Report Card: Whitecaps vs Galaxy

Octavio Rivero : B

It's a familiar storyline. Octavio Rivero played well and had a couple of chances but couldn't find the back of the net. He combined well with Nico Mezquida and Cristian Techera several times, putting a volley on goal and almost connecting with a header. It was always going to be a battle to generate more chances with only 10 men, so it would be harsh to ream out Rivero for continuing his scoreless streak on this occasion. However, it's only a matter of time before his goalscoring woes plant him on the bench and down the pecking order.

Nicolas Mezquida : A

The "Mosquito" buzzed all evening. Nico was arguably Vancouver's best outfield player. He made up the attacking ground vacated by Pedro Morales (and even played a couple of long balls reminiscent of the Whitecaps' captain) - who went off injured in the 19th minute - while also helping out on the defensive front before and after Matias Laba's red card.

Fraser Aird : B-

The Galaxy clearly singled out the Caps' inexperienced fullback as a potential weak point, but Aird acquitted himself well. Though a few crosses got by him, neither Sebastien Lleget nor Emmanuel Boateng found an easy way past the young Canadian. He may not have won over all his critics yet, but Aird is steadily improving. He's certainly making a case for Robbo to keep him as the starting right back ahead of Jordan Smith (if Smith's horror-tackle and overall dreadful performance in Kansas City wasn't reason enough already).

David Ousted : A+

The Whitecaps have the best goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. If points were given out as tangible objects, Vancouver's one from Saturday night would be firmly in the Great Dane's pocket.

Kekuta Manneh* : F

Hopefully, that performance was a symptom of injury. Hopefully. Manneh was absolutely abysmal and not only gave LA two golden scoring opportunities (courtesy of dilly-dallying on the ball in the middle of the pitch) but created the situation that led to Matias Laba's red card. First, he let his man (Robbie Rogers) get by him with relative ease, then when Jordan Harvey won the ball back, Manneh put Laba under pressure (and didn't warn him of the man - Magee - just behind him) with a pass into midfield. Granted, the Gambian-American was only on the pitch for 43 minutes, but it was alarming how little of the talent and excitement that Manneh usually brings to the team was on display.

*Mark also applies to Carl Robinson's decision to start Manneh despite his persistent injury and lack of form.