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Another week on the road, another frustrating decision for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who were stifled for most of the match by a tenacious New England Revolution team defense. We knew the home side would be revved up (eh? EH?) for their home opener, and the Whitecaps did keep them at bay, thanks to some fine defensive performances. The attack, especially in the transition was lacking for most of the match, with spark plugs like Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks finding themselves stymied again and again.
In any case, there were some standout individual performances on the afternoon; for the first time in recent memory, one of those positive ones belongs to Goalkeeper David Ousted.
- David Ousted A: The Danish goalkeeper has never really looked comfortable in a Vancouver kit, but he was easily the Whitecaps best player on the afternoon. Just five minutes into the contest, Ousted made a stop that should easily qualify for MLS save of the week. If he doesn't stop that, who knows if the 'Caps could've equalized. We've been tough on David here, so nice to see him have an oustanding match.
- Kenny Miller B: Playing for a contract, the veteran Miller has shown to be a pretty consistent scoring threat this season, though he hasn't found the back of the net since popping two in the first match of the season. Still, Miller had a few good chances for the 'Caps, and almost was able to get one home in first half stoppage time.
- Pedro Morales C+: He didn't get to play the full 90, but Morales injected some life into the 'Caps when he came on in the second half. He wasn't as electric as he was in the home opener (to be fair, that's something you could direct at any Whitecap), but he set up a couple of good chances.
- Nigel Reo-Coker/Matias Laba C: Under intense pressure from the Rev's midfield all match long, both Nigel Reo-Coker and Matias Laba looked rushed and unsure at times. As Rob Scott pointed out in his post-match report, for the second straight match, Reo-Coker offered up a turnover on a platter; he needs to be one of the best 'Caps on the pitch if this team is to succeed.
- Andy O'Brien B+: Used every inch of his 6'3 frame to win battles in the air all match long. With Jay DeMerit resting back home, O'Brien took command of the backline like a general, hopefully proving his second half 'yips' from 2013 are behind him.