VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps showed well in their match against the New England Revolution at BC Place on Saturday but came away empty-handed, going down in a frustrating 2-1 loss in a match that promised them much more reward.
Despite outshooting the visitors 17 to 8, and controlling the game with 63.5 percent possession, the difference between the two teams was how clinical they were in front of goal.
New England's chances were few, but they took them with aplomb, whereas Vancouver squandered the numerous excellent opportunities which they created.
"The performance was excellent. The result is disappointing," 'Caps coach Carl Robinson mused after the match. "I have a disappointed bunch of players in there. We didn't get what we deserved today. We deserved to win the game, but it's what you do in both boxes."
Lengthy breaks from MLS action have been something of a momentum killer for the Vancouver Whitecaps in recent seasons. It's been a familiar story that, for whatever reason, the 'Caps have looked sluggish when they've returned to the pitch after some time off and they come away with the loss.
It was a trait they were keen not to repeat, and although they put in a more high paced and pressing performance, it was the same result at the end of it. But with a Canadian Championship final first leg coming up in Toronto on Tuesday, Robinson felt the 'Caps could at least take some positives from the defeat.
"We had a number of players missing," Robinson added. "The guys that came in stepped up their levels. I thought we were excellent, but we lost.
"The disappointing thing is what we did in both boxes. We conceded two goals, we scored one, we had a number of chances, we missed a number of chances, but I'm proud of the boys for the way they worked. They gave me absolutely everything today, but it wasn't our day. if we play that game again, I think we win nine times out of 10, so that's a lot of positives to take."
Vancouver went into the New England match missing three key players, with defender Kendall Waston, and Designated PlayersPedro Morales and Octavio Rivero all suspended.
The Whitecaps have picked up a number of suspensions so far this year, and it's starting to take its toll.
"Well they did today," Robinson admitted. "I had three players missing. That's a disappointing thing. But the other guys that stepped in took their chances. Do we need to be better at that? Yeah, we do. I've addressed it with the guys and we will be better than that. Some things are in my control, which that is, but other things aren't unfortunately."
