‘Caps earn first clean sheet.
In front of 20,809 fans on a sunny Saturday afternoon the Vancouver Whitecaps took to the pitch at Empire Field against Chivas USA and played to a scoreless draw.
Vancouver dominated the play in the early stages of the game with Wes Knight being the most involved.
“We could have had a way better result, I take a lot of responsibility and I should have buried my chances,” said Knight.
The ‘Caps also had another offensive boost heading into Saturday’s game as striker Eric Hassli made his return to the starting lineup after serving a one game suspension for a red card.
Both Hassli and Camilo worked very well together generating plenty of chances but lady luck was not on their side as none were able to find the back of the net.
“Sometimes fútbol is a funny thing.” said Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordason.
“There are times when everything goes your way and you are able to score, and then there are games like we just had, where no matter how hard you work it just isn’t meant to be.”
With the injuries to Whitecaps captains Jay DeMerit, John Thorrington and Terry Dunfield, defender Alain Rochat was given the armband for the game against Chivas.
Another positive storyline to Saturday’s game was the home debut for Whitecaps first overall draft pick Omar Salgado.
With his mother and grandmother present in the crowd, Salgado was greeted by with a roar or support from the Whitecaps fans when he came on in the 83rd minute for Wes Knight.
Salgado showed why Vancouver took a gamble on taking him first overall when just minutes into his debut he nearly found the score sheet off a corner kick as the 6’4 striker’s header just flew over the crossbar.
“It was definitely something to remember, I am so happy that my mom and grandmother were here for my home debut, I wanted that goal so bad not just for me but it would have given us the lead,” said Salgado.
Vancouver now has a week to prepare before its next game when it hosts FC Dallas on Saturday afternoon from Empire Field.
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