Sporting KC Vs Vancouver Whitecaps: 3 things we learned – Clock strikes midnight for Vancouver
By Nathan Dunn
2. Goalkeeping excellence
Thomas Hasal was easily the best performer on the pitch on Sunday night. Some very big saves from a very inexperienced keeper thrown into the fire against a quality side, the former Canadian youth international showcased just how talented he might be. The only regret he will have was a penalty he should have saved against Ilie Sanchez in the shootout.
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As for Tim Melia, even though he was very limited in his involvement in normal time, he always had the right answer when called upon. It’s always a challenge for keepers to stay mentally prepared to make saves without being involved for long spells, and Melia did a superb job of staying focused.
He then performed the hero role for Sporting KC in the penalty shootout. Already with a phenomenal record on penalties, Melia was once again sensational, making two saves while another hit the post. Vancouver scored just once in the shootout. Melia is now 3-0 in penalty shootouts, to go along with 12 penalty saves outside of shootouts from all competitions.
All in all, tonight’s performance from both keepers put on a brilliant display of a position that doesn’t always get dealt a fair hand. Vancouver may have a keeper for the future in Thomas Hasal while Tim Melia reassured himself as one of the elite goalkeepers throughout MLS.