Something unusual occurred late in Saturday’s game between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers on Saturday night.
Fans left early in large numbers, with Portland having easily clinched a 3-0 victory over the overmatched home squad.
Throughout their existence in Major League Soccer, the Whitecaps have managed to keep most home games extremely close – win or lose. But, as Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson admitted, the outcome was decided after Alvas Powell scored the only goal that Portland needed, on a header in the 51st minute.
“They’re a good team,” said Robinson. “We were chasing shadows at the end, so (it was) frustrating for us, but I don’t think we were a threat throughout the game.”
The Timbers (8-8-10) jumped over the Whitecaps (7-6-12) into the fifth and final playoff-qualifying spot in the Western Conference. Having conceded four goals in their past game, the Timbers were supposedly ripe for the picking, but they played with little fear after their opening goal and held a decisive edge in possession time (roughly 60 per cent to 40 per cent) in the second half.
“I don’t think we were at our top performances levels like we’ve been most of this season at home, which was unfortunate because it was a fantastic opportunity for us and a fantastic crowd, and winning is always a buzz,” said Robinson.
After staying until the final whistle, the loyalists in the sellout crowd of 21,000 cheered that the game was finally over and then practically raced out of their seats. When asked whether the Caps over-hyped the game with 10 games (and now nine) to go before the regular season ends, Robinson declined to downplay the significance of the setback.
“It’s a massive game,” said Robinson. “It’s a rivalry game for us at home against a team that’s competing for a playoff spot. I could say it was just another normal game, and I wouldn’t be being honest, and that’s one thing I am. It was a massive game for us, and we lost. So we take it on the chin and we move on.”
Recently acquired midfielder Mauro Rosales and midfield maestro Pedro Morales linked up well early. Morales missed a header early on a chip from Rosales, putting the ball just over the bar. But the Timbers did well to keep Rosales and Morales separated from each other and Vancouver’s strikers, first Erik Hurtado and Darren Mattocks.
Rosales stood out, but as more as a playmaker than a scorer, although he had Vancouver’s best chance, putting a shot just wide of the right post after Hurtado nudged the ball to him. Morales was hampered after a Portland player stepped on his foot early in the second half.
Simply put, there was no offensive cohesion from Vancouver on a night when the Timbers had few scoring opportunities but capitalized on almost all of them. Portland scored on three of four shots on target in the second half, and could have scored on the other if not for a nice save from Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted. On the night, the Timbers converted three of five shots on target.
The Whitecaps only had three shots on target over the full 90 minutes.
As former Vancouver striker Kenny Miller often noted, it usually takes two strikers – a tandem – to produce dangerous scoring chances. But with a single-striker formation, the Whitecaps have a hard time creating chances let alone putting the ball in the back of the net.
Vancouver failed to score for the third straight game and fourth time in the last five. Robinson said that the squad needs to look at the dearth of offence individually and collectively and as a coaching staff – whatever that means. The bottom line is that, as Robinson acknowledged, the Whitecaps do not have a natural scorer.
The issue won’t be solved until Vancouver’s young offensive players start producing, or the Whitecaps find a pure scorer before the mid-September MLS roster freeze (i.e. trade deadline).
Since neither scenario is likely to occur soon, the Whitecaps have to find a way to link their midfielders and lone striker, or strikers depending on formation changes, in future. Robinson believes the Caps can succeed in doing so, because they have in the past.
The coach wants them to get back to generating numerous scoring chances the way they did earlier in the season.
“We know we can do it,” said Robinson. “We just haven’t been doing it recently. So we take responsibility – I take responsibility – for that.”
Robinson also plans to take more responsibility for managing Morales’ playing time as the clubs goes down the homestretch. Taking his previous season in South America into account, the Chilean midfielder has played 13 months consecutively. In other words, he has not had an off-season – and becomes increasingly prone to burnout and injury.
But the Caps need him the way a parched traveler stranded in the desert needs a drink of water. If he goes down, or stops producing assists and goals (like he has lately) for an extended stretch, Vancouver’s season will be lost, and the Caps will miss the playoffs for the second time in three years.
As defender Jordan Harvey noted after the game, the loss was frustrating on many levels. But with key home games coming up against top Eastern squad D.C. United and Western also-ran San Jose, the frustration will only increase if the Caps do not start scoring again soon.
In other words, Whitecaps fans will leave games early more often. Or, even worse, they won't bother showing up at all.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Whitecaps show glimpse of their potential in win over K.C.
David Ousted offered a voice of objectivity in the wake of a big Vancouver Whitecaps victory Sunday.
The Whitecaps blanked defending Major League Soccer champion Sporting Kansas City 2-0 at B.C. Place Stadium. While happy with the strong performance, Ousted still put it in perspective after the Whitecaps (7-4-12) jumped into fifth place – the last playoff qualifying post – in the ultra-tight Western Conference.
“It is definitely crunch time right now,” said Ousted. “Like you say, people are winning next to us, and we need to keep winning like we did today to keep up with people and keep going up the standings.
“This was a good start, but the work doesn’t stop here. We’ve got an even more important game next week in (the Los Angeles area against) Chivas – and this will be good for nothing if we don’t go there and get something out of it.”
The Whitecaps were thoroughly deserving of the victory as they controlled Dom Dwyer, the league’s second-leading scorer, and the rest of a strong Kansas City squad (11-6-6) that remained first in the Eastern Conference.
“It was a good test for us – a test that we managed to overcome,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “I believed we could win the game, if we did things right, because of the personnel that we have got and we could cause any team problems, and we showed today that it could have been, maybe, (4-0 or 5-0) on another day. But we’ll take the victory.”
The comment was a reference to the fact that Vancouver declined to sign a proven veteran scorer, which they clearly lack, before the international transfer window closed Friday.
But the result still generated a couple of nagging questions. The first: Was it more a case of Vancouver playing well or Kansas City having an off day? The Whitecaps scored both goals in the first half, with the first coming in the 17th minute as Sporting defender Igor Julia headed a Pedro Morales lead ball into his net after starting goalkeeper Andy Grunebaum came out to play it and could not get back in time. The second came as Darren Mattocks converted a two-on-one after Morales intercepted a pass with Kansas City’s defenders and then raced towards the opposing goal. Mattocks would have looked extremely bad if he had missed.
Late in the second half, the Jamaican striker did miss on a penalty-kick as K.C. backup goalkeeper Jon Kempin got a hand on the shot, which Mattocks telegraphed, and then the ball bounced off the goalpost. (Kempin replaced Grunebaum at the beginning of the second half, because the starter suffered a shoulder injury as he collided with the post while stopping a Morales free kick.)
“They were the better team,” Kansas City coach Peter Vermes told reporters. “They wanted the game more. Their guys were hungry. Our guys were lackadaisical. We made two mistakes, and the mistakes are one thing, because that happens sometimes in games, and that kind of stuff you’ve got to be able to live with, but it’s our approach in the game. I always say that that’s my responsibility, so I’ll take responsibility, but at the same time, I’ll say that it won’t happen next week, I can tell you that.”
Accordingly, Whitecaps coach Robinson was not entirely comfortable with his club’s 2-0 lead to start the second half.
“It would have been more relaxing if we’d got the third goal, to tell you the truth,” said Robinson.
As he said, it was a good win against a good team, but Vancouver generated little offensively after Morales subbed out for Russell Teibert in the 77th minute.
Robinson did not appear likely to promise that his charges will produce a similar effort against Chivas, which ranks last in the Western Conference, next weekend.
Which brings us to the second nagging question: Why can’t the Caps produce wins like they did Sunday more often?
The Whitecaps earned their first win in more than a month after posting four consecutive draws. Taking a July 5 win over Seattle and a June 1 victory over Portland into account, the Whitecaps now have three wins in about three months. While excelling against contenders like the Sounders and Timbers, they have delivered sub-par performances against cellar-dwellers Montreal and Chivas, playing both to draws.
“It shouldn’t be that way,” Mattocks said of a big effort against Kansas City. “I think we should be up for it every single game.”
Robinson defended Vancouver’s youth movement, contending (as many other coaches in several sports have) that, sometimes, teams have to take a step back to move forward.
“I think it’s vitally important when you’re building football clubs, soccer clubs, that you have a foundation,” he said. “I think it’s vitally important that you have a core group of players. Kansas City are a perfect example. So are Salt Lake. You don’t need to spend over the odds to do it, but it takes time.
“I was in Toronto from 2007 to 2010, and I saw an influx of, maybe, 80-odd players, teammates, come and go. I don’t want to talk about Toronto too much, but that wasn’t a base for success. I think you’ve gotta build somewhere. You’ve gotta start somewhere. And, sometimes, you need to go backwards before you can go forwards. The good organizations understand that. We’ve certainly got a very good organization here, and one that wants to progress, and one that wants to win, and one that wants to produce young players as well.”
Contending the Whitecaps are “close” but also “far away” when it comes to being a championship-calibre team, he chalked Vancouver’s shortage of wins to the inconstancy that accompanies player development.
“We can compete,” said Robinson. “Can we compete on a consistent basis? That’s the question with young players. You get ups and downs with a young group, but we’re finding that we’re not losing too many games, which is great. But we’re winning, probably, not enough games, which isn’t great. … But the potential’s there.”
Indeed, the Whitecaps showed a glimpse of their potential Sunday. But if the Caps want to make the playoffs for only the second time in four years of MLS existence, they need to start showing that potential more often.
Otherwise, as Ousted said, Sunday's win will be good for nothing.
The Whitecaps blanked defending Major League Soccer champion Sporting Kansas City 2-0 at B.C. Place Stadium. While happy with the strong performance, Ousted still put it in perspective after the Whitecaps (7-4-12) jumped into fifth place – the last playoff qualifying post – in the ultra-tight Western Conference.
“It is definitely crunch time right now,” said Ousted. “Like you say, people are winning next to us, and we need to keep winning like we did today to keep up with people and keep going up the standings.
“This was a good start, but the work doesn’t stop here. We’ve got an even more important game next week in (the Los Angeles area against) Chivas – and this will be good for nothing if we don’t go there and get something out of it.”
The Whitecaps were thoroughly deserving of the victory as they controlled Dom Dwyer, the league’s second-leading scorer, and the rest of a strong Kansas City squad (11-6-6) that remained first in the Eastern Conference.
“It was a good test for us – a test that we managed to overcome,” said Vancouver coach Carl Robinson. “I believed we could win the game, if we did things right, because of the personnel that we have got and we could cause any team problems, and we showed today that it could have been, maybe, (4-0 or 5-0) on another day. But we’ll take the victory.”
The comment was a reference to the fact that Vancouver declined to sign a proven veteran scorer, which they clearly lack, before the international transfer window closed Friday.
But the result still generated a couple of nagging questions. The first: Was it more a case of Vancouver playing well or Kansas City having an off day? The Whitecaps scored both goals in the first half, with the first coming in the 17th minute as Sporting defender Igor Julia headed a Pedro Morales lead ball into his net after starting goalkeeper Andy Grunebaum came out to play it and could not get back in time. The second came as Darren Mattocks converted a two-on-one after Morales intercepted a pass with Kansas City’s defenders and then raced towards the opposing goal. Mattocks would have looked extremely bad if he had missed.
Late in the second half, the Jamaican striker did miss on a penalty-kick as K.C. backup goalkeeper Jon Kempin got a hand on the shot, which Mattocks telegraphed, and then the ball bounced off the goalpost. (Kempin replaced Grunebaum at the beginning of the second half, because the starter suffered a shoulder injury as he collided with the post while stopping a Morales free kick.)
“They were the better team,” Kansas City coach Peter Vermes told reporters. “They wanted the game more. Their guys were hungry. Our guys were lackadaisical. We made two mistakes, and the mistakes are one thing, because that happens sometimes in games, and that kind of stuff you’ve got to be able to live with, but it’s our approach in the game. I always say that that’s my responsibility, so I’ll take responsibility, but at the same time, I’ll say that it won’t happen next week, I can tell you that.”
Accordingly, Whitecaps coach Robinson was not entirely comfortable with his club’s 2-0 lead to start the second half.
“It would have been more relaxing if we’d got the third goal, to tell you the truth,” said Robinson.
As he said, it was a good win against a good team, but Vancouver generated little offensively after Morales subbed out for Russell Teibert in the 77th minute.
Robinson did not appear likely to promise that his charges will produce a similar effort against Chivas, which ranks last in the Western Conference, next weekend.
Which brings us to the second nagging question: Why can’t the Caps produce wins like they did Sunday more often?
The Whitecaps earned their first win in more than a month after posting four consecutive draws. Taking a July 5 win over Seattle and a June 1 victory over Portland into account, the Whitecaps now have three wins in about three months. While excelling against contenders like the Sounders and Timbers, they have delivered sub-par performances against cellar-dwellers Montreal and Chivas, playing both to draws.
“It shouldn’t be that way,” Mattocks said of a big effort against Kansas City. “I think we should be up for it every single game.”
Robinson defended Vancouver’s youth movement, contending (as many other coaches in several sports have) that, sometimes, teams have to take a step back to move forward.
“I think it’s vitally important when you’re building football clubs, soccer clubs, that you have a foundation,” he said. “I think it’s vitally important that you have a core group of players. Kansas City are a perfect example. So are Salt Lake. You don’t need to spend over the odds to do it, but it takes time.
“I was in Toronto from 2007 to 2010, and I saw an influx of, maybe, 80-odd players, teammates, come and go. I don’t want to talk about Toronto too much, but that wasn’t a base for success. I think you’ve gotta build somewhere. You’ve gotta start somewhere. And, sometimes, you need to go backwards before you can go forwards. The good organizations understand that. We’ve certainly got a very good organization here, and one that wants to progress, and one that wants to win, and one that wants to produce young players as well.”
Contending the Whitecaps are “close” but also “far away” when it comes to being a championship-calibre team, he chalked Vancouver’s shortage of wins to the inconstancy that accompanies player development.
“We can compete,” said Robinson. “Can we compete on a consistent basis? That’s the question with young players. You get ups and downs with a young group, but we’re finding that we’re not losing too many games, which is great. But we’re winning, probably, not enough games, which isn’t great. … But the potential’s there.”
Indeed, the Whitecaps showed a glimpse of their potential Sunday. But if the Caps want to make the playoffs for only the second time in four years of MLS existence, they need to start showing that potential more often.
Otherwise, as Ousted said, Sunday's win will be good for nothing.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Glenn comes up big as Lulay watches
The stage was set for a change in command, but Kevin Glenn never let it happen.
Glenn ran for a touchdown, threw for another and passed for more than 400 yards Friday night as the B.C. Lions beat the pesky Hamilton Tiger-Cats 36-29. He helped the Lions post their second-consecutive win and improve to 4-3 on the season, ensuring that the Lions did not need nominal No. 1 quarterback Travis Lulay as he dressed for his first game of the season following off-season shoulder surgery.
“It was a big, big team-character win,” said Glenn, who completed 22 of 36 passes for 407 yards, his highest yardage output as a Lion. “It was one of those things where you could tell in the guys’ eyes on the field when I was calling the plays. It didn't matter what the down and distance was. We were going to out there and fight and try and get it. When you see that in the guys' eyes, that means a lot."
It was also a big character performance from Glenn, who helped the Lions build an early 17-3 lead and then rally back after Hamilton managed to come back and take a 19-17 lead in the second quarter on a Brandon Banks touchdown off a 97-yard punt return and a pair of Justin Medlock field goals.
The second field goal came after Glenn threw his first of two interceptions on which he could not really be faulted. Defensive lineman Arnaud Gascon-Nadon was able to snare the ball after fellow lineman Bryan Hall knocked down a Glenn pass.
The second interception, which did not result in points thanks to a tenacious B.C. defence, came in the third quarter after Frederic Plesius caught a fortuitous bounce off B.C. receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux. But Glenn did not let the interceptions get him down.
“Ticked balls are killing me,” said Glenn, whose 11 interceptions well exceed the seven he threw in all of 2013 with Calgary. “It's one of those things that happens. As a QB, you have to be able to get over it. It’s going tohappen. You don't want it to happen as much as it has been happening. What I think the biggest thing is, what you do when you come back out. You overcome it. I'm not going to be afraid to throw the next one.”
The Ticats were left to lament a series of miscues and penalties that enabled B.C. to take an insurmountable lead on an Andrew Harris four-yard touchdown run with about 10 minutes gone in the third quarter. But the Ticats still managed to pull within a point on two occasions, trailing 27-26 at the end of the third quarter and 30-29 in the fourth. Ultimately, B.C. secured the win with a strong passing display from Glenn in the fourth quarter, which enabled Paul McCallum to kick the final two of his five field goals on the night.
The decisive field goal came after Glenn threw his longest pass of the night, 43 yards to Shawn Gore. But Glenn, who ran for 19 yards for his touchdown in the first quarter, downplayed the strong personal showing – and kept the team’s task first.
“It’s not like this game was the Grey Cup,” he said. “It's not. It was the next game and an important game. It was important because of the way the West is shaping up. We have to make sure we keep going with all these guys. All these teams in the West are winning games. We have to make sure we are winning games, too."
Thanks to Glenn’s effort Friday, the Lions are winning. But they still face difficulties. Harris and offensive guard Jemarcus Hardrick went down with injuries Friday. Depending on how long Harris is out, his absence could put more pressure on Glenn to excel more often through the air.
But at least the Lions can rest assured that, with Glenn playing like he did Friday, they can take their time with Lulay’s recovery.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Lions showing improvement as Lulay returns to roster
With a third of the season now complete, the B.C. Lions are finally starting to look like a possible Grey Cup contender.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.
The Lions (3-3) head into Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) still buzzing from a victory over the previously undefeated Calgary Stampeders last week.
An improving offence shows signs of getting even better as quarterback Travis Lulay returns to the roster after coming off the six-game injured list due to a shoulder that was slow to recover from off-season surgey. Lulay’s presence in a backup role adds strength to the quarterbacking position in case Kevin Glenn, the scheduled starter, continues his trend of hot-and-cold performances.
He fared well in wins over Saskatchewan and Montreal, but struggled in a loss to Winnipeg and then rebounded in a late comeback win over Calgary.
But Glenn, who has been the consummate professional while stepping into the fire with a new club and system, has not been entirely to blame for B.C.’s inconsistency. Although has already thrown nine interceptions after only being picked off seven times with Calgary last season, he had a ready-made excuse in a rebuilding, rotating and injury-riddled offensive line. But to Glenn’s credit, he chose not to use it, repeatedly stressing that it was up to him to “make plays.”
Now, with former NFLer Jemarcus Hardrick starting at left guard and rookie Canadian Hunter Steward at left tackle, Glenn is finding more time to throw. And, running back Andrew Harris, who leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (722) and ranks first in rushing yards (381) and second in receiving yardage (341 yards), has received the blocks he needs to tear up turf.
“I think we started to solidify some things (on the offensive line), obviously, and then the last two weeks stayed consistent,” said Lions coach Mike Benevides after a walk-through Thursday. “Now, we’re at a place where, I think, Jemarcus (Hardrick) brings a level of physicality and athleticism inside right now that we can’t get the young guys to get to yet because they’re not healthy. And, Hunter (Steward) is playing outstanding ball.
“So I think we’re where we need to be in terms of personnel. We have to be better, we have to grow but, certainly, those guys have given us a chance to accumulate some yardage and also protect the quarterback.”
The offence should get better in the near future as the line continues to improve and Lulay returns to a starting role. If B.C.’s defence continues to perform as it has been and kicker Paul McCallum displays his usual consistency on field goals, the Lions should be much better off in the final two-thirds of the season.
“We’re growing, we’re getting better, but we’re not there yet,” said Benevides.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Whitecaps display strong belief in win over Sounders
The Vancouver Whitecaps made up for two sub-par games in 12 minutes Saturday.
Sebastian Fernandez scored the game’s lone goal in the 12th minute as the Caps down the MLS-leading Seattle Sounders 1-0.
Vancouver (6-3-7) ended a two-game winless while Seattle (11-4-2) suffered its first loss in four games.
But, as Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson indicated afterwards, the win was about more than three points in the standings. It was about belief – belief that the young Caps could compete with the best team in the league, even if it was missing five key players, including American international Clint Dempsey, to World Cup duty, yellow-card accumulation and injuries.
“The two halves were totally different,” Robinson said. “The first half, we were excellent in possession. Our passing movement was what I’ve been accustomed seeing in training (and) in the first 10, 12 games of the season – and the second half was just about all those things: grit, desire and heart.
“The reason I said Seattle are the best team in Major League Soccer before the game is because they hang in there even when things are going against them. They’re always there and they’re about, (despite) being one goal behind, and they’ve done that again today. We’ve gotta learn that as a young group. As I said to them, it’s not going to happen overnight. But with performances like this and learning situations like this, we’ll be better for it.”
With the win, the Caps also ended a two-game goal-less skid, after a 0-0 home draw with Montreal and a 2-0 loss in Colorado. Fernandez, a 24-year-old Uruguayan who is in his season with Vancouver, scored from about 30 yards out after taking a pass from Chilean midfield maestro Pedro Morales, who was at his sublime best.
"Pedro gave a good ball to me," the Spanish-speaking Fernandez said through an interpreter. "I turned with the ball and there was space. I've practised it in close. It was a good opportunity. I just tried to shoot."
But, ultimately, the game was about defence. While Seattle was missing Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, who shared fifth place in league scoring before Saturday’s games, the Caps were without (injured) top central defenders Jay DeMerit (ankle) and Andy O’Brien (hip).
However, Vancouver’s Johnny Leveron and Carlyle Mitchell delivered stellar performances in their place, while Steven Beitashour was his steady self at right back and Jordan Harvey stood out at left back with several blocked shots, tackles and interceptions.
"I think the guys were hungry," said Seattle midfielder Brad Evans of his team's effort. "It took us a little while to get in the game, and all it was in the first half was not holding the ball up front. It makes it difficult to play the way that we want to play, and get our forwards and outside wingers involved. It was a difficult day for us in the first 35-40 minutes. After that, I feel we settled in the second half, played much better challenging for balls.
"Obviously, the guys that were missing are game-changers, that’s why they’re (designated players) and that’s why they’ve played in World Cups and some of the biggest games. Obviously, you’re going to miss that quality, but that’s no excuse not to play your game and not to play the game the way it should be played. I thought that in the second half, we got a little ripping into and we came out much stronger."
After a dismal effort against Montreal in their last home contest, it looked like the Caps had consumed a steady diet of World Cup videos. The hosts’ passing was much more precise, particularly in the first half, and they played with a level of confidence at the back, sending the ball forward calmly so that Morales would work his major.
They also displayed a strong work ethic that will be critical heading into the second half of the season. With the one-month international transfer window opening Wednesday, changes are coming to Vancouver’s lineup, but moves – aside from expensive reserve midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker’s likely departure – will be kept to a minimum.
What you see of the club now is mostly what you’ll get, with the possible exception of a veteran world-class striker who can score consistently.
"If we’re going to go with a young group of players, which we are, then one thing we can’t do is let other teams outwork us,” Robinson said. “The youth and exuberance and enthusiasm that young players have (must) be infectious all over the pitch.”
They were were Saturday, and Vancouver’s belief was also evident in all parts of the field. But that confidence will need to be prevalent often if the Caps are going to qualify again for the playoffs after missing the post-season in 2013, because the core of players will not change drastically.
“Get used to watching the young players,” said Robinson.
Notes: Robinson praised Reo-Coker, who was steady as a second-half substitute in what might have been his final game with the Whitecaps. The former English Premier League star is being paid $400,000 this season, but he does not play enough to justify that salary.
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Sebastian Fernandez scored the game’s lone goal in the 12th minute as the Caps down the MLS-leading Seattle Sounders 1-0.
Vancouver (6-3-7) ended a two-game winless while Seattle (11-4-2) suffered its first loss in four games.
But, as Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson indicated afterwards, the win was about more than three points in the standings. It was about belief – belief that the young Caps could compete with the best team in the league, even if it was missing five key players, including American international Clint Dempsey, to World Cup duty, yellow-card accumulation and injuries.
“The two halves were totally different,” Robinson said. “The first half, we were excellent in possession. Our passing movement was what I’ve been accustomed seeing in training (and) in the first 10, 12 games of the season – and the second half was just about all those things: grit, desire and heart.
“The reason I said Seattle are the best team in Major League Soccer before the game is because they hang in there even when things are going against them. They’re always there and they’re about, (despite) being one goal behind, and they’ve done that again today. We’ve gotta learn that as a young group. As I said to them, it’s not going to happen overnight. But with performances like this and learning situations like this, we’ll be better for it.”
With the win, the Caps also ended a two-game goal-less skid, after a 0-0 home draw with Montreal and a 2-0 loss in Colorado. Fernandez, a 24-year-old Uruguayan who is in his season with Vancouver, scored from about 30 yards out after taking a pass from Chilean midfield maestro Pedro Morales, who was at his sublime best.
"Pedro gave a good ball to me," the Spanish-speaking Fernandez said through an interpreter. "I turned with the ball and there was space. I've practised it in close. It was a good opportunity. I just tried to shoot."
But, ultimately, the game was about defence. While Seattle was missing Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, who shared fifth place in league scoring before Saturday’s games, the Caps were without (injured) top central defenders Jay DeMerit (ankle) and Andy O’Brien (hip).
However, Vancouver’s Johnny Leveron and Carlyle Mitchell delivered stellar performances in their place, while Steven Beitashour was his steady self at right back and Jordan Harvey stood out at left back with several blocked shots, tackles and interceptions.
"I think the guys were hungry," said Seattle midfielder Brad Evans of his team's effort. "It took us a little while to get in the game, and all it was in the first half was not holding the ball up front. It makes it difficult to play the way that we want to play, and get our forwards and outside wingers involved. It was a difficult day for us in the first 35-40 minutes. After that, I feel we settled in the second half, played much better challenging for balls.
"Obviously, the guys that were missing are game-changers, that’s why they’re (designated players) and that’s why they’ve played in World Cups and some of the biggest games. Obviously, you’re going to miss that quality, but that’s no excuse not to play your game and not to play the game the way it should be played. I thought that in the second half, we got a little ripping into and we came out much stronger."
After a dismal effort against Montreal in their last home contest, it looked like the Caps had consumed a steady diet of World Cup videos. The hosts’ passing was much more precise, particularly in the first half, and they played with a level of confidence at the back, sending the ball forward calmly so that Morales would work his major.
They also displayed a strong work ethic that will be critical heading into the second half of the season. With the one-month international transfer window opening Wednesday, changes are coming to Vancouver’s lineup, but moves – aside from expensive reserve midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker’s likely departure – will be kept to a minimum.
What you see of the club now is mostly what you’ll get, with the possible exception of a veteran world-class striker who can score consistently.
"If we’re going to go with a young group of players, which we are, then one thing we can’t do is let other teams outwork us,” Robinson said. “The youth and exuberance and enthusiasm that young players have (must) be infectious all over the pitch.”
They were were Saturday, and Vancouver’s belief was also evident in all parts of the field. But that confidence will need to be prevalent often if the Caps are going to qualify again for the playoffs after missing the post-season in 2013, because the core of players will not change drastically.
“Get used to watching the young players,” said Robinson.
Notes: Robinson praised Reo-Coker, who was steady as a second-half substitute in what might have been his final game with the Whitecaps. The former English Premier League star is being paid $400,000 this season, but he does not play enough to justify that salary.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Radim Vrbata looks foward to playing with Sedins
Radim Vrbata knows his life is about to become very different.
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
The new Vancouver Canucks winger is looking forward to playing in a hockey-mad Canadian market for the first time as an NHLer after signing as an unrestricted free agent following five seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a two-year, $10-million deal as the Canucks continued a rapid rebuilding effort under their new regime.
"Obviously, it'll be a big change here, coming from Phoenix," he said on a conference call Thursday. "But I'll adjust. I just have to be myself."
By being himself, Vrbata, a 33-year-old Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native, means that he must continue to score goals. He produced 20 goals and 31 assists in 2013-14 and has averaged 24 per season in his last six campaigns.
That goal average is not gaudy by any means, but it translates into scoring consistency in an era when snipers increasingly rare compared to decades gone by. Now, Vrbata must prove he can produce in a market where he will face much more media scrutiny and pressure than he did with the formerly struggling Coyotes franchise.
Vrbata described the chance to play in Canada as a dream come true, but said it was a "bonus" rather than a priority when he weighed offers from other clubs. He wanted to play for a good organization with good players.
The comment was applicable to both the Coyotes, who have had several challenges on and off the ice as well as a Canucks team that was comical, and often sad, under former coach John Tortorella and deposed general manager Mike Gillis last season.The Canucks missed the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons as Tortorella's antics (namely a suspension for trying to storm the Calgary Flames dressing room in January and several other questionable decisions) and the club's lack of depth (resulting from poor drafting and trades under Gillis) took their toll.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team."
- Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning on the signing of free agent Radim Vrbata and other recent moves
The juries (i.e. fans) are still out in both Phoenix and Vancouver, but Vrbata comment, and signing, are indications that the Canucks regaining some respectability under new president of hockey operations and general manager Jim Benning. Despite the fact that Linden and Gillis have not held the same posts with other NHL clubs, they have attracted top free agent talent in Vrbata and goaltender Ryan Miller and swung a Ryan Kesler trade to Anaheim that produced players (Nick Bonino and Luca Sbisa) for today and draft picks for the future -- among other highlights.
The sixth-overall selection of Calgary Hitmen winger Jake Virtanen, a prototypical power forward, was also an excellent choice. (He should easily recover from off-season shoulder surgery.)
Vrbata is looking forward to playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who should recover from an injury-plagued season in which they took on more defensive responsibilities than usual.
"If you play with the Sedins, you know you'll get your chances," he said.
Benning sidestepped the question of whether he promised Vrbata that he would have a chance to play with the Sedins, saying that decision was ultimately up to new coach Willie Desjardins. However, Benning noted that Vrbata's presence gives the Canucks the option of moving Alex Burrows, who enjoyed considerable success with the twins before he had a goal-starved, injury-plagued 2013-14 campaign, to the second line.
Burrows, he added, can make the second line better.
"Now, we have depth at the forward positions where everybody can contribute to the team," said Benning.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today."
- New Vancouver Canucks winger Radim Vrbata on the chance of playing with Daniel and Henrik Sedin
Ultimately, the games on the ice will prove him right or wrong. But he made a good point as the Canucks prepare to battle in an an ultra-competitive Western Conference..
Last season, it was telling that the Canucks never recovered when journeyman forward Mike Santorelli was sidelined for the duration of a career year (28 points in 49 games) with a shoulder injury. The Canucks, Benning acknowledged, chose Vrbata, who has 215 goals and 249 assists in 796 career regular-season games, because they felt he was a better scorer than the younger Santorelli, 28.
Benning also acknowledged that the Canucks came to terms with Vrbata on the second day of free agency after some other potential deals didn't work out when the frenzy began July 1 after new rules allowed negotiations to begin a few days in advance.
Vrbata, who has a young family, said it was hard it was hard to leave Phoenix, but it was evident that the chance to play with the Sedins was a key, if not determining factor, in his decision.
"I feel when you have chemistry with somebody, that helps so much today," he said.
Notes: Vrbata has also played for Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa Bay. ... Santorelli signed a one-year, $1.35-million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. ... Vrbata played junior in Canada, with Hull (now Gatineau) and Shawinigan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. ... Now that Kesler has left, Vrbata has a chance to retain No. 17 in Vancouver after he wore the same number in Phoenix. Such a move would only heighten comparisons between the two forwards. ... Benning will concentrate on re-signing the team's restricted free agents, including defenceman Chris Tanev, this week and then see how much money he has left for more UFAs.
Follow me on Twitter @montestewart
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Whitecaps-Impact draw pales in comparison to FIFA World Cup
Carl Robinson could not be accused of putting a positive spin on his team's performance Wednesday night.
The Vancouver Whitecaps coach was less than impressed with their showing in a 0-0 draw with the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night.
The sellout crowd of 21,000 went home unhappy, even though the Caps (5-2-7) remained unbeaten in eight games after struggling against the Impact (2-7-5), who share last place overall in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA.
"It wasn't very enjoyable watching it, was it?" Robinson asked rhetorically. "I didn't enjoy watching it, and I think the players didn't enjoy playing in it. Bad day at the office,l I think we call it, and take a point. I think we're happy for a point. They could have won it. I think we could have won it."
Robinson said the Whitecaps, playing their first game after the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup, did not play up to the standard that they have displayed this season. He is in favour of not playing any games during the World Cup, which is continuing. Watching this game after viewing the 0-0 draw between France and Ecuador earlier in the day was like going from a pro game to a high school contest.
Since there was little to talk about in the game, other than the outstanding goalkeeping of Vancouver's David Ousted, Robinson broached a couple of subjects that merit further discussion. He is in favour of MLS not playing any games during the World Cup, and that is an idea that should be seriously considered -- just to avoid negative comparisons between North America's top professional circuit and the rest of the planet.
The NHL takes a break during the Olympics for obvious reasons. Most of the top players suit up for their countries in the Games. The same would not be the case for MLS players, because relatively few get called up to their national sides.
"There's arguments from both sides -- I think there really is," said Robinson of the decision to halt or continue MLS games during the World.een gr "It's been great watching the World Cup. The players have enjoyed watching the World Cup. It's hard to get back (after the break.) That's the reality. Constantly training players during the break, come September (and) October, then they get tired, then you haven't given them enough time off.
"When you find the answer, let me know, because figure (the solution) out, let me know, because I'm sitting and trying to figure out what it is."
One solution to brightening Wednesday's drudgery would be to decide the game in a shootout. In other words: Penalty kicks.
As the World Cup and other international events show, there is no shortage of suspense when a game is decided, after extra time, by penalties. A shootout would add more drama to a sport that, outside of playoffs, still welcomes draws. Few, if any, other sports in the world still allow ties to count in the standings.
Soccer prefers to hang on to a tradition that is badly out of date. Players might hate shootouts, and reporters on deadline are not overly fond of them, but fans would welcome them, and they would make a difference in the standings, since soccer awards three points for a win and one for a tie. Keeping the points system the same, but giving a point to the losing squad, as in hockey, would be a positive move.
Unlike in hockey, if winning teams get three points and losers get one, shootout wins in soocer would enable teams to gain clear separation from their rivals and make a significant difference in playoff positions. The possibility of going to the shootout, and only getting one point instead of three, would also motivate teams to seek wins in regulation time.
If a shootout were available, Wednesday's snoozer at B.C. Place Stadium would have been easily avoided, and Vancouver Whitecaps fans would have gone home entertained.
The Vancouver Whitecaps coach was less than impressed with their showing in a 0-0 draw with the Montreal Impact on Wednesday night.
The sellout crowd of 21,000 went home unhappy, even though the Caps (5-2-7) remained unbeaten in eight games after struggling against the Impact (2-7-5), who share last place overall in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA.
"It wasn't very enjoyable watching it, was it?" Robinson asked rhetorically. "I didn't enjoy watching it, and I think the players didn't enjoy playing in it. Bad day at the office,l I think we call it, and take a point. I think we're happy for a point. They could have won it. I think we could have won it."
Robinson said the Whitecaps, playing their first game after the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup, did not play up to the standard that they have displayed this season. He is in favour of not playing any games during the World Cup, which is continuing. Watching this game after viewing the 0-0 draw between France and Ecuador earlier in the day was like going from a pro game to a high school contest.
Since there was little to talk about in the game, other than the outstanding goalkeeping of Vancouver's David Ousted, Robinson broached a couple of subjects that merit further discussion. He is in favour of MLS not playing any games during the World Cup, and that is an idea that should be seriously considered -- just to avoid negative comparisons between North America's top professional circuit and the rest of the planet.
The NHL takes a break during the Olympics for obvious reasons. Most of the top players suit up for their countries in the Games. The same would not be the case for MLS players, because relatively few get called up to their national sides.
"There's arguments from both sides -- I think there really is," said Robinson of the decision to halt or continue MLS games during the World.een gr "It's been great watching the World Cup. The players have enjoyed watching the World Cup. It's hard to get back (after the break.) That's the reality. Constantly training players during the break, come September (and) October, then they get tired, then you haven't given them enough time off.
"When you find the answer, let me know, because figure (the solution) out, let me know, because I'm sitting and trying to figure out what it is."
One solution to brightening Wednesday's drudgery would be to decide the game in a shootout. In other words: Penalty kicks.
As the World Cup and other international events show, there is no shortage of suspense when a game is decided, after extra time, by penalties. A shootout would add more drama to a sport that, outside of playoffs, still welcomes draws. Few, if any, other sports in the world still allow ties to count in the standings.
Soccer prefers to hang on to a tradition that is badly out of date. Players might hate shootouts, and reporters on deadline are not overly fond of them, but fans would welcome them, and they would make a difference in the standings, since soccer awards three points for a win and one for a tie. Keeping the points system the same, but giving a point to the losing squad, as in hockey, would be a positive move.
Unlike in hockey, if winning teams get three points and losers get one, shootout wins in soocer would enable teams to gain clear separation from their rivals and make a significant difference in playoff positions. The possibility of going to the shootout, and only getting one point instead of three, would also motivate teams to seek wins in regulation time.
If a shootout were available, Wednesday's snoozer at B.C. Place Stadium would have been easily avoided, and Vancouver Whitecaps fans would have gone home entertained.
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