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Whitecaps DP Ryan Gauld after scoring against LAFC last season
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Preseason Roster Moves

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

We are just 22 days away from the start of the 2022 MLS season! The Whitecaps have been relatively busy in the transfer market, but not in the way you would think. So this is the first Transfer Talk post of the season with plenty more on the way. The first few will be old news, but I will continue to provide updates as the season goes on. 

Let’s dive in!

Key Club Departures

There had been a surprising amount of players leaving the club during this off-season. While I may not agree with a couple of them, ultimately, it’s what’s best for the club to move forward.

Andy Rose

Andy Rose started 53 of his 60 appearances in all competitions since signing with the club before the 2019 season while tallying three goals and three assists. Rose started all 21 appearances in his final year in Vancouver while also working as an assistant coach for the Whitecaps Academy U-19 team.

Rose has since announced his retirement from the beautiful game and will be joining the Seattle Sounders coaching staff. Having played for the Sounders from 2012- 2016, making 107 appearances across all competitions, it was natural that he would want to go back. 

Bruno Gaspar

In March of last year, Gaspar, 28, joined Whitecaps FC on a one-year loan from Portuguese first division side Sporting CP. The Angolan international made 12 starts in 18 appearances, including playoffs, recording a goal, and assisting the club.

Bruno was an integral part of the team towards the end of the season. He started nearly every match in the Whitecaps push for that final playoff spot. So it is a bit of a surprise the Whitecaps did not try to keep him at the end of the season. It ultimately came down to money and what Sporting CP wanted for him. 

Janio Bikel

Bikel started 39 of 46 appearances in 2020 and 2021, recording one goal and one assist. The native of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, was purchased for $2.2 million in February of 2020. His current market value exceeds that.

He was a great player for the year that the Whitecaps had him. He was great in the MDS’s system but struggled with Sartini. As a result, he will be loaned to Serie B side LR Vicenza, with an option to buy. There can be no complaints if the Whitecaps can get a reasonable fee for him.

Theo Bair

Academy graduate Theo Bair has transferred to Scottish Premiership club St. Johnstone FC. The Whitecaps made the deal official on deadline day. Vancouver will receive $135,000 initially and retain 50% of the player’s rights. However, future add-ons could add up to around $470,000, which is Bair’s current market value. Bair moves to Scotland after spending last season with Norwegian second division side HamKam. 

Maxime Crepeau

The one that hurts the most, GK Maxime Crepeau, has gone off to conference rivals LAFC for $1 million in GAM. If particular performance metrics are met, whitecaps will also receive a first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and conditional GAM. In addition, the club will receive $250,000 in 2022 GAM, $250,000 in 2023 GAM, and $500,000 in GAM between 2023 and 2024 based on the player’s roster status. The Whitecaps will also retain a significant fee percentage if Crépeau transfers abroad.

Many have speculated that he was unhappy here in Vancouver and was looking for a way out after their short playoff run. As the starting GK for the Canadian National Team, there were a lot of journalists, including myself, that expected him to move off to Europe. He may still do that after his stint at LAFC, but that remains to be seen. 

What to Expect in 2022

The Whitecaps may have lost five players and only added one, but that does not mean the team has weakened by any means. On the contrary, most of the starting XI is returning for this upcoming season. With the addition of Tristan Blackmon from LAFC, Sebastian Berhalter from Columbus, and players like Caio Alexandre and Pedro Vite coming back from injury/Visa issues, it will feel like we have four brand new signings.  

The Whitecaps could still be in the market for another GK, DM, and a proper striker, but no offers or concrete rumors as of right now. We will keep you updated if any news or stories regarding new players.

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Whitecaps preason 2
Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps Preseason Updates

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

We are just one month away from the start of the regular season for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and that also means it’s preseason time! I want to apologize for being AFK for the latter portion of the last and most offseason. I can promise things will be much more consistent from now on. 

Vancouver Whitecaps Preseason Games

Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed the club would play four preseason games in San Diego, California. The team will depart for San Diego on February 5 for an 11-day camp in Southern California.

The first match will see the ‘Caps face a mix of Club Tijuana’s first team and reserve players on February 6. After, Vancouver will play their second match on February 9 against the USL side, New Mexico United. They also play at Triton Soccer Stadium.

In the third match, the Whitecaps will face USL side in San Diego Loyal SC at Torero Stadium on February 12. Finally, Vancouver will wrap up the trip with a closed-door scrimmage against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on February 16.

Following the Galaxy match, the team will return to Vancouver and resume training at the WFC NSDC at UBC to prepare for their 2022 MLS regular-season opener against Columbus Crew on Saturday, February 26.

Whitecaps Preseason

Image via 90plus Podcast on Twitter

Whitecaps Preseason Roster Updates

Players reported for the start of the 2022 preseason camp this weekend, with the first on-field session kicking off on Monday at the Whitecaps FC National Soccer Development Centre.

The’ Caps current first-team roster includes a club record of 27 returning players and one new addition, as well as three players away on loan. The 28 MLS roster players have an average age of 24 years and 45 days. This includes 13 players 23-years-old or younger. The team will also feature 12 Canadians and 14 players from different birth countries. 

Tristan Blackmon and five 2021-midseason acquisitions in Ryan Gauld, Marcus Godinho, Florian Jungwirth, Pedro Vite, and Brian White are taking part in their first preseason camp in Vancouver.

Javain Brown is currently away with Jamaica as they get set to play an international friendly in Peru. In addition, Caio Alexandre, Evan Newton, and Ranko Veselinovic will arrive in Vancouver in the coming days. 

Maxime Crepeau is away for personal reasons, although the current rumor is that he is going to LAFC for a reported $1 million in GAM. Finally, Janio Bikel is in Europe while the club explores loan or transfer options.

The seven unsigned camp invitees include two members from last year’s roster in Isaac Boehmer and Tosaint Ricketts. In addition, the four SuperDraft selections, Giovanni Aguilar, Simon Becher, Théo Collomb, and Luis Felipe Fernandez-Salvador, will also join the team. Lastly, Kwame Awuah, who was most recently with Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League, will be the final invitee.

Preseason Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Isaac Boehmer, Thomas Hasal, Evan Newton

Centre Backs (7): Tristan Blackmon, Matteo Campagna, Gianfranco Facchineri, Érik Godoy, Florian Jungwirth, Jake Nerwinski, Ranko Veselinović

Fullbacks/Wingers (6): Kwame Awuah, Javain Brown, Cristian Dájome, Marcus Godinho, Cristián Gutiérrez, Ryan Raposo

Midfielders (10): Giovanni Aguilar, Caio Alexandre, Michael Baldisimo, Janio Bikel, Luis Felipe Fernandez-Salvador, Ryan Gauld, Kamron Habibullah, Leonard Owusu, Russell Teibert, Pedro Vite

Forwards (8): Theo Bair, Simon Becher, Déiber Caicedo, Lucas Cavallini, Théo Collomb, David Egbo, Tosaint Ricketts, Brian White

Players away on loan:

Simon Colyn – Jong PSV

Derek Cornelius – Panetolikos FC

Damiano Pecile – Venezia FC

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Whitecaps DP Ryan Gauld takes a shot on goal.
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Earn Three Points After Second Half Surge

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

It was a tale of the two bottom teams as the Whitecaps took on Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday. The Whitecaps have been on a run of matches where seven out of nine have ended in a draw. If you want to think even worse, they have only managed one win out of 14. 

The match certainly felt like they would be heading down that path again and nearly cementing themselves at the bottom of the West. Fans have become accustomed to leaving with only one point in hand. No one had any idea how this would turn out. 

This was not the case as the streak was broken!! The Whitecaps leave Austin with all three points giving them a little momentum before heading back home and playing their first match at BC Place.

Lineups:

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

Austin FC: 4-3-3

Match Report

Whitecaps winger, Dajome, goes up for a 50/50 ball.

Image via Vancouver Whitecaps FC Twitter

“We believe here,” Whitecaps head coach, Marc Dos Santos, said after the game. “For us to be in the top 7, there are just games that we have to accept the challenge in games, and just go for it, and this was one of those games.”

It was a battle of the bottom dwellers. Because of that, both teams had a lot to prove. Right off the bat it looked as though both teams had a spark we hadn’t seen from either in a while. Both teams provided some great end-to-end action. The Whitecaps would get the first look after a rogue shot went just wide of the post. 

The first 30 minutes was just a back and forth battle of who could get down the pitch to get a shot off. The Whitecaps would show more promise with better chances. In the end, it would be Austin who would deliver the first blow in the 35th minute.

Coming off of a corner kick, Alexander Ring rose to a lovely curled ball in, looping a header into the back post to kickstart the proceedings. It was a well taken corner for Austin, who had certainly held their own through the first half. It was a tough blow for the Whitecaps who had some good chances to score before. 

There were a few chances for both teams after the initial goal, though neither side could open the game up more. The Whitecaps certainly felt like they missed an opportunity to take the lead early but that is just the story of the Whitecaps this season. Although, the second half was a different story. 

Ryan Gauld came on at the start of the second half and took the match by storm. The Whitecaps had a new offensive spark and it all started with our Scottish Messi. In all honesty, the match was not even close after he came on. 

He was immediately setting up chances for the attackers all over the pitch. Thanks to him, the best chance came at the 52nd minute. Gauld whipped in a beautiful corner kick to the back post. After an initial save by the keeper, the ball bounced to Jake Nerwinski who taps in the first goal for the Whitecaps. 

The goal was coming and it was just what the Whitecaps needed to ignite that spark. Ryan Gauld was just the piece that was missing in the first half. By the way the team had started the half, you knew that there would be a possibility of a comeback. Though soon after, Austin would find some life. 

In the 58th minute, Tomas Pochettino would find himself open in a pocket just outside of the box. Fortunately for the Whitecaps, he sailed his shot just wide of the post. Less than a minute later, Jon Gallagher found himself open for a freenheader. Given another lifeline, the Whitecaps see his chance go just wide. 

Austin would continue to lay down the pressure well into the 65th minute. It would be Pochettino again as he dispossessed Teibert in the Whitecaps midfield, launching an Austin counter-attack. He would take a shot from outside of the box, and of course, would once again sail wide. Despite all his strong showing, that seemed to be the theme of the night for the young Argentine.

Soon after it would be the Whitecaps turn to lay down the pressure. Thanks to that pressure, the Whitecaps would find their second of the night. After a perfect run in behind, Gauld would get the ball after a Caicedo through ball. After sliding the ball across the net, Gauld would find White sliding through for the go-ahead goal!

This goal would prove to be huge as not only did it give the Whitecaps the lead, it would also be Gauld’s first MLS assist. Brian White would also get the plaudits as he would break his goal drought. While it may have been a bit lucky, a goal is a goal. It must have felt like lifting a heavy weight off his back. 

It would not stop there either. While there may not have been any more goals, the Whitecaps did not sit back. Gauld continued his rampage through the Austin defense. In the 80th minute he snuck behind the backline again. Although this time he went for the shot. The Austin keeper did well to keep out to keep the Whitecaps’ lead at one. Right after on the subsequent corner, Gauld then whipped in another lovely ball. This time it would be the substitute Ricketts who couldn’t get good contact on the ball.

There were a couple chances for both teams near the end of the match. But ultimately, that would be the end of it. The Whitecaps would end their streak of draws and make it two wins in 15! Or winless in six, whichever way you try to spin it. It may not have been pretty but they were able to claw their way out. They showed exactly what they are capable of. At this point of the season, it’s all any fan can ask for.

Post Match Thoughts

It felt good to see the Whitecaps play an opponent off the pitch. Despite the match stats, I don’t think we’ve seen a Whitecaps team be that dominant in a long time. Maybe since before the MDS era. It was all the more impressive because it was on the road. While Austin are generally a bad team, roughly 52% of MLS games are won by the home team. 

Gauld was the deciding factor for this match. He was tied with Dájome for most chances by a Whitecap. Which is pretty impressive considering he only came on at half time. Seeing somebody be involved in seven in one half felt kind of surreal. While it may not be a guarantee for every match, it certainly felt really great to see a Whitecaps player put the fear into an opponent again.

In front of their home fans for their first time in over a year, the Whitecaps will look to give their fans a homecoming to remember. After two short days, they will be taking on LAFC again. Except this time, it will be at home. This will be one of the most important matches of the season. Not only is it the first match in front of home fans, a result could propel the Whitecaps in the rankings. While the playoffs may be out of reach, it will certainly be fun to watch them try. 

 

The Whitecaps make their long-awaited return to BC Place on Saturday as they host LAFC. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT. live on TSN and ESPN+. 

 

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Whitecaps winger, Dajome getting a shot off on goal
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps and Earthquakes Give Fans A Quiet Evening With 0-0 Draw

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

It’s not necessarily a step back, but it certainly was not a step forward. The Whitecaps took on the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday evening. Whitecaps, who have just one win in 14, were hoping this would be a kick off point to save the season. Alas, it was not meant to be as they picked up another draw this time ending in 0-0. 

Neither team looked to create much despite both being at the bottom of the league defensively. Both teams will look at it like two points lost as opposed to one point gained. Let’s dive right into the match. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

San Jose Earthquakes: 3-4-2-1

Match Review

I’m going to try something a little different this time around! Instead of giving the match stats, I’m going to go straight into the match review. If you readers would like me to include the stats going forward just let me know! 

Whitecaps midfielder, Teibert wrestling his way through two defenders

Image via Stan Szeto /USA TODAY Sports

“We always try to play for the three points,” head coach Marc Dos Santos said after the game. “There are some moments in the minutes 88 and 92 where we were pressing, we went for the three points.”“But again, when you don’t win, you don’t win.”

There seems to be a theme with this Whitecaps team. Always playing for all three points, but never able to finish it off in the end. Most matches they do just enough to stay in the match, but still don’t bring enough to push their opponents. 

The match kicked off on a rather quiet note for both teams. It seemed that neither team could break the other open. Although, five minutes in, Ryan Raposo had himself a cheeky dribble past the defender before setting up Brian White for an excellent chance on goal. White could not get his footing right and hit it right to the keeper. 

The Whitecaps kept the intensity up a little from there, but in the end both teams settled down more as the first half went on. At the 30th minute mark the Earthquakes had their best effort of the half thanks to an attempted volley from former Portland Timbers striker, Jeremy Ebodisse. Luciano Abecasis whipped in a lovely ball to the back post but big man Maxime Crepeau denied him the opportunity. 

As expected, based on the few chances either team had, the first half ends even at the break. Which is not surprising as both teams seemed content to end with a draw. Neither really played attractive football and because of that it made it borderline unwatchable. 

Not much happened until the 60th minute as Ebodisse found some room at the edge of the box and had a strong low driven shot which made Crepeau stretch to make a save and push the ball off the post and out. 

Not much else happened after that last chance for San Jose. While the game did open up when Dajome and Gauld arrived, their inclusion was more of a cautionary tale. It served as a reminder that Gauld alone, or any of the Whitecaps’ key players, are not going to be able to create a successful team on their own. They need the rest of the team to step up.

For the Whitecaps, it certainly doesn’t feel like a bad result per say. You can never complain about a road point but as a team who has struggled for more, you want all three points. Sitting last in the West, it’ll be hard for them to crawl out of this already big hole if they continue to dig it deeper. 

Post Match Thoughts

For a clash between 2 of the worst defensive teams in the league, one could expect some goals in this match but that unfortunately was not the case. Both teams share the spoils, and for the Whitecaps, they pick up their 4th clean sheet of the season.

That leaves the Whitecaps with 7 draws in their last 9 games now. Based on their play as of late, that shouldn’t be too surprising. The Earthquakes are in the same boat as now they have 6 in their last 8. Both sides have been struggling to put away matches and get all three points. It does explain their positions in the table.

Because of all that, it shouldn’t have been surprising to see both teams draw. With both sides just outside of the playoff picture right now, that’ll leave them to both rue what could’ve been, something they’ve both dealt with. For the Whitecaps’ sake, fans can only hope that turns around soon.

There is some good news coming! The Whitecaps are so close to finally heading  home and playing their first match at BC Place since last year. Missing players are slowly getting their names back into their squad, which along with the integration of some new faces, should give them a boost. Will it be enough to get them through this rut? Only time will tell. 

 

The Whitecaps have one more road match before they make their long-awaited return to BC Place. On Wednesday, they visit Austin FC for their first-ever meeting at Q2 Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. PT. live on TSN4/5 and ESPN+.

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Whitecaps winger, Deiber Ceicedo scores the opener agaisnt LAFC
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Draw at LAFC. One Point Won or Two Points Lost?

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

 

The Whitecaps are heading home! After so long away from home, the boys played their last match before heading back to Vancouver for the first time since last February. While there won’t be any matches played at BC Place for a bit, at least the team can train in Vancouver. A year and a half away from home and sometimes we wonder why the team is performing the way it does… 

Anyways, on to the match! 

The Whitecaps’ third match in eight days, they went up against one of the hardest teams in one of the hardest stadiums to win in , LAFC at Banc of California stadium. The team came to play! The first half was exceptional and they looked like a different team. Despite playing as well as they did, he Whitecaps certainly dropped points on Saturday. 

The Whitecaps ended up drawing 2-2 after being up 2-0 after 38 minutes, but at the same time, that isn’t the worst result in the world. Unfortunately, we have come to expect that from the Whitecaps. This draw gives them just one win in the last eleven. Let’s dive in. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

LAFC: 5-3-2

Match Stats

Scoring Summary

25′ – VAN – Déiber Caicedo

38′ – VAN – Cristian Dájome (assisted by Cristian Gutiérrez)

40′ – LAFC – Carlos Vela (assisted by Eduard Atuesta)

75′ – LAFC – José Cifuentes (assisted by Diego Palacios)

Statistics

Possession: LAFC 54.3 – VAN 45.7

Shots: LAFC 10 – VAN 5

Shots on Goal: LAFC 5 – VAN 3

Saves: LAFC 2 – VAN 3

Fouls: LAFC 15 – VAN 20

Offsides: LAFC 2 – VAN 3

Corners: LAFC 5 – VAN 5

Cautions

27′ – VAN – Caio Alexandre (yellow)

58′ – VAN – Michael Baldisimo (yellow)

67′ – LAFC – Corey Baird (yellow)

69′ – VAN – Janio Bikel (yellow)

82′ – LAFC – Jesús David Murillo (yellow)

84′ – VAN – Déiber Caicedo (yellow)

Match Report

Image via Jayne Kamin-Oncea /USA TODAY Sports

In the first half, the Whitecaps came out looking a lot more like the team everyone was expecting to see this season. LAFC naturally held most of the possession but Vancouver looked stout defensively. Whenever they got the ball off of LAFC, they were dangerous in transition. It was definitely exciting to see considering the play we have gotten all season.

While the Whitecaps were stronger in the first half, it’s also good to note that LAFC looked a bit more dangerous from the start. LAFC would have two great chances from Diego Rossi and Jose Cifuentes. Both chances were ultimately saved by Hasal in the end. 

That is when the Colombians took off! It may have taken 25 minutes but at least it finally came. After taking control of the match and pressing the opposition, the Whitecaps got the ball into the back of the net. 

After some great play between Javain Brown and White, Dajome found himself in some space down the right side. Deiber Caicedo was sitting as his main option in the box. From there, Dajome whipped a low ball towards his fellow countryman, which would bounce right to Caicedo, allowing the winger to tap home his 3rd of the season.

Regardless of how it happened, a goal is a goal! The Whitecaps would not let their foot off the gas as another goal came in the 38th minute from the other Colombian winger and team leading scorer, Cristian Dajome.

From a set-piece, Gutierrez whipped in a fantastic curler into the box to a semi open Dajome who heads it home making it 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left in the half. 

His 6th goal of the season puts him in the top 10 scorers for the 2021 season. But more importantly, it puts the Whitecaps in a position to earn a result against a tough LAFC team.

But LAFC are still LAFC. You can never let your guard down against a team like this. They responded almost immediately with a goal of their own from Carlos Vela off a brilliant through ball from Eduard Atuesta. 

The goal was initially called back for offside but after a VAR review it was given. The goal showed the quality of some of the LAFC players but in all fairness to the Whitecaps, it was the only really good chance they gave up in the first half.

LAFC coach Bob Bradley made four subs at half time which proved to turn the tides in their favor. The Whitecaps looked a shadow of themselves from the first half.LAFC did well to come out with some fresh energy and created a couple of chances. Thomas Hasal made a solid save off of a free kick and Veselinovic came up with a goal line block. 

Despite a strong push from LAFC, it was looking like Vancouver was going to hold on to the lead. LAFC looked dangerous with the ball but for the most part they were only creating shots without much to them. That was until the 75th minute. Diego Palacios floated a beautiful cross into a wide Jose Cifuentes who hit an exquisite volley to tie the game at 2-2.

Soon after, the Whitecaps had a goal ruled out for offside but other than that there were not many chances for the rest of the game for either team. 

“I’m very proud of the mindset. We’re not doing a party in the locker room. We feel we could have gotten something even more,” said coach Marc Dos Santos. “It’s a good point in a stadium that is incredibly difficult to get points. What was special about the game today is we were consistent throughout the 90 minutes.”

Post Match Thoughts

There is not much to say about this one honestly. It’s also hard to know what exactly to say. The Whitecaps played to their potential and they looked great even with missing some starters. Especially when you consider the strength of the opponent. 

Although you have to consider the familiar pattern of play that fans are seeing. The Whitecaps blew yet another lead and once again a big factor was that the opposition made changes and they didn’t. Bob saw what he needed to change and did it immediately. MDS did not make any changes until after the second LAFC goal. Granted they were already lined up but still. 

On a more positive note, the defense was excellent on Saturday. They held a team who averages more than 14 shots per game down to only 10. They also lowered their goal expectancy down by a significant amount. Usually the weakest link in the team, the defense stood their ground. 

Would they have liked to win? Absolutely, but considering the stretch of games they went through at the start of summer, where they were mostly outplayed, it’s been nice to see them take this step forward as of late. Hopefully the results start to come with it soon. 

 

The Whitecaps will return to Sandy, Utah to play one last match at Rio Tinto Stadium against an inform Minnesota United FC on Saturday, July 31. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. PT, live on TSN and ESPN+.

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo Take A Trip to Snoozefest in 0-0 Draw

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

The match was supposed to be a team in-form against a team well rested. In a match that was crucial for both teams to climb out of the bottom of the West, neither team provided anything memorable. 

Playing their second of three matches in a span of seven days, the Whitecaps went up against FC Dallas in a battle of who can score the least goals. As two of the worst defensive sides in MLS by a lot of the metrics, it certainly felt like goals would be on the menu for both. Spoiler, neither of them scored.

“We had good energy,” “When we’re in the opponent’s half, in the final third, around the box, I felt we didn’t have the spark, we lacked it.”

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

FC Dallas: 5-3-2

Match Stats

Scoring Summary

None

Statistics

Possession: VAN 50.8 – HOU 49.2

Shots: VAN 8 – HOU 8

Shots on Goal: VAN 0 – HOU 1

Saves: VAN 1 – HOU 0

Fouls: VAN 11 – HOU 13

Offsides: VAN 2 – HOU 2

Corners: VAN 4 – HOU 7

Cautions

24′ – VAN – Andy Rose (Yellow)

42′ – HOU – Hadebe (Yellow)

83′ – HOU – Fafa Picault (Yellow)

83′ – VAN – Caio Alexandre (Yellow)

Match Report

The Whitecaps opened the match with a strong showing, clearly building from that high of finally winning last week. Other than that, it was a defensive battle besides a chance from Dajome. It was not a good chance, but a chance in front of goal to say the least. 

Houston almost pounced immediately after Dajome’s failed attempt. Urruti had a strong free kick from 25 yards out, but it hit the post and amounted to nothing. Keeping the draw intact. Other than those two chances, it proved to be a very slow start to the match. 

For both teams, that was far from a bad thing. With the two teams being poor defensively, I’m sure they would take the result going into the half. Both are desperately needing a victory but didn’t want to do so at the cost of their defence. But it didn’t make for good viewing. 

Moving onto the second half, it was just more of the same. A couple chances from our Colombians and another Urruti chance, but even with those, neither team looked like scoring. 

Certainly, both teams will feel like it was an opportunity missed as they had every chance to try and grab a hold of this game. Alas, they didn’t want to do so at the cost of sacrificing offence, leading to a quiet night. 

Ultimately, at the end of the day, a draw does nothing for either team and they both seemed to realize that. Choosing for the safety of 1 point instead of going for the 3 points at risk of finishing with nothing at all. So I guess Whitecaps fans take that as a slight win. 

Post Match Thoughts

Despite the poor showing today, taking 4 out of 6 points during a stretch of matches is also a positive. Things are trending on the up and up and we can only expect, hopefully, good things going forward. 

So now, the Whitecaps will get 3 days off before heading to LA to take on a resurgent LAFC team that has won 3 games in a row. For a team who has struggled in games against LAFC, having lost their last two away games to them by a combined 13-1, it won’t be an easy game. They will have to bring their A-game and then some on Saturday. 

We have not seen that in a while so let’s hope the Whitecaps can deliver. 

“There’s a feeling of a certain frustration that we could have won today. But there’s also a feeling of, ‘OK, it’s good. Let’s go!’ They’re disappointed, the players, of not getting that extra thing to win the game, but they’re not in a bad place.”

“We know the type of points we need to make the playoffs but you cannot think like that. Right now, you just have to think game by game, trying to get points, and not doing too much calculation and bringing anxiety.”

 

The Whitecaps face off against an in-form LAFC side at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1/4 and ESPN+.

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Fall Deeper After Suffering 0-4 Loss To Real Salt Lake

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

After giving myself 36 hours to think about the match, I can finally dive right into it. The Whitecaps let in another extra-time goal but for some reason it did not sting as much as the previous four. They gave up a goal in the first and last minutes of the game as Real Salt Lake took control early. It was almost poetic. 

With one win in nine matches, the Whitecaps were hoping to build off of the little momentum of back-to-back road draws against the Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas. Unfortunately for the Whitecaps, it just did not happen. It’s not like they played terrible, they just did not look like a team. There appeared to be a plan set by Marc dos Santos, but no one seemed to be on the same page. The result showed that. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

Real Salt Lake: 

Match Details

Scoring Summary

1’ – RSL – Damir Kreilach (assisted by Aaron Herrera)

57’ – RSL – Damir Kreilach (assisted by Justin Meram)

74’ – RSL – Albert Rusnak (penalty kick)

90’+4 – RSL – Anderson Julio

Statistics

Possession: VAN 55.2 – RSL 44.8

Shots: VAN 10 – RSL 18

Shots on Goal: VAN 2 – RSL 8

Saves: VAN 4 – RSL 2

Fouls: VAN 7 – RSL 9

Offsides: VAN 0 – RSL 0

Corners: VAN 5 – RSL 4

Cautions

24’ – RSL – Pablo Ruiz (yellow)

81’ – RSL – Donny Toia (yellow)

 

Match Report

“We don’t deserve to have nine points, but we don’t deserve to have 16 points either. Maybe we deserve to have 12 or 13 points, so nine is heavy on us,” he said. “It’s a very difficult scenario we’re in. We have to find solutions, and we will for sure.

Image via Lucas Muller

The Whitecaps are officially on an eight match winless streak or only have one win in ten matches. Whichever way you spin it, it is not looking good for the Whitecaps. They cement themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference but now find themselves in a three team race for the bottom of the entire league. The only teams below them are Inter Miami and fellow countrymen, Toronto FC. Coach Marc dos Santos seems to think we deserve a better fate, but I’m not so sure on that one. 

To start things off, RSL got going early after a nice ball in behind the backline. Justin Meram did well to flick the ball to Damir Kreilach. From there the RSL #8 did well to get a toe to the shot, which deflected off of Erik Godoy and over Thomas Hasal to open the scoring for the visitors.

It was a tough blow to concede so early especially for Hasal who has not started since his injury last year. What a way to go in your first start, with a howler… To be fair the defense did not do him justice as Godoy did not track back quick enough. You have to play a bit tighter with a player like Kreilach.

The rest of the first half was fairly uneventful despite a couple chances for both teams. The Whitecaps did a good job at holding possession, 55%,  and controlling the game for the most part. They were hoping to build momentum going into the break. They just needed to generate chances. 

Like most of the season, the Whitecaps went into the second half with a bit of fire under their asses. Brian White and Cristian Dajome had a couple of excellent chances but they just could not capitalize. These missing chances would prove to haunt them as RSL came knocking soon after. 

After a great stop from Hasal, RSL winger Justin Meram whipped in a wonderful ball into the box for an unmarked Kreilach who headed it right into the back of the net. Netting himself a brace in the process. Another defensive relapse where the player loses his man. This seems to be a trend as of late…

After being down two goals in the second you would think most teams would be down and out. Especially against a solid defensive team like RSL. After some good saves from Hasal, it seemed as though the young keeper could help this team build some momentum for a comeback. 

Whitecaps came at RSL with a couple of incredibly close chances thanks to efforts from Deiber Caicedo and Brian White again. Caicedo helped set up both chances but White could not get the ball in the net. Despite having a 1v1 with the keeper. This is not the first time White has botched a couple chances. This is someone the FO paid $400k for by the way. 

Not taking your chances proves costly for the Whitecaps. RSL would once again punish them for their lack of cutting edge. Once again, it would be Meram, with the veteran doing well to win a penalty in the 73rd minute. Giving his team a chance for a third and the game ending goal. RSL DP Albert Rusnak stepped up to the spot, and he made no mistake with his effort, putting it past Hasal into the corner.

While it was a good penalty by Rusnak, I have to commend Hasal for having good awareness and positioning as he was almost able to get a hand on it. The young Canadian has potential, he just needs a little bit more time to grow. 

Not much happened for either team for the rest of the match. The next bit of action did not happen until the dying minutes of the game. After coming on as a substitute, Anderson Julio scores an absolute rocket in the 94th minute giving the fans a memorable victory.

Post Match Thoughts

I can’t say I am too happy about this loss. The last few matches have hurt a bit but this just leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The Whitecaps have extended their winless streak to eight games now and are just one away from tying the clubs previous record of nine. I understand that without two of our main starters it would be a tough match but I did not expect this. 

There is something to be said about our Canadian neighbor Toronto FC though. I’m sure fans and neutrals alike don’t forget that they recently fired their coach after such a poor start of the season. It’s safe to guess that something like this for Marc dos Santos is in the minds of fans everywhere. We were all a bit surprised when Sportstalkonline’s Joshua Griffith asked point-blank if he thought he was the man to coach this team. 

Naturally he responded with: 

“One hundred per cent, yes. But it’s a question to ask somebody else.”

 

The Whitecaps have ten days to prepare for the next match thanks to the Gold Cup. They have two more games scheduled at Rio Tinto before hitting the road for the next three. With restrictions lightening up, and Toronto and Montreal announcing their returns to Canada, one of the biggest factors working against the Caps may be removed. 

Let’s hope this prospect of going home helps build momentum going forward. If not, I fear what could happen to the team otherwise. 

“First thing it’s gonna take for us (to turn it around) is to go back home. I think that’s such an important factor, and it’s been very hard on all of us to be here. That’s the No. 1 thing,” said Dos Santos. “It’s a big factor always playing away, but one thing is playing away. There’s no doubt that we have to make sure that we go back to Vancouver as fast as possible.”

“I’m gonna have to be creative, I’m gonna have to find solutions. And I’m gonna have to think about that very well but I’m incredibly motivated to prepare for the next game.”

 

The Whitecaps now enter a 10-day break between matches before another Western Conference contest against LA Galaxy on Saturday, July 17 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kickoff  is set for 7 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1/4 and ESPN+.

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Image via Vancouver Whitecaps Twitter
Vancouver Whitecaps

Whitecaps Concede Late Yet Again to Earn a 2-2 Draw Against FC Dallas

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

Heading into a bottom of the table battle on Sunday night, it was important that the Whitecaps get literally anything from this match. They needed a way to stop from being even further down in the Western Conference standings. Which is hard considering they are at the bottom right now. 

Dallas has never been too kind to Vancouver as the Whitecaps have only picked up one win in the last 10 matches. History was not on the Whitecaps’ side heading into this one. 

After 90 minutes and eight minutes of extra time (MY GOD), the Whitecaps left Texas with a single point. Although it was a 2-2 draw, that felt like a loss after giving up their fourth stoppage time goal in four matches. Throwing away a half time lead that had seen Lucas Cavallini cancel out Ricardo Pepi’s opener and Andy Rose sending them into the break up by one. 

This seems to be becoming a trend for the Whitecaps as of late and I am not here for it. Their season is far from over, but it’s starting to hang in the balance here. Lost points, like the ones they saw slip away from them in this game, have played a huge role in that.

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

FC Dallas: 4-2-3-1

Match Details

Scoring Summary

22′ – DAL – Ricardo Pepi (assisted by Jesús Ferreira)

30′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (assisted by Cristian Dájome)

45’+2 – VAN – Andy Rose (assisted by Déiber Caicedo)

90’+4 – DAL – Ranko Veselinović (own goal)

Statistics

Possession: DAL 57.3 – VAN 42.7

Shots: DAL 17 – VAN 5

Shots on Goal: DAL 8 – VAN 2

Saves: DAL 0 – VAN 7

Fouls: DAL 11 – VAN 11

Offsides: DAL 0 – VAN 1

Corners: DAL 7 – VAN 5

Cautions

18′ – DAL – Jáder Obrian (yellow)

45’+3 – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (yellow)

67′ – DAL – Bryan Acosta (yellow)

72′ – VAN – Caio Alexandre (yellow)

’90’+1 – VAN – Patrick Metcalfe (yellow)

90’+5 – VAN – Jake Nerwinski (yellow)

 

Match Report

“I understand exactly where we are. I don’t want to give a rallying call or anything like that, but I hope the people see that and choose to stick with us. We need to become more consistent. In these last few weeks going up against good teams away from home, I think we’ve shown a lot of really encouraging passages of play. I think we’re getting really comfortable in this 4-3-3. There’s a real identity forming.” 

To start off the match, Marc Dos Santos only made one single change in the lineup for this one. Javain Brown coming back in at right back, with Janio Bikel moving back into the midfield, and Michael Baldisimo dropping out with an injury.

FC Dallas getting an early boost from their home fans really helped them settle into the match right away. Having started strong, Dallas’ Ricardo Pepi, managed first to pick up an excellent left-footed chance after a good pass, before getting a shot off the rebound after a Crepeau save. Then, despite the second point-blank chance, Crepeau’s heroics kept the game at 0-0 early on. 

It took only ten minutes for them to get the breakthrough and it was the young American, Pepi, who did the damage. After running between the two Whitecaps centre backs, he headed home a powerful Jesus Ferreira cross in the 23rd minute. Crepeau got a hand to it, and perhaps could have got a stronger one on it, but it was 1-0 Dallas.

While it was a frustrating goal to see, you have to commend the Whitecaps’ ability to fight right back. Many feared the worst but the Whitecaps made sure to end those fears moments later. 

Miraculously in the 30th minute, Cristian Dajome broke up the right, sending a low ball into the box that a Dallas defender failed to clear. The ball broke to Cavallini, who took a nice sideways touch to make room and fire home past Dallas keeper Jimmy Maurer to level the match and score Vancouver’s first, first half goal of the season. It’s taken them a while but I will take it.

That looked to be the last of the first half action as the game’s one minute of stoppage time came and nearly went. Suddenly, again from nowhere, from another Dallas defensive error, the Whitecaps found themselves in a shock lead. 

The Whitecaps found themselves a way to claw the game back in their favor. Deiber Caicedo stepped up to take a corner right at the 45th minute. He delivered in a beautiful cross finding Andy Rose for a towering header to give the Whitecaps a 2-1 lead heading into the break!

Going into the half with confidence, it felt as though the Whitecaps could pull through and snap out of this winless funk. A funk lasting 6 games might I add. But FC Dallas did not give in without a fight. Being down at the break sprung some life into the home team and they laid siege on the Whitecaps defenders. 

Unsurprisingly, the Whitecaps were having trouble getting out of their half and were unable to create anything. To be fair, they were also dealing with everything that Dallas was throwing at them. This continued for the rest of the half as the Whitecaps hunkered down and dried to defend their lead. 

The match settled down after a couple of Dallas chances but nothing really came of them. That was all until stoppage time came. After what has happened the last four games, we kind of knew what to expect from the Whitecaps in this situation. 

Dallas continued to push, and with that, the Whitecaps’ lead disappeared, as Dallas found their breakthrough in the 93rd minute. After a dangerous ball in from a wide area, defenders Rose and substitute Ranko Veselinovic crossed their signals at the near post, and the ball bounced off of Vesel and in for the own goal.

This one stung like a wasp. While it seemed as though things were starting to change, it just all came right back. Vancouver will breathe a sigh of relief at not giving up another stoppage time winner. The one goal they did give up will certainly have them leaving Texas with the feeling of two points tossed out the window. 

Questions have to be asked about the laps in judgement in extra time. The fact that there is now a pattern for Whitecaps defenders to just click off during extra time. This should not be happening so frequently. The team almost appears like they don’t want to shoot for that third goal but rather sit back and wait. 

The best form of defense is to attack, but despite MDS wanting this from his players, they just seem unable to get themselves out of these situations. Whether it’s the coaching or the players, something needs to change soon. 

Getting a point out of two tough opponents like Seattle and Dallas may be considered a win for some, but the Dallas draw feels like points lost as opposed to the latter. Every point is crucial at this stage of the season. Things are gearing up and it’s time for teams to step up. 

Some will say the Whitecaps are unbeaten in two, but all I see is one win out of ten matches. They are bottom of the table, six points off a playoff spot, and are still with a #10. So many factors go into this teams’ rough season and it’s a long road ahead. Let’s see if they can get back onto the right track. 

 

The Whitecaps find themselves with a mid-week match-up with Utah neighbors Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium this Wednesday, July 7. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on TSN1/4 and ESPN+

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Vancouver Whitecaps

Cascadia Clash Ends in a Surprise Draw

by Michael Martinez
written by Michael Martinez

It may have only been a draw, but taking a point from the league leaders? This must feel like a major win for the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

The Whitecaps took on league leaders and Cascadia rivals, the Seattle Sounders. Heading into the match the Sounders were undefeated and the Whitecaps were on a 5 match losing streak. All the odds were stacked up against the Whitecaps. 

Against the Sounders, a team that they haven’t beaten since 2017, it felt like anything but a loss would be seen as positive for a team that was quickly fading after a bright start. 

Lineups

Vancouver Whitecaps: 4-3-3

Seattle Sounders: 5-3-2

Match Details

Scoring Summary

40′ – SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (assisted by Brad Smith)

49′ – VAN – Cristian Dájome (assisted by Caio Alexandre)

56′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (assisted by Cristian Dájome)

71′ – SEA – Jimmy Medranda (assisted by Fredy Montero)

Statistics

Possession: SEA 61.6 – VAN 38.4

Shots: SEA 19 – VAN 11

Shots on Goal: SEA 5 – VAN 4

Saves: SEA 2 – VAN 3

Fouls: SEA 9 – VAN 13

Offsides: SEA 0 – VAN 2

Corners: SEA 2 – VAN 1

Cautions

22′ – VAN – Lucas Cavallini (yellow)

45’+4 – VAN – Caio Alexandre (yellow)

89′ – VAN – Maxime Crépeau (yellow)

 

Match Report

“There’s two things that we addressed the last two days,” “It’s the why of coming out and sometimes lacking little things to dictate the game, and we also spoke about making big plays at the end of games.”

Image via Vancouver Whitecaps Twitter

It was that execution and determination that were most important for the Whitecaps. While it may not have been pretty, they fought hard and climbed their way back for the draw. This is not something that can be said for most of this 2021 season. 

Cristian Dájome and Lucas Cavallini scored the goals for the Whitecaps they finally snapped a five-match losing streak. The first 45 minutes saw Vancouver and Seattle evenly matched. The Whitecaps came at the league leaders hard from the get go and did not make it easy. Again, something we really haven’t really seen much of this season.

Despite a strong showing to start the half, the Sounders opened up the scoring thanks to Golden Boot candidate, Raul Ruidiaz. The Peruvian nets it home to make 0-1 for the league leaders. 

The goal resulted from a poor giveaway in the midfield and some questionable positioning by goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.

The Whitecaps came out just as strong and surprisingly found a bit of life in the second half. Despite being down, away from “home”, AND against the team at the top of the league standings, they fought their way back into the game.

Vancouver found their opening goal in the 46th minute after a beautiful through ball from Alexandre to Dájome. After making an incredible run behind the defense, Dájome slips the ball around the keeper for an easy shot right on goal. This goal could not have come at a better time just as momentum was building.

Thanks to the momentum picked up after that first goal, the Whitecaps then picked up the lead in the 56th minute.  Dájome continued his strong 2nd half. After a wonderful ball out wide from Andy Rose, Dajome looked up and whipped in a cross into the box. The cross came and bounced off of striker Lucas Cavallini and in. Truthfully the striker needed a little extra luck as he had to stick out a limb and just hope that the ball would roll in.

There it was, the Whitecaps were leading the league leaders 2-1 on their home turf! They had the chance to get their first win in 8 matches. Against their Cascadia rivals of all teams. No one would have expected that going into this match. Not even Whitecaps fans! 

Seattle had other plans…

Immediately after the Whitecaps’ second goal, the Sounders turned it on and then came the onslaught. Crépeau stayed busy in the second half with the Whitecaps holding onto dear life.  With three saves, the Canadian international was able to keep the Sounders off the board. 

It felt like a Sounders goal was inevitable and in the 71st minute, that proved to be the case. Jimmy Medranda found some space at the edge of the box with the ball being placed perfectly for him. After failing to close it down, he was able to settle and slam the ball home through a crowd of bodies to tie up the game for the Sounders.

It felt like a Sounders goal was inevitable and in the 71st minute, that proved to be the case. Jimmy Medranda found some space at the edge of the box with the ball being placed perfectly for him. After failing to close it down, he was able to settle and slam the ball home through a crowd of bodies to tie up the game for the Sounders. 

It was a gut wrenching goal as the Whitecaps dream of taking down the league leaders came crashing down. They sat back inviting pressure, so the goal was almost inevitable, but it still hurt. It is also hard to keep the Sounders down but everyone knows their quality. You never let them grow into the game. 

Surprisingly enough, the Whitecaps managed to hold off a late storm, keeping the match even at two a piece. Even more impressively, they almost scored a late winner! Cristian Gutierrez found Brian White with less than a minute to go, but the new striker’s header fell comfortably into Cleveland’s hands. 

Overall it was a solid showing from the boys. From a strong start, to being a goal down at the break, to coming back and taking points from the league leaders. Everything points to a solid performance. The Whitecaps were able to snap their 5-match losing streak. This will definitely be considered a positive performance all things considered. 

 

The Vancouver Whitecaps are back in action Sunday July 4th, when they visit FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Catch the game live on TSN 1/3 and ESPN+  starting at 5:30 p.m. PT.

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