Whitecaps / Union game summary
The Vancouver Whitecaps played to their second consecutive 0-0 draw on the road, keeping their spectacular no goals allowed record for the season to date. Unfortunately, they struggled to create offence for the third game in a row.
The game was however more entertaining than last week’s dire goal free contest.
The enforced line-up changes engendered by a sudden rash of injuries helped in part explain the lack of offence, as strikers Eric Hassli and Darren Mattocks did not make the trip out east. Attacking midfielder Camilo Sanvezzo’s absence also didn’t help matters.
Coaching
Martin Rennie’s rebuild of the back end has been an absolute success, and though Alain Rochat was also out with injury, former Philly player Jordan Harvey slotted in seamlessly into his left back spot.
The Scottish coach has clearly got his entire team to buy into his system whereby every player works equally hard at both ends of the pitch.
Goalkeeping
Joe Cannon continues to press his case as one of the year’s candidates for all-star recognition. He makes the occasional spectacular stop when called on, but watching him in action allows you to see how his anticipation leads him to aggressively attack chances early on in order to snuff them out.
For much of the match in the Union’s park Cannon was out rapidly to disrupt the opponent’s forays into his area.
Defence
What more can be said about this unit? They look like they have played together for years, hardly betraying the fact that it has been a scant four league matches of experience to date.
Once again Vancouver looked rock solid.
Midfield
John Thorrington’s return helped solidify the defensive nature of the midfield.
The Caps had 9 shots in total. Not to shabby. - (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The team was also a little improved over last week in moving the ball better. However, without Camilo or Mattocks, and with a subdued performance from Davide Chiumiento, there was little initiative to break the deadlock.
Forwards
The ‘Caps had 9 shots in total, but none could hit the mark at all. The loss of Eric Hassli pushed Sebastien Le Toux into a more prominent role but a rusty Atiba Harris did not create much.
Long Tan’s sub appearance also failed to generate a goal despite one decent chance on the turn.
Man of the Match
Le Toux was the hardest working man on the pitch on this day.
Play of the Game
Le Toux’s late run into the box was the best effort of the game for the Whitecaps, even though it cleared the bar.
Video courtesy Whitecaps FC
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