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Whitecaps mobilize its 12th man to defeat Toronto
Vancouver Whitecaps win MLS debut over Toronto
Vancouver
BC::
Vancouver Whitecaps made an
impressive start to its
inaugural MLS season with a
decisive 4-2 victory over
Toronto FC. The game was played
before a sold out crowd of
22,592 here at Empire Field last
Saturday.
The Whitecaps rode the rhythm of
an energetic home crowd in a
highly entertaining match in
which the partisan crowd got its
money worth in thrills and
chills, after it was realized
that their Whitecaps four-goal
offensive outburst, did not make
them a clear cut winner.
The spotted Toronto FC
supporters on hand also had a
few joyous moments, but
unfortunately those moments were
half as much as the Whitecaps
fans enjoyed. The historic game
was yet another bench mark in
the winning tradition of the
Vancouver Whitecaps franchise
history as Designated Player
Eric Hassli registered the first
Vancouver Whitecaps goal while
Dwayne De Rosario’s scoring
mastery continues as he put a
halt to the Whitecaps extended
celebration which also included
a stoppage in play.
But captain cook did spoil their fun somewhat as TFC Captain De Rosario broke free down the right side to score the Reds equalizer to silence the crowd. Then it was announced that De Rosario’s goal was the 8,000 goal in MLS history.
The stoppage in play
occurred when Whitecaps FC
fans threw their packages of
white ponchos which they had
received from the team onto
the pitch as part Eric
Hassli historic first goal
celebration. It was a break
which I am sure worked well
into the Whitecaps player’s
game plan.
It was also a moment in
which the Whitecaps
management could have
reflected on their years of
investment and the positive
way in which the city and
the team had reacted from
their two years wait to play
in the MLS after acceptance.
Though the stats sheet shows
De Rosario’s goal as being
scored five minutes after
the Whitecaps historic first
goal, the time which had
elapsed was much shorter due
to the celebration stoppage
of the Whitecaps as the
clock continued to tick.
Vancouver capitalized on Toronto
questionable flank coverage to
regain the lead, when Chiumiento was
allowed to dribble through the TFC
left side to set up Terry Dunfield’s
who in turn beat Frei with a low
shot to the last post for a 2-1
lead.
What little ponchos were left was
thrown onto the field for Dunfield’s
goal and a very exciting first half
of soccer ended with 5 minutes of
extra time added on. The first MLS
game in Vancouver was providing a
high level of soccer and excellent
weather.
After
two days of rain and overcast
condition prior to the game, the sun
appeared two hours before kick off.
This set the stage for an
electrifying atmosphere at Empire
Field Stadium where the city came
out in white to support its new MLS
franchise.
The fact that the Whitecaps never
trailed in the contest made life a
lot easier for the Whitecaps
faithful but they were aware that
Toronto was pushing forward in
search of the equalizer before the
half.
However, Toronto lack of confidence on the ball was Vancouver’s gain. Harris opened up a 3-1 lead in the 63rd minute when he converted on a Russell Teibert corner kick which found its way to the steady midfielder.
Toronto
struggled to get into a rhythm, and
while swiveling the ball beautifully
across its back four there was no
movement in the central midfield
position to create alternative
plays. Hence the Reds flank plays
were predictable and getting the
ball to the byline was extremely
difficult.
Vancouver went ahead 4-1 in the 72nd minute when Hassli score his second of the game to set up an embarrassing situation for Toronto FC to be blown out. The fact that Hassli scored in an empty net from a 2 and 1 breakaway on goalkeeper Frei did not help the situation either.
But give Toronto FC credit. At a time when many teams would have folded, the Reds responded with a Maicon Santos scored in the 74th minute. Maicon’s goal was a bullet from just outside the area to the left.
His left footed cannon whisk pass goalkeeper Joy Nolly who did not even have time to think far less move. It was undoubtedly the goal of the game, but the Vancouver four goals were enough as the 'Caps rode the momentum of its home crowd to win 4-2 in its MLS debut.
Vancouver travels to play Philadelphia while the Reds will have to make defensive adjustment to face the expansion Portland Timbers at BMO this Saturday at 2pm.
Whitecaps coach cautiously optimistic against Toronto FC
In what will be Major League Soccer (MLS) first ever all Canadian clash, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coach Teitur Thordarson's has been cautiously optimistic when talking about his team's chances against the restructured Toronto FC at Empire Field on Saturday afternoon. Under new head coach and Technical Director Aron Winter, Toronto's 4-year franchise will be severely tested by their arch rivals. If Whitecaps has an edge it will be in its team chemistry from building around its USSL Division 2 team of last season before its home crowd. Stay Tuned!
MLS opens with TFC vs Vancouver
On Saturday March 19, 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps will face Toronto FC to open their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS), and will have the luxury of playing in front of their energetic home crowd at Empire Stadium in Downtown Vancouver
Though the Whitecaps may have a few nervous energies to start their first match in the MLS, it may be safe to say that Toronto FC under new coach Aron Winter will have their share of anxieties depending on the run of play and final score of the game.
Toronto FC has a front loaded 2011 MLS schedule and will be playing at BMO Field regularly towards the early part of the season. With 4 years seniority advantage over the Whitecaps in the MLS, Toronto FC is favored to gain a positive result on Saturday.
However, Toronto preseason record is 2-5-2 while Vancouver is 4-5-2. Vancouver has nothing to lose besides in a mere opening match of its first MLS season, and is in the driver’s seat, while Toronto FC has a lot to lose especially as the defending Nutrilite Canadian champions.
Whitecaps FC can suffice its home fans with a close final score and a good competitive performance while the Reds and coach Winter may have to win on Saturday to show that the organization has made the right choices after making full scale changes in the off season.
After accepting Toronto FC as the first Canadian franchise in 2007, the American run MLS league has opened its doors to its northern neighbors by including Vancouver for its 2011 season and allowing Montreal Impact to debut as the third Canadian team in 2012.
Toronto FC has made the MLS and Canada proud through its ability to market the sport of soccer in Toronto and Canada, while Vancouver Whitecaps is a safe bet to be a successful Canadian franchises in the MLS based on its experience as a soccer city.
Vancouver has the experience, expertise and a history of winning championships, while Toronto FC has proven that one can also be a very quick learner with savvy business skills to survive in the soccer industry.
While TFC has been promoted as the blue print for soccer franchises in North America, the Reds has found it extremely difficult to facilitate the number one fans in the league by making the MLS playoffs since its inception.
In trying to change the tides for the 2011 season, the Reds organization has made household changes in the off season and hired former German soccer star and now business consultant Jurgen Klinsmann who in turn brought in Dutchman Aron Winter as the coach.
The Reds much publicized problem of the past is an area in which Vancouver is miles ahead. TFC set up its operation based on a 1-man show with Mo Johnson holding all the cards on all important soccer decisions.
During his TFC tenure Mo Johnson was the Coach, Technical Director, General Manager, and Director of
Soccer Operations in an inexperience franchise to soccer. In contrast, Vancouver Whitecaps has been in existence since 1974 and played in the USSF Division II League in 2010.
Combined with a rich soccer history, winning is also part of the Whitecaps tradition. Whitecaps FC won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship IN 1979 and from 1987 to 1992, won 4 straight CSL titles as a member of the Canadian Soccer League.
Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won 2 United Soccer Leagues 1st Division championships and two USL W-League championships. The Whitecaps has playing facilities, and will be moving from Empire Field where they will open the season to the new BC Place Stadium in early October.
However, not to be totally overlooked, Toronto FC has won back to back Nutrilite Canadian Championships in 2009-2010 over the likes of Montreal Impact and these same Vancouver Whitecaps and should not be taken lightly, in spite of its growing pains.
With a big difference in the history of these two franchises, there is no doubt that both coaches Aron Winter and Teitur Thordarson of the Whitecaps will be going to win the game on Saturday. Tune in on Saturday on TSN at 6:30PM, to watch Canada’s biggest soccer cities do battle.
Whitecap experience in the business should be its biggest asset, but watching at the two team’s off season player acquisition and requirement preference I think only Saturday will tell which tale of the tapes holds the advantage.
Stay Tuned right here, for more updates on the Whitecaps and Toronto FC clash direct from Vancouver.....Stay Tuned for more pictures!
