian Bolanos, Kendall Waston, Erik Hurtado, and Yordy Reyna out injured. Techera has proven that he is capable of scoring, and finding his teammates when called upon.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Starting XI: David Ousted(C); Jordan Harvey, Tim Parker, Andrew Jacobson, Jake Nerwinski, 90 (Marcel de Jong); Alphonso Davies, Tony Tchani, Matias Laba, Cristian Techera, 90 (Mauro Rosales); Brek Shea, Fredy Montero, 73 (Bernie Ibini). 4-4-2
Minnesota United FC Starting XI: Bobby Shuttleworth; Jerome Thiesson, Francisco Calvo(C), Brent Kallman, 46 (Jermaine Taylor), Kevin Venegas; Ibson, Sam Cronin; Miguel Ibarra, Johan Venegas 85 (Bashkin Kadrii), Kevin Molino; Christian Ramirez. 4-2-3-1
|