There have been many trying moments for the Union during their current four-game losing streak. Head coach Jim Curtin has tried quite a few different things, looking for the spark that will hopefully turn around their recent misfortunes.
And while a 3-0 defeat is hardly excusable, but the Union had two players making their first ever MLS start and they were again out in front of a very good opponent on the road. As has been the case for much of the 2015 season, they couldn’t catch a bounce or a break – in fact quite the opposite.
In the 26th minute, Andrew Wenger latched on to an Eric Ayuk cross that appeared destined for the back of the net. But, in a truly remarkable fashion, Caps keeper David Ousted made a ridiculous, acrobatic save to deny the goal. It was one of the better half-hours the team had played and again, they had nothing to show for it. From that point on, it was all Vancouver.
“I thought after a decent first 30 minutes, we should have gone up 1-0,” head coach Jim Curtin said. “David Ousted made a great save. I think Andrew could’ve received it a little bit better but I think it deflected off his shin. If you don’t take your chances against a very good team, you’re going to get punished.”
Pedro Morales started the scoring in the 32nd minute when an awkward tackle from Richie Marquez and Octavio Rivero bounced directly to Cristian Techera who sent in Morales in all alone for a breakaway, which the Whitecaps captain easily slotted past Union keeper Brian Sylvestre.
Rivero added a goal 12 minutes later after he beat Ethan White to a long backpass before beating Sylvestre. Darren Mattocks, who came on as a sub, finished the scoring in the 81st with a beautiful one-on-one display.
Hard to blame Sylvestre, a 22-year-old goalkeeper making his MLS debut – albeit after being acquired on a short-term loan on Friday, and having just one training session with his teammates (not counting the preseason). He made seven saves, the most by a Union keeper this season and tied for the fifth-most by a keeper in MLS this year.
“He actually had a very good game, all things considered,” Curtin said. “We hung him out to dry on the first two goals, the third one as well. Point-blank shots on all of them. He made some good saves for us, he did everything we could’ve asked for. It was a good day overall for him.”
But the rookie was more disappointed with the overall result.
“It’s a team effort,” he said. “We lost as a group so we just need to continue working hard.”
Also making his first MLS start was Marquez, who was also having an excellent game until his questionable red card in the 78th minute. Marquez had four clearances, won 80 percent of his aerials and 75 percent of tackles.
“I thought the red card was a bit harsh,” Curtin said. “I’m not even sure it was a yellow card, to be honest. I just watched the replay, it wasn’t the best call. Maybe they’ll review it because I thought Richie Marquez actually had another good game.”
For the Union, they’ll have to pick-up and prepare for another tough opponent when they take on D.C. United on Sunday at PPL Park. D.C. is currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
