P osted by

Will Hitchcock ,

August 23, 2015

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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated FC Dallas 1-0 on a goal from Cristian Techera at BC place Saturday night, propelling them into top spot in the league with 45pts.



The Opening 45

Play was fairly even in the opening bit. The Whitecaps started off with a couple of harmless free kicks into the Dallas box. Both teams traded numerous runs down the wing, but crosses were either cleared away or easily claimed by the keepers. Dallas worked their attack up the middle and got an open look for a shot from distance that forced Ousted down and to his right to make the first noteworthy save. The Whitecaps mainly looked to send their attacking players through-balls or long-balls from around half, which only amounted to the Caps also getting off a decent shot.



The game shifted to mostly all Dallas down the left flank – making one wonder if they were targeting Beitashour. But, Vancouver managed well enough. The occasional Dallas attack off the right didn’t yield better results. However, the Caps were not dictating play, but rather trying to counter. Techera was given the first caution of the match mid-way through the first half as he flung his arm up into the face of a Dallas defender during an aerial challenge.



The best play came in the 32’. Off his left wing, Kekuta Manneh flashed across the top of the 18, the fans urging him to shoot, as he darted by 3 Dallas defenders, outpacing them until he reached an area clear to shoot - instead fired back across the box. His teammates had followed the play and Christian Techera latched onto the cross, guiding the ball with the foot of his trailing leg into the net to the amazement of all those in attendance.



Former Whitecap Atiba Harris (now playing as a defender) earned a yellow card for fouling Techera shortly thereafter. But, Techera kept his good play and work ethic up and the energy in the stadium picked up, too. Dallas kept attacking off the left, but started going route 1 soccer up the middle near the end of the half. A questionable free kick was awarded to FC Dallas in a dangerous position as Fabian Castillo made a long run from his own half and played a little one-two before tiring and hitting the ground. The wall blocked the free kick ironically, Beitashour, headed it away.



Vancouver ended the half with their own dangerous chance as Manneh created a 1v1 but couldn’t think what to do with the ball much to the dismay of the fans. Guys. Can you believe this #WhitecapsFC squad!? Incredible. @WhitecapsFC — Matthew B. (@MattBInYYC) August 23, 2015

The Second Half

The second half started slowly, with the ball going back and forth in the midfield. Laba and Techera showed good work ethic for the Caps. Dallas did not generate much. Techera made himself open and was setting up plays. Blas Perez who is usually a Caps killer was ineffective and subbed off for Akindele.



Around the 60th minute, Dallas started putting on the pressure and had sustained ball possession in the Caps’ end. Vancouver had so many men back it seemed like all they could do was counter attack. Captain Pedro Morales was replaced by Rosales in the 68’ and had many Vancouver fans wondering whether Carl Robinson’s tinkering would cost them the game again. Rosales was involved in a tough tackle 2 minutes in and that shook him up.



Caps players started cramping up, Jordan Harvey the first, made way for Christian Dean. Techera saw his night come to an end 10 minutes from full time. And Beitashour, who put in a solid effort, was also cramping up and showed signs of discomfort during the 5 minutes of stoppage time.



Man of the Match



Cristian Techera Vancouver Whitecaps Lineup



Formation: 4-2-3-1

David Ousted GK

Steven Beitashour DEF

Kendall Waston DEF

Tim Parker DEF

Jordan Harvey DEF

Matías Laba DM

Gershon Koffie DM

Cristian Techera MID

Pedro Morales MID

Kekuta Manneh MID

Octavio Rivero FWD



Substitutions



68'

Mauro Rosales ^

Pedro Morales v



78' Christian Dean ^

Jordan Harvey v



82'

Nicolás Mezquida ^

Cristian Techera v