A while ago, Lexus came out with an ad campaign focusing on “moments.” It’s actually rather well done as far as car commercials go. I’m sure you remember it…images of smiling faces, forlorn looks and miraculous events flash by while some guy reads a sweetly written poem about how we all experience these moments.
The Whitecaps happened to experience a few of those this past week versus the Colorado Rapids. High moments, low moments, hopeful moments and desperate moments all made appearances as the Caps saw their unbeaten streak to start the 2014 MLS season come to an end.
In the interest of delivering the good news first, let’s start with the high moments.
Darren Mattocks scored. Good on the young man from Jamaica as he really has done all he can to help his team this season, except score. Sure it took a number of golden opportunities, both in this game and in games prior, but hopefully the goal is something he can build on moving forward. It’s great to see him run miles and set up his teammates but let’s face it: the man is here to score.
Another bright spot, despite two goals allowed, was that goalkeeper David Ousted continued his strong play. He wasn’t tested often but was steady when required – taking command of his area and making a couple of key saves. The goals against were of the rather spectacular variety, so it’s tough to fault the Dane.
After establishing a 1-nil lead in the second half (off Mr. Mattocks’ tally) the stage was set for team’s dream start to continue. Carl Robinson and the Whitecaps faithful held a moment of hope, albeit rather briefly.
A missed foul by referee Ionnis Stavridis led to Mattias Laba being sent off. The Caps midfielder, who, assuming a call would be made, corralled the ball with his hand before rising to his feet. It would prove to be a moment of regret and stupidity for the Argentinian as his team was left to play with 10 men.
Shortly after the red card, Rapids midfielder José Mari supplied BC Place with a moment of pure brilliance. Suddenly without Laba’s stifling defensive work, the Whitecaps left Mari with ample time and space – enough time and space, in fact, to deliver two candidates for goal of the week.
His first tally was nothing short of exquisite – setting himself up with a flick just outside the penalty area to the right of Ousted, he curled a left-footed strike with plenty of pace around the Whitecaps’ goalkeeper. The ball would carom sweetly off the post and in, drawing the Colorado Rapids even.
Just two minutes later, with the Whitecaps again struggling to deal with being a man down, Mari shocked all in attendance with a second goal. A perfectly placed shot after Nathan Sturgis delivered him the ball left the audience stunned.
The Rapids would watch time run down as the Caps tried to find a miracle goal and salvage a draw. The final moments were futile; try as they might, the home team was unable to muster much of an attack while outmanned.
The loss leaves the Whitecaps in 3rd place in the competitive Western Conference, with a match upcoming this Saturday evening against the L.A. Galaxy in California. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm in case you’re interested in watching to see if the Caps can seize the moment to earn their first road victory of the season.