Whitecaps FC Defeat NY Red Bulls on Road
Vancouver Whitecaps FC went into one of the most difficult away arenas in the MLS and picked up three huge points against the New York Red Bulls with a 2-1 victory. The win also moved Vancouver into a tie for top spot in the Western Conference with Seattle Sounders FC.
Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted was the hero in this one as he stopped not one, but two penalty kicks in the same game. New York’s top scorer, striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, was denied on two separate occasions as Ousted made two fantastic saves.
These were two surprising failed attempts from Wright-Phillips. Last year’s MLS Golden Boot winner could not find a way to get the ball by Ousted.
Ousted was solid all game long. He was forced to make numerous saves throughout the contest, including a big save on Manolo Sanchez in the 84th minute to preserve the lead. His game was even more impressive considering he was suffering from an illness that made his start questionable.
Vancouver had the advantage early as Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan was sent off with a red card in the 11th minute for what appeared to be a trip after the whistle on Whitecaps defender Kendall Waston.
However, given that the Whitecaps were up a man for most of the contest, the club’s defensive game could have been tighter. New York’s offence broke into Vancouver’s zone on multiple occasions.
Vancouver was also undisciplined at times, which was evident in the two penalty kicks and the yellow cards given to Gershon Koffie, Matías Laba and Kendall Waston. Koffie and Waston’s bookings will result in them being suspended from Vancouver’s next contest against New England Revolution on June 27.
The opening goal for Vancouver was courtesy of Kekuta Manneh in the 15th minute. Steven Beitashour came streaking down the right side of the pitch before sending the ball across the box for Manneh to tap in.
Manneh now has back-to-back goals and is turning into a complete midfielder. He was all over the pitch again tonight, playing a strong two-way game.
Whitecaps Kianz Froese also got his first ever MLS goal in the 77th minute of the match. He was able to poke the ball free to Octavio Rivero in the middle of the pitch. Rivero then passed the ball up to Froese who made no mistake slotting the ball into the far corner.
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Vancouver played a comfortable game once they took a two-goal lead. However, they took their foot off the gas a bit too much and the Red Bulls made them pay, as Anatole Abang would score a beautiful volley from a Chris Duvall pass in the 82nd.
But the ‘Caps were able to hold on for the win thanks to a stellar performance from Ousted.
The Red Bulls were without forward Lloyd Sam for the contest and it really showed. With an early red card as well, it was evident that the Red Bulls were in for a tough night. New York has now dropped four straight MLS matches.
Overall, this was a great fixture for the road warrior Whitecaps. Vancouver has set a club record with five road wins on the season. With the win, Vancouver remains unbeaten against the Red Bulls as well.
Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson’s return to Harrison, New Jersey turned out to be a wild one. However, his side needs to be tighter on the backline. Ousted can’t be called upon to play this brilliantly every night.