Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s burgeoning road winning steak ended at three games on Saturday night when the Whitecaps were defeated 2-1 by the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colo. to close out their five-game road trip.
Many may see this outcome as a straight upset – Vancouver, tied for first in the Western Conference, losing to the last place team in the Western Conference, Colorado. But the Whitecaps have only managed to win once when facing Colorado away from BC Place and that was back in 2012. The ‘Caps just can’t seem to get it done at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The Whitecaps got off to a horrendous start, conceding in the 2nd minute of the game as Rapids striker Vicente Sánchez netted a goal from a Luis Solignac feed. However, the goal was rather contentious as there looked to be a clear handball on the play that wasn’t called.
In the 17th minute, Whitecaps goalkeeper and MLS Player of the Month, David Ousted, made a fantastic reaction save on a dangerous spinning strike by Solignac. The save will most definitely be a top contender for MLS Save of the Week.
The Whitecaps didn’t let their early disparity get the best of them, as they would score a brilliant goal in the 20th minute. Midfielder Mauro Rosales dove to send a cross over to teammate Kekuta Manneh who would make no mistake putting the descending ball into the net.
Manneh has been absolutely remarkable as of late. With his newest tally, he now has three goals in four games. The 20-year-old Gambian almost scored his second of the night in the 32nd minute, but his right-footed strike would graze just over the crossbar.
The rest of the first half was a back-and-forth affair, as both the Whitecaps and Rapids exchanged chances. However, neither side was able to take the lead before the end of the half.
In the 56th minute, Rapids striker Kevin Doyle scored to give his side the advantage. The 31-year-old Irish designated player would head a cross into the net from the middle of the box to score his first MLS goal.
In the 68th minute, Whitecaps defender Steven Beitashour would send a ball into the Colorado box that took a plethora of deflections before skipping up and hitting the arm of Rapids defender Jared Watts. The Whitecaps would appeal for a handball call, but it was not given.
The ‘Caps would press for an equalizer, with the best attempt coming from Octavio Rivero around the 80th minute, but Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin turned his shot aside.
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It was a tough match for ‘Caps fans to watch as Vancouver failed to capitalize on some solid offensive chances. Maybe the high altitude got the better of the team? Or maybe Vancouver played down their opponents, given the discrepancy in the standings between the two sides?
Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson did pen a starting squad that did not feature the likes of Matías Laba, Octavio Rivero or the injured Pedro Morales. Rivero was the only one out of the three designated players to see the pitch on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Whitecaps need to refocus and get back to playing a better overall game. Vancouver’s marking was poor at times and it hurt them. Moreover, if calls don’t go their way, they need to continue to stay composed.
On a brighter note, Mauro Rosales had another great game. Playing well with Manneh, Darren Mattocks was also very lively for the ‘Caps as well.
Picking up nine out of a possible 15 points on their five-game road trip, what the ‘Caps have done is very commendable. Winning started to become a commonality for Vancouver. Now they have a week to rebound from a disappointing outcome against Colorado.
The Whitecaps are back home at BC Place on July 12 when they host Sporting Kansas City.