MLS Match Review - Vancouver Whitecaps vs LA Galaxy

After a disappointing 3-1 loss in their home opener, the Vancouver Whitecaps continued their 2020 Major League Soccer season down in Los Angeles to play the LA Galaxy. The Caps poor performance in their opener combined with it being Javier Hernandez’s first home match, many fans were predicting a loss for the Caps. However, Vancouver look much better in their second match and were able to leave Los Angeles with a victory.

Marc Dos Santos made three changes to the lineup that started opening night, substituting in Andy Rose at center back for Derek Cornelius, to provide some experience, along with newcomer Janio Bikel at right back for the injured Jake Nerwinski and Tosaint Rickeets for the flu-ridden Yordy Reyna.

Vancouver looked much stronger in this match, being able to link the offense with the defense better. The clubs went back and forth for a good portion of the match, with the change really coming after the 67th minute when MLS Super Draft pick Ryan Raposo was substituted in for Cristian Dajome. Wow, what a difference the young Canadian made in his debut!

The Caps were able to break the 0-0 draw in the 74th minute, thanks to a lovely little scoop-pass from Raposo to Adnan, who ran to the byline, reminiscent of Milinkovic from the first match, and then passed it back into the middle to Ricketts who slotted it home.

One minute later, Vancouver were gifted with a second yellow card to Galaxy’s Joe Corona, bringing LA down to 10 men for the remainder of the match. Vancouver had a chance to put the match away in the 86th minute when Ricketts was clipped in the box and the club was awarded a penalty kick. It appeared like Lucas Cavallini would get his first goal (that counts) for his new club, but he was thwarted by Bingham.

Luckily, the Whitecaps were able to hold on, after seven minutes of stoppage time, and head back to Vancouver with a 1-0 road victory.

Initial Thoughts

Marc Dos Santos made three changes to the lineup for Saturday and they all made positive impacts on the match. I can’t believe I am saying this but, Russel Teibert and Andy Rose had an excellent match and were deserving nominees for Man of the Match.

Janio Bikel looked great in his first game as a Whitecaps. He is fast and has a good work rate. I am excited to see what he can bring going forward. Meanwhile, Milinkovic was less dynamic in his second match, while Dajome was good but not great. Vancouver needs to get a bit more from their wingers.

We saw the debut of Owusu and Raposo. Both looked good, and earned some additional playing time, especially Raposo. I could go on about Ryan but I will leave that to you in the comments.

Those are my initial thoughts, but what about you? What stood out for you positively and negatively? What do you expect for the Caps next match against Colorado?