Vancouver Whitecaps destroy Toronto FC in first MLS match-up
The Vancouver Whitecaps celebrated their historic first game in Major League Soccer by shredding Toronto FC 4-2 at home in front of a national television audience Saturday afternoon.
In bright sunshine at Vancouver's sold-out Empire Field after initial fears of rain proved groundless, and with a stunning mountain backdrop, Caps striker Eric Hassli scored two goals en route to a humbling of the only other Canadian MLS franchise.
After Hassli's, and the Whitecaps', first-ever MLS goal 15 minutes into the first half, Toronto drew even when Dwayne De Rosario surprised Caps keeper Jay Nolly from in front just a few minutes later. But Terry Dunfield beat TFC stopper Stefan Frei soon after to cap off an exciting three-goal, 11-minute stretch of play. The hometown midfielder earned a yellow card for leaping into a crowd of frenzied supporters after his tally.
Less than 20 minutes into the second half, the Caps pulled ahead 3-1 after a misplayed cross fell in the penalty area at the feet of Atiba Harris, who struck the gift home off Frei's outstretched hand. Harris later made the TFC keeper look good after he blasted the ball off his right shoulder on a breakaway.
Hassli scored his second after a burst of speed saw him outpace TFC defenders down the middle, collect the ball from unmarked midfielder Wes Knight, and stroke an easy goal past a hapless Frei.
The best strike of the game, from Maicon Santos, beat Nolly by his right post from just inside the penalty area and pulled Toronto within two, but that was the best the eastern rival could manage.
The win gave Vancouver three points and a share of first place in the MLS Western Conference with the L.A. Galaxy.
Comments
4 Comments
glen p robbins
Mar 20, 2011 at 9:54am
As a former round baller of some standard -- I watched the game on television, and although it is not as good as English Premier and similar games, this was much much better than the former Vancouver soccer which I had trouble sitting through.
Although there was too much unnecessary loss of possession, the class was definitely there, the standard was very enjoyable - the play was very tough - the referee let the boys play - and there was no girly rolling around in fake pain that we see from the southern Europeans and Latins that make soccer deplorable--and rugby the game to watch.
The goals scored were excellent finish - some of the passing brilliant--as good as English league--Hassli's first finish was great - Dunfield's goal was first rate - on an excellent pass from a midfielder whose name I can't recall but who made some brilliant passes including the one for Dunsfield's marker.
My first impression based on this game - the whole look A-. I will look to watch the next game and would definitely buy tickets to see a game based on this presentation.
Peter F
Mar 20, 2011 at 2:39pm
Being at the game, it was amazing. When first arriving at our seats, we were faced with the plastic bags with ponchos in them. The stadium announcer continued to call for us to put on the poncos to make empire field a sea of white. No one seemed to want to follow this contrived "team spirit". On the 15 min, when Hassli scored the caps inaugural goal, the Fans in the Southsider section decided to show the cap management what to do with this contrived spirit. The hail of ponchos was a statement that the fans will sing and cheer without these cheep plastic gimmics.
Hearing the "Whiiiiiiite" "Caaaaaaapss" cheer bounce back and forth from the east and west stands, the multiple organic cheers, and the relentless singing took me back to my youth and the old NASL days. It also make me yearn for natural and organic fan support at the Canuck games. Yes we cheer for goals, or the occasional "Go Canucks Go" or the lame "Insert opponents goalie name here" taunt. The few games I attend, seem more like at corporate retreat than a sporting event. With 18,000 folks in the same building, cheering the same team, should we not have fun, sing a few songs, and lose ourselves in the moment rather than having corporate orchastrated elan blasted through the stereo system.
Hopefully, some of the magic the rose from empire field can cast a spell on Rogers Arena in what we hope will be a long second season for the nucks.
Thank you Caps.
Therzo38
Mar 21, 2011 at 12:45pm
The club wasn't going for "contrived 'team spirit'" as a commenter above puts it. The ponchos would have helped create a visual atmosphere that would have looked amazing on television and to those of us in the crowd.
The people running the Whitecaps FC are almost all people that have been around the game a lot longer than most Vancouver fans. They know that a true team spirit grows organically; as we saw happen this weekend. It would have been pretty cool if everyone wore white or put on the ponchos at least for a while.
I don't think most people were sending a message other than celebration when they threw the still-packed ponchos on to the field. Hell, I threw a couple that made their way down to my seats.
Now,the Canucks rev up false team spirit by trying to make fans get loud. Unfortunately, most hockey fans are so lame and reserved they need this.
If you want a real experience and atmosphere within a crowd, soccer/football is the way to go!
Pauly
Mar 21, 2011 at 2:26pm
Just turn the stupid screen off at Rogers Arena, most the people spend half the game watching it instead of following the action. And just maybe, get off your arse when the Canucks score instead of txting some stupid facebook update
Whitecaps rock!