The Vancouver Whitecaps drew 1-1 with C.F. Monterrey in CONCACAF Champions League action. From the off it seemed to me that both teams were kind of punting this game. Vancouver made 6 changes from their previous match (one of which was forced on them due to Sam Adekugbe’s injury) and Monterrey fully rotated making 10 changes. The first half had the energy of the episode of The Office where Michael Scott eats a bunch of pasta before running a 5k. Vancouver’s need to score a goal gave them a little more life in the second half and eventually they got a deserved equalizer through Belal Halbouni.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first, the Whitecaps deserved to win this game. They out-shot Monterrey 21-7. I don’t have the xG to hand but you don’t need a data science PhD to be able to tell the Whitecaps were creating many more dangerous chances than Monterrey, especially in the second half. But what does it mean to “deserve to win” when the opponent is just trying to get out of there without any injuries?
The Whitecaps played a weakened side as well but they were still taking it more seriously than Monterrey were. So, ultimately I’m not sure we learned too much about the relative strength of the team. There is also the matter of the second leg of the tie.
Monterrey got the all important away goal with their only dangerous chance of the game. The Whitecaps’ staff apparently have an angle which shows the goal to be on-side, so the fact that the viewing public didn’t get get to see the definitive perspective was evidence of bad producing, not a conspiracy. In any case, the Whitecaps now need to score at least once in Mexico in order to advance, something that is not easy to do.
On another night the Whitecaps could have gotten a bit luckier and won this game 3-1, totally changing the dynamic of the second leg. But, sometimes luck doesn’t go your way. Monterrey may have gotten lucky but they won the punt off. Still, there is some hope. The second leg will be played at the home ground of Santos Laguna, due to a conflict with a Shakira concert.
Speaking of bad luck, I think Ali Ahmed was very effective once again. There is a world out there where Maxime Crepeau is a little more on it and Ahmed is a little bit luckier and it would be he rather than Jayden Nelson being seen as a the revelation.
(Image Credit: Mark Zhuang)
If the Caps have a photo showing that the goal was onside, why are they keeping it to themselves? It looked like the most offside goal ever to most observers, but a lot of that was due to the lack of angles. Are broadcasters responsible for providing alternate shots to VAR? If so, the CSA may need to be more insistent on a better set of cameras on site, at least when the 2030 qualifying rolls around.
The big question is whether we overused our top players to get a result in this leg and will pay for it on the weekend against Montreal. 9 points out of 9 to start the season would be nice, but 7 or 6 would not be a disaster. If Monterrey’s top 11 are a significant upgrade on what was on display Wednesday night and the Caps are badly beaten, it may look a bit silly to have tried so hard. Would it be so difficult to have at least one full week off in the CCL schedule as MLS teams continue to find form and fitness for the new season?
a total ‘victory’ in every aspect for the Whitecaps except for the scoreline- i really am enjoying the Caps this year- energetic, imaginative, hounding and creating scoring chances- should have won by 3 goals
1. Ngando is a starter in important games- totally amazed at just how subtlely quick he is and his touches and passing are sublime- he floats into empty spaces with intelligence and has a plan before he gets the ball – Sorensen must see it the same way
2. Somebody needs to take a blow-torch to Ahmed’s boots when he is near goal with a chance- you can see the freeze coming before he shoots or should shoot – but he did some nice stuff last night- if he could complete his game, Europe would be calling, but not sure it will
3. Daniel Rossi is as slow as segio cordova, but its early — be patient and hope his game comes
4. Isaac Boehmer looked solid in goal- would like to see what he does in challenging games
5. Ocampo is making a case to be a regular starter
6. the most impressive thing- we actually have depth players that can be suitable starters- Sorensen has instilled confidence and giving chances to all players (Tate did well last night)- competition between players makes a Team stronger
8. Gauld had an off-night with so many solid misses to score
7. Congrats to Belal for his powerful heading goal
Salty