After starting the season with one win and three draws in their first four matches at Empire Field the Whitecaps gave up a pair of second half goals as they lost their first match at home to FC Dallas by a score of 2-1. The Whitecaps opened the scoring in the first half on a header by Alain Rochat while FC Dallas responded with goals by defender George John and substitute Eric Avila. In addition to the Whitecaps losing for the first time at home it marked the first away victory for last year’s MLS Cup runners up.
The visitors from the south started off early as FC Dallas came up with the first chance on net when midfielder Andrew Jacobsen let loose a shot from inside the box that was blocked by Alain Rochat. The Whitecaps were able to calm things down and started controlling possession, having a 59-41 advantage through the first half. The Caps capitalized on the advantage in the 25th minute when Rochat headed the ball into the far post off a cross from Davide Chiumiento who now leads the league with five assists. FC Dallas had an opportunity to even the score on a penalty kick three minutes later when Rochat was called for a hand ball in the box but the kick was missed by David Ferreira as he shanked it wide to the left of the post.
A few minutes later FC Dallas was dealt a blow when their top player Ferreira went down with an injury from an apparent clean tackle by Jonathan Leathers. On the ensuing corner, FC Dallas opened their account with a header by defender George John that found the back of the net. The winning goal by FC Dallas came in the 83rd minute when Jair Benitez whipped a cross in that Milton Rodriguez was unable to handle but fell to Avila who took a couple of touches and fired a shot past Jay Nolly. The goalkeeper was unable to track the ball as he was screened on the shot by defender Blake Wagner who allowed the shot through his wickets. The Caps attempted to even the score but had a couple of their attempts deflected away from the net and were unable to produce any quality chances.
It was a similar story to the previous two games at Empire against the Revolution and Chivas where the Caps had the opportunity to put some distance on the scoreboard but couldn’t capitalize and finish their chances. Another troubling trend for the Whitecaps at home is that in games with the Revolution and today with FC Dallas, the Whitecaps open the scoring and are unable to hold the lead allowing their opponents to either draw or win the game late. With Eric Hassli picking up his fifth yellow of the season he will be unavailable against Vancouver’s next MLS opponent in one week as they visit Columbus to face the Crew. Their next game will be in four days as they travel to face next year’s entrant into MLS the Montreal Impact in the first leg semi-final of the Canadian Championship.
(image courtesy of Bob Frid/whitecapsfc.com)
