Whitecaps / Fire Game Summary
The Whitecaps played their first game without both Davide Chiumiento and Sebastien Le Toux Saturday night and had a decent effort , leading play with 54% of the possession and four shots on net (to three for Chicago) but could not convert when it counted.
On the other hand, a senseless foul just outside the 18 yard box was ruthlessly punished on a swerving free kick by Chicago’s Mexican midfielder Pavel Pardo.
Darren Mattocks was the main inspiration for Vancouver with another two shots on goal. Eric Hassli however came closest for Vancouver late in the game on a header, but the Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson made an acrobatic stop.
Vancouver must have been tired at the end of a five game league tour but could not pull out the result.
Mattocks picks up another caution
As good as Mattocks has been moving forward, he has been equally poor at maintaining his feel for self-discipline. The rookie has six goals, but after the Chicago game, he now has also collected six yellow cards.
He has been suspended twice already this season, but must understand how important it is to maintain control if he wants to be available for the stretch run.
Look out in the rear view mirror!
Vancouver still sits safely in fourth place in the west, but a quick glance in the rear view mirror shows a hard charging LA Galaxy team that is really hitting its stride.
The Galaxy’s offensive juggernaut, led by its three stars in David Beckham, Robbie Keane, and Landon Donovan, steamrolled the Portland Timbers with five goals on the weekend to show its prowess.
Up Next & Don’t Look Now – A quick glance in the rear view mirror shows a hard charging LA Galaxy team
That is something Vancouver still lacks at present, with a legitimate veteran star who can make things happen when the game bogs down as it did against Chicago.
Man of the Match
Darren Mattocks continues to be the straw that stirs the drink for Vancouver and he was fouled 4 times by an aggressive Chicago defence.
Play of the Match
Pardo’s Beckhamesque free kick was the sole difference that prevented Vancouver from attaining a result in a hard fought match.
Summary
Goals
CHI – Pavel Pardo 10th minute
Quotes
Richards gives us extra strength with Dane up front. Gives me some more confidence having my countryman here. Versus Chicago we needed to get more crosses in. We just couldn’t find the finishing touch.
You just have to regroup. The road trip went pretty well. Lots of travelling. Pretty tough trip!” – Darren Mattocks
Discipline
VANWH – Darren Mattocks (Yellow Card) 12th minute
CHI – Gonzalo Segares (Yellow Card) 36th minute
CHI – Alex Monteiro de Lima (Yellow Card) 41st minute
VANWH – Alain Rochat (Yellow Card) 43rd minute
CHI – Arne Friedrich (Yellow Card) 67th minute
CHI – Arne Friedrich (Red Card) 69th minute
Video Courtesy Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Youtube
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