Report Card: Vancouver Whitecaps vs LA Galaxy

That went south fast, didn't it? Within the first five minutes of play, the Whitecaps were already down one-nil, but really, it looked like they came out of the dressing room already behind on the scoreboard. The Galaxy played at what looked like to be 36% of their real capacity and that was sufficient to capitalize on their chances, keep the Whitecaps at bay and add an easy check to the wins column. The result was, in part due the Galaxy's play but a lot of it was also due to the Whitecaps's performances:

Mauro Rosales (B+): The Argentinean made his debut as a Whitecap on Saturday night after he was substituted in for Sebastian Fernandez at half time. Rosales made an immediate impact on the game, first on the right flank and then in a number 10 role behind the striker after he was moved more centrally. He communicated loudly with his new teammates, provided an element of physicality and experience, and he showed signs that should make the Vancouver faithful excited.

David Ousted (B): There was not a lot that the Danish goalkeeper could have done to prevent LA's goals on the night. When needed, he kept the Whitecaps in the game and the score line respectable.

Kekuta Manneh (C): The Gambian got his first start in a while and, while he wasn't horrific on the day, he once again displayed clear signs that he is a young player and that there is a lot of work to do before he can be considered a consistent starter in this league.

Steven Beitashour (C): Beitashour has been improving his form as the season has progressed. Last night, however, the Iranian international struggled to contain Landon Donovan allowing him to score at leisure in the first goal.

Russell Teibert (C-): Teibert provided a very solid performance last week against Chivas USA, however it seems that the Galaxy midfield proved too much for Russell who had difficulty keeping up with the fluidity and off the ball movement of the Galaxy.

Mehdi Ballouchy (C-): Ballouchy lined up next to Teibert in the defensive midfield position but the Moroccan fell short and looked out of position giving up several balls with inaccurate ball distribution.

Overall, it was a tough outing for the boys in Blue and White who suffered their fifth loss of the season. The good news, however, is the fact that they remain in fifth spot in the Western Conference and they still have their fate in their own hands. With the Portland Timbers coming to BC Place next week and with the Timbers hot on Vancouver's heels, it will make this Cascadia clash even more delicious.