VANCOUVER, B.C - A pair of undefeated clubs battled at BC Place Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps had yet to end up on the wrong side of a scoresheet this season. Houston has yet to allow a goal with a 2-0-0 record, while Vancouver sat at 1-0-2 coming into this match. A crowd of 21,000 supporters witnessed a wonderful showing by the home side as the Whitecaps held on to a 2-1 victory over Houston. Kenny Miller scored the winning goal on a second half penalty drawn by Darren Mattocks, and Jordan Harvey become the first player to score an MLS goal on the Dynamo this season.
Prior to the match the Whitecaps organization honoured the recently retired Young-Pyo Lee who finished his illustrious career with the Caps last fall. The South Korean right-back is still a fan favourite, and was also a fixture at training this week. Carl Robinson made three significant changes to his team that played New England to a 0-0 last week. Jay DeMerit, Gershon Koffie, and Pedro Morales all found themselves in the starting eleven. Nigel Reo-Coker sustained a concussion after a serious fall on Sunday. This allowed Koffie to step up in for the injured Londoner. Pedro Morales recovered from a stiff back, and he replaced the struggling Sebastian Fernandez.
Robinson elected to go with a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Pedro Morales at the top supporting Mattocks, and Miller. Matias Laba sat at the bottom of the diamond protecting the back four which features the return of skipper Jay DeMerit who was rested for the east coast trip last Saturday. The Caps had been working on set pieces, and crosses during training this week as they look to improve that mark.
Houston is led by Will Bruin who had a brace in the opening match of the season at home to New England. The St. Louis, Missouri native, also scored in the Dynamo 1-0 victory over the visiting Montreal Impact. Bruin isn't the only player in Dominic Kinnear squad that's capable of putting on a good showing. Brad Davis, and Boniek Garcia are huge threats for Houston. Any MLS opposition should also be watchful of Corey Ashe, and Kofie Sarkodie attacking from the back.
The Opening 45
The Whitecaps had the best opening chances of the match as both teams went back and forth in the early going. Kenny Miller sent in a lovely cross that was directed to Darren Mattocks. Unfortunately the speedy Jamaican could not send an effort on goal. Pedro Morales was instrumental moments later when he delivered a sublime cross that lead to the first goal of the match. Morales found Andy O'Brien at the back of the box, and the English centre back headed the ball towards the net. Jordan Harvey came rushing out of nowhere to get his foot to the ball and deflect it past Dynamo keeper Tally Hall.
This was Andy O'Brien's first point since joining the Whitecaps in 2012, and the first goal from any Caps defender this season. Harvey led the Whitecaps defense with 4 goals in 2013. Morales also picked up an assist on the play, as it was his delivery that set up the Vancouver defenders. The Whitecaps top playmaker shared his thoughts on the match, and the new diamond formation with the media.
"We played a good game against a very strong rival, and we're happy that we got a good result at home. I feel really comfortable playing in that position, it allows us to keep the ball but the truth is any position that we decide to line up with we're comfortable and we like to move the ball."
Darren Mattocks has looked lively all throughout training this week, and his bursts of energy were felt on the pitch against Houston. Mattocks used his breakaway acceleration to go at defenders and lead the Vancouver attack. Although his finish is not quite there, Mattocks is tied for second in MLS with 2 assists. He was able to fire a shot on target on 27' that Hall juggled before saving. A rejuvenated, and focused Darren Mattocks talked about the big win following the match.
"I think it was a really great performance by the guys. I think everyone dug deep today, and did their job really well. I'm really impressed for the boys tonight. I think the club is headed in the right direction."
The Dynamo's stifling attack was kept at bay in the opening forty-five. Houston attempted to break down the flanks with crosses into the box but nothing gave the Caps trouble. David Ousted was able to clear or knock the ball out of danger when Houston went forward. Will Bruin was on a milk carton, and showed no signs of scoring. Dynamo captain, Brad Davis earned a chorus of boos from the Vancouver faithful when he ran into Ousted in the 32'.
Tally Hall kept his team in the match with a brilliant save off of Morales in first half stoppage time. Mattocks found the gifted Chilean at the top of the Houston box, and Morales took his shot right away. Hall was in perfect position to catch the designated players shot to keep the score at a respectable level.
Vancouver created the majority of scoring opportunities with Morales, Mattocks, and Teibert working effectively in the new diamond formation. The Caps held a 54-46 possession advantage but more importantly they went into then break up 1-0 thanks to Jordan Harvey.
The Second Half
Looking to find an equalizing goal Brad Davis had his shot slide over the bar past an outstretched Ousted arm. Houston was not able to convert on their 6th corner of the match and first corner on the second half. Things only got worse for Kinnear's club as the Caps would go up 2-0 in the 58'.
Darren Mattocks dribbled into the Houston box, and Kofi Sarkodie could not handle his speed as he went to ground. In an attempt to thwart Mattocks, the Humber Heights, Ohio native, played the ball with his hand. Mattocks threw up his arms, and referee Kevin Stott pointed to the spot for a Whitecaps penalty.
Kenny Miller stepped up cool, and calm as ever and chipped the ball past a diving Hall. Due to encroachment Miller had to re-take the penalty and on his second attempt he shot low to Hall's left as the Houston Dynamo keeper dove to his right. Miller leads the Whitecaps with 3 goals this season, and a pair of those markers have come on penalties he has converted at BC Place. For his effort in earning the penalty, Mattocks received a loud ovation from the fans as he was substituted for Sebastian Fernandez in the 64'. Mattocks talked about earning the penalty for his team post-game.
"I was so mad, obviously it was a breakaway. I think I did really well to draw the PK, and Kenny does what Kenny does best and that's score goals."
Just when you thought Houston had thrown in the towel and decided to pack it in, the Dynamo came back to life. Brad Davis who by far was the most active Dynamo player on the pitch setup the visitors lone goal. Davis sent a free kick from about 35 yards out into the Whitecaps box. A trio of players all went for the ball with Ricardo Clark being able to head the ball past Ousted. Houston had cut the lead in half as they hoped to salvage a draw on the road.
Both gaffers made quick substitutions after the Houston goal. Carl Robinson elected to inject some more offensive flare into his side with Kekuta Manneh coming on for Gershon Koffie in the 76'. The Dynamo countered by bringing on Brian Ownby for defender Jermaine Taylor in the 77', and Mark Sherrod for Andrew Driver in the 86'. Pedro Morales received a nice cheer from the supporters as he made his way off the pitch for Nicolas Mezquida in the 87'.
The Vancouver Whitecaps were the better team for large stretches of this match. They attacked in numbers, and pushed the Houston Dynamo back. The orange clad visitors never had the momentum needed to come away with a road victory. Mattocks, Miller, and Morales were simply too much as Teibert, Harvey, and O'Brien assisted in providing an all around team effort. Vancouver was deserving of all 3-points and they played better than Houston in a 2-1 win.
Man of the Match
Pedro Morales
Morales was the straw that stirred the Whitecaps drink. The team is a completely different squad when he is healthy and playing. The Whitecaps missed his presence when he didn't start in New England, and he showed just how much he means to the club against Houston. Morales did not score but he did everything else you want from a no.10. His passes were on par, the ball dribbling he displayed was exquisite, and his cross led to the Harvey's goal. Morales hasn't shown it yet, but he is deadly via the free kick. Once he gets completely comfortable Morales will be a household name in MLS.
Honourable mention
Darren Mattocks was a fantastic, vibrant attacking machine during his 64 minutes on the pitch. Carl Robinson seems to have garnered a better Darren Mattocks in the early stages of this season. Darren is going at his defenders with confidence, and speed which has created ample scoring opportunities for himself, and teammates. He helped earn a penalty which led to the winning goal against Houston. His ability to attack draws defenders to him which allows his teammates to create open space. Mattocks has shown brilliant flashes of talent, and he was in top form offensively on this occasion.
Vancouver Whitecaps Starting XI:
David Ousted, Steven Beitashour, Jay DeMerit(C), Andy O'Brien, Jordan Harvey; Gershon Koffie, Matias Laba, Russell Teibert, Pedro Morales; Darren Mattocks, Kenny Miller. (4-4-2)
Notes: The Whitecaps will battle the Colorado Rapids at BC Place Stadium on Saturday, April 5th.
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