New York Red Bulls capsize against Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1
Mar 8, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales (77) celebrates after scoring a goal against New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
If the Titanic was an MLS football team, it would be the New York Red Bulls. If an iceberg was an MLS football team, it would be the Vancouver Whitecaps. If you know the story of the Titanic and the iceberg, you already know where this is going. If not, go do some research on this tragic event in world history that this likes of Celine Dion and Leonardo DiCaprio have sold out, then return.
(Of course, this is optional. Read on anyway.)
Under new manager Carl Robinson, the Welshman earned a dream start of his own: a 4-1 rout of Mike Petke’s Red Bulls at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. by the Caps. How did this happen? Well, these 6 Things We Learned might shed some light on the matter. Hopefully.
(Great, now I feel like watching that flick again. So 1990s…)
1. Miller Time in Vancouver
Scotsman Kenny Miller spearheaded the attack for Vancouver and he finished with authority, scoring goals in the 34th and 77th minutes. The former came off a penalty; the latter came off the run of play.
2. Sebastian Fernandez adds salt to the wound
In the the 50th minute, Sebastian Fernandez delivered a potential Goal of the Week, driving one past Luis Robles into the top right corner. Fernandez’s power and skill will be a major asset going forward for Vancouver.
3. Pedro Morales makes his mark
Another designated player for the Caps besides Miller made inroads on Saturday in British Columbia. Chilean international Pedro Morales scored in 89th minute with help from Nigel Reo-Coker. Earlier in the match, he earned an assist for Miller’s second goal.
4. Bradley Wright-Phillips salvages pride for New York
The Red Bulls didn’t come away empty-handed. In the first minute of stoppage time, Bradley Wright-Phillips, the younger brother of Shawn Wright-Phillips, scored off a cross that went past Whitecaps netminder David Ousted. Of course, if they had any pride remaining after this result, it was scant. With a capital S.
5. Watch out for the partnership of Reo-Coker and Laba
A partnership that will take time to gel but will be a force if it does is that of Nigel Reo-Coker and Matias Laba. The two of them teamed up for the first time and acquitted themselves as a combo, but it was Reo-Coker that did most of the heavy lifting on Saturday amongst the two.
6. No Thierry Henry equals No Hope for New York
The one player that would have bailed out the Red Bulls on Saturday was Thierry Henry and he was a scratch for the match. Without Henry’s ability, Tim Cahill was left to dry and there was no chance that he would be a factor in this game. Add insult to injury, Jamison Olave was scratched.
Who cares about the turf, Mike Petke? You play to win. Ask Herman Edwards.