VANCOUVER, B.C. – Despite a rash of injuries, the Vancouver Whitecaps finally posted their first shutout in Major League Soccer.
Unfortunately, it was a double shutout on Saturday, as they played out a 0-0 draw against Chivas USA.
“We created lots of chances but didn’t manage to score,” head coach Teitur Thordarson said. “It was the same problem Chivas had.”
WATCH: Full match highlights
Indeed, both teams struggled to finish their opportunities. Winger Wes Knight was the most active shooter for the ‘Caps on the day and could have had a hat trick had things gone differently.
“A lot of [the lack of scoring today] rests on my shoulders,” Knight said. “I had three great opportunities today — one off the post, one off the line and a header that nine times out of ten I should score. It’s the kind of thing where when it rains it pours. Either you’re going to miss opportunities or when they go in they’re going to come in bunches, but we’re happy to get our first shutout at home.”
Overall, though, Knight had a strong game and showed that he warrants time on the field.
“He played quite well,” Thordarson said. “He had some very good chances today and missed them, but that can happen. He is a very hardworking guy and that helps us a lot.”
Much credit for the shutout must also be given to the industry of Jeb Brovsky and Kevin Harmse, who were filling in for regular starters Terry Dunfield and Gershon Koffie in the center of midfield.
“It was a lot of work for Harmse and me, especially with them having five in the midfield,” Brovsky said. “But at the end of the game it opens up, and that’s where fitness comes in — and we trusted our fitness.”
Although they were disappointed not to get their first win since the season opener, the ‘Caps focused on the positives.
“It was a good performance,” goalkeeper Jay Nolly said. “We’ve been dying for a clean sheet to show that we’ve been working hard defensively and not letting in goals that we know we shouldn’t have. We put it together today and we were unfortunate not to break through on their end.”
