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Returning home after a long, long two weeks, the Vancouver Whitecaps brought their best against the top team in the league, defeating FC Dallas 3-0.
Though there were moments of unease early on, where the match could have gone south, but thanks to some outstanding performances (and some otherworldly goaltending), the 'Caps put together their best and most comprehensive team-effort so far this season.
David Ousted - A+
Made some phenomenal saves, whether they were on point-blank shots or ones from range. Even came up big when he didn't have to make a save, forcing shots to go high or wide when he was left all alone. There’s some Save of the Week material in there.
Kendall Waston/Tim Parker - C+
Standard fare from these two, clearing away anything in the box and looking rather comfortable in the back. Maybe a little too comfortable: I have no idea as to how both Fabian Castillo and Atiba Harris were both left alone after this CK clearance. Parker does get credit though for the flick that led to Harvey’s goal, however.
Fraser Aird/Jordan Harvey – B/B+
Stronger showing from Aird as his wing was battered but never bruised. And for Harvey, he just keeps doing his thing along the left flank. Oh, and netted his second goal of the season as a reward for his efforts.
Andrew Jacobson/Matías Laba – B
Were pressed hard into defending early on, though that was to be expected with Dallas’ attacking speed. However, the early pressure was weathered, with Laba in particular coming up with timely tackles. Jacobson was strong in retaining possession and never having to resort to dumping it up-field when distributing.
Cristian Techera/Kekuta Manneh – C+/B+
Along with Harvey, Manneh was a pest along the left side all night, and the two linked up well (with Blas Perez as the intermediary) in creating the final goal of the night. Techera was unlucky to not have netted one of his own, but just couldn’t get the ball away from his feet inside the penalty area.
Nicolás Mezquida – B+
Strong showing in the No. 10 spot, getting a couple of shots on net while distributing well. Credit as well in winning the secondary ball and feeding Manneh in the build-up to the own goal.
Octavio Rivero – C
Again, another quiet night up front as we were all hoping the "First Goal of the Season in Open Play" was going to be his. The effort is there, just not the results, which is unfortunate for the most results-oriented position on the pitch.