MLS Canadian Roundup: First-Place Whitecaps
In Week 28 of MLS action, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0 on Wednesday to move into first place in the MLS Western Conference standings and first in the race towards the Supporters’ Shield.
The Montreal Impact helped the ‘Caps stay atop by playing the Los Angeles Galaxy to a scoreless draw on Saturday. On Sunday, Toronto FC suffered a 3-1 defeat to the New England Revolution.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 Colorado Rapids
The Whitecaps were looking to avenge two previous road losses to Colorado this season when they welcomed the Rapids to BC Place for a Wednesday night match.
At the time, the Rapids boasted the best goals against record in MLS with only 27 goals conceded. The Whitecaps, on the other hand, had the second best defensive record with only 28 goals against. Despite being at opposite ends of the standings, this match was bound to be a match of defensive wits.
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However, the ‘Caps came out buzzing for goals and in the 73rd minute, Whitecaps forward Octavio Rivero rewarded his club by scoring a header off of a beautiful pass from midfielder Cristian Techera.
Four minutes later, Techera would pick up his own rebound off a deflection and blast one in to extend the lead. Midfielder Kekuta Manneh would pick up an assist on Techera’s goal and the Whitecaps would go on to solidify the victory.
Techera and Manneh have been superb for the ‘Caps as of late. Techera has four goals and two assists in his last six league games and Manneh has two goals and four assists in his last six.
With a clean sheet for Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted, the ‘Caps also snatched the Rapids’ league-best goals against record from under them and now currently take claim to that accolade for the time being.
The Whitecaps play on Sept. 16 in CONCACAF Champions League action against CD Olimpia at BC Place. Vancouver will then try to extend its top spot when the club hosts its Cascadia Cup rivals, the Seattle Sounders, in MLS action on Sept. 19.
Montreal Impact 0-0 Los Angeles Galaxy
Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba was coming off an MLS high after posting an impressive hat trick in his first start for the Impact. Facing the Galaxy on Saturday, Drogba was also reunited with a familiar Premier League face in former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
This game was also the first road match for Drogba as part of the Impact, as the Bleu-blanc-noir marched into California to meet the Galaxy at StubHub Center.
Led by goalkeeper Evan Bush, the Impact did a sound job stopping a strong Galaxy attack. Montreal also had some chances to score in this one, forcing Galaxy ‘keeper Donovan Ricketts to make five saves. Drogba had a great chance late in the contest, but he put his shot just wide of goal.
Neither side would budge as the match ended in a scoreless draw. With only one point collected, the Galaxy slipped in the standings, as the Whitecaps were able to collect three in their match earlier in the week.
The Montreal Impact’s California trip continues when the club visits the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium on Sept. 16.
Toronto FC 1-3 New England Revolution
Giveaways and shaky defensive coverage caused Toronto FC to lose footing in this match as the New England Revolution came out with a 3-1 victory over Toronto at BMO Field on Sunday evening.
Four minutes into the match, Toronto defender Damien Perquis had an own goal. In the 39th minute, the Revs would add to the lead as forward Diego Fagundez, who was left all alone, would take a pass from midfielder Lee Nguyen and send a blistering shot from the top of the box into the net.
Robbie Findley would get one back for the home side in the 55th minute, with defender Justin Morrow getting the assist, but in the 71st minute, New England midfielder Kelyn Rowe would finish this one off with another tally for the Revs. Nguyen would grab another assists on this one as well.
For a more in-depth look at this game from MLS Multiplex, click here.
Toronto FC head over to Yankee Stadium to meet New York City FC on Sept. 16.
Canadian Player Spotlight: Tesho Akindele
FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele scored for the second time in three games in his club’s 2-1 victory over New York City FC on Saturday night.
In the 45th minute, Akindele scored a brilliant goal, sending a powerful ball into the net off a right-footed strike to give Dallas a 1-0 lead before the half.
The Calgary native had three shot attempts in his 83 minutes on the pitch.