It wasn’t the type of game we’ve been accustomed to seeing at BC Place, but in the end our ‘Caps extended their unbeaten streak to eight games after playing to a 0-0 draw with Montreal Impact Wednesday night at BC Place.
So what did we learn?
Tale of two goalkeepers
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<b>Ousted comes up with a big reaction save in the fourth minute</b> |
One of Vancouver or Montreal could have very well come away with three points on Wednesday if it wasn’t for the men between the posts – and the posts themselves.
Though they had some help from the woodwork, goalkeepers David Ousted and Troy Perkins came up with some key saves to keep the game level.
This wasn’t a typical night of end-to-end soccer we’ve been treated to this season, but there were still some great chances at both ends of the park. Ousted made his best save of the night early on a defected Maxim Tissot shot that needed all of his reflexes to keep the ball out of the net.
Perkins, meanwhile, made three equally important saves in the second half off a Kekuta Manneh strike, Carlyle Mitchell header, and Pedro Morales free kick.
Both teams should be thanking their keepers for preserving a point for them.
Speedy trio
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<b>Highlights: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0-0 Montreal Impact</b> |
Like many people, I was excited to see speedsters Erik Hurtado, Darren Mattocks and Kekuta Manneh in the starting lineup together for the first time in official competition. Without a doubt, it’s one of the quickest forward lines in all of Major League Soccer and it got everyone’s attention coming into the game.
It certainly got Montreal’s contention and we have to give them credit for sitting back, taking away our space, and ultimately stifling our attack. Manneh, Mattocks and Hurtado each had sniffs at goal but were not a serious threat.
We have to remember that this was the first time the three players had started together and they’re still very young players. I believe this attacking lineup can and will work and I’m sure we’ll see it again at some point this season.
These are three of the most talented youngsters in the league who have power and pace. And they’ve each proven to be a handful for opposing defenders. It didn’t happen on this night, but even the best players in the world have their off-nights.
Busy stretch
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<b>Hear what Carl Robinson had to say after the match</b> |
After Whitecaps FC’s 3-3 draw with Philadelphia Union, head coach Carl Robinson said that he thought the league’s World Cup break came at the right time for his team. And despite Wednesday’s performance, he could still be right.
Wednesday’s match kicks off a busy stretch for the Blue and White, in which they will play six games in the span of four weeks. The ‘Caps are going to need to stay fresh and energized with so many games upcoming, and the World Cup break is going to help them to do that.
As Robinson noted, Wednesday’s match wasn’t up to the standards this team has set this season. But it was only one game and it’s over now. Hopefully the ‘Caps can shake off the rust and get back on track this weekend in Colorado.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets ($202), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
