Caps Claim Second MLS Victory Against Philadelphia Union

Finally the second MLS victory has come. After 14 very long games of draws and losses, the Vancouver Whitecaps clicked together, providing a great attacking display while also stopping the Philadelphia Union from scoring. While the match ended 1-0 at the Empire, the Caps had plenty of chances which could've/should've been scored.

Just twelve minutes in, the Whitecaps found the winner they were searching for. It was a scintillating strike by Alain Rochat from the left side of the top of the box. The outside of his left foot curled a powerful strike past Philly keeper Mondragon, and into the far side of the goal. It was a stunning follow-up to Hassli's winner in Seattle.

The goal is breathtaking, beautiful, and anything else you can call it, but what I really appreciated was the build-up to the goal. It wasn't a punt up the field which fell to Rochat's left foot, it was passing through the defence, up into the midfield, some magic from Chiumiento who laid it off to Rochat. A total of eight passes, each one done in about two touches and smoothly on the ground. That's the way you play football/soccer. While I complained about his appointment at the beginning, I now see the work Tom Soehn is doing is bearing fruits, and I hope it continues.

The Whitecaps did a lot of things well against Philly. The team kept more possession and ultimately created a wealth of great goalscoring chances. But this is where they should've improved, in putting those chances away. Eric Hassli put a couple of great chances wide or over the net, and when Nizar Khalfan was presented with an open net he was unable to tuck it away. Jeb Brovsky tried to dribble in front of the goal, when a shot would've provided him with a simple goal. These things shouldn't be happening. Instead of a nail-biting 1-0 win, it should have been an easy 2-0 or even 3-0 victory.

While I whine and complain about the chances not scored, I have to state that the team played wonderfully. The fans also played a huge part in that, as they never stopped cheering on the Caps. Jay DeMerit as usual was brilliant in the heart of the defence, and Chiumiento was a sparkling presence creating plenty of chances. While Eric Hassli wasn't able to make his mark on the game, he dealt with the horrible reffing and nasty defenders well, not losing his temper.

While making the playoffs is still a distant possibility, it can happen thanks to this latest victory. What's more, after travelling to Kansas City and then Toronto for their next two MLS matches, they'll have a chance to win some silverware in the NCC final. While three victories is a hopeful prediction, I'm expecting the Caps to win the Nutrilite Canadian Championship along with the other match against Toronto FC.


What were your thoughts from the Caps's second MLS victory against Philadelphia? What are your predictions for the next three matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!