Whitecaps Tie, Toronto Advances.

First things first, Thank you Sportsnet for nothing. You people make me sick. POKER!, POKER is not a SPORT and while I have noticed the word SPORT in your name you are constantly choosing to broadcast a GAME, a CARD GAME no less. There is no place for Chris Moneymaker on a SPORTS channel. If you jackasses can make 4 different regional channels to screw us all over so we can't watch what we want to watch why don't you just make GAMESNET and charge the poker players you can play darts, curling, snooker scrabble on there, and leave the SPORTS on SPORTSNET. If you can't figure this out I hope to god that the CSA smartens up and nulls their contract with you due to the fact you are damaging their business by blocking out their customers. Showing a game between Vancouver and Toronto in all the provinces but the ones those two teams play in is ridiculous. Then to go and show the deciding game of the tournament once more in the provinces that are not going to tune in... Somebody needs to lose their job. I won't be satisfied until heads roll.

So yeah while I would love to be able to talk about the game the other night I couldn't watch it because well I can't afford another 30$ a month to watch 4 soccer games a year. Absolute B.S.

Supposedly it was a fairly good match that saw Vancouver pull away early with a goal by Ansou Toure. But I can't verify that cause really I didn't see it happen. My sources say it really happened though. Supposedly Cornelius Stewart had another strong game as did Doudu Toure in his first call up to the big team. I saw him play a very strong game against the Victoria Highlanders at the end of April in the Coast Capital Tournament in which he scored the game winner if I recall correctly.

Now from the newspaper accounts I've read with quote's from both Bob Lenarduzzi and Teitur Thordason, Montreal was being accused of time wasting in the last 5 minutes of the game. I'm pretty sure that before the game Montreal Impact coach Marc De Santos said that they would do whatever it took to eliminate the Whitecaps. Well all it took was a tie. We need to start to hold people accountable for their short comings and stop trying to look to blame Montreal for not playing fair, or time wasting, or not fielding a proper squad or whatever the excuse de jour is. WIN GAMES. While defensive soccer wins champions league titles this isn't the champions league. Its a 3 team round robin. There has to be a way to get the team jacked up especially after losing in a championship to one of the opponents and then having to watch the other team celebrate winning a tournament that could have been yours.

We all need to take a step back and look at this season so far and stop looking at it game by game and see the forest for the trees. The Whitecaps have 2 more goals for then they do against in all competitions since the Deuce regular season has started. 8 goals for in 10 games that's less then a goal a game. If you look at the standings in the USSF D2 they have trouble scoring against some of the worst teams in the league. 0.8 goals a game will never win you a tournament and the Cap's really need to turn things around in a hurry cause they are only one point up on Montreal and 2 points up on C.P.B.

This all being said, and again I didn't get to watch the most recent game, the Whitecaps have shown a marked improvement in the last 2 weeks starting with their draw against Toronto then really taking control against Rochester. They even scored first against Montreal.

There is nothing they can do about the tourney at this point but I will post a couple insights into the future of the tourney over the next couple days.

How about that Jay Nolly though... 6 goals against in 10 games... pretty decent.

Holy Moly another Shut Out For Jay Nolly! (x 2)

Ok so I realize that it is a poor carpenter that blames his tools, but my internet connection is absolute crap. I wish i could go in and edit the errors on some of my previous posts but it seems like its just not going to happen. I didn't get a chance to recap the 0-0 draw with TFC on Wednesday night. So I'm going to do a little 2 for the price of 1 deal today.

So lets start with Wednesday's Fixture vs Toronto FC...

I had a chance to talk to Julian De Guzman before the match and he was saying that he had tweaked his Hamstring durring warm ups the previous weekend in LA and tried to play through it and only made things worse. So he spent the night watching from the sidelines. Toronto started John Conway in goal relieving a tired Stefan Frei. Preki also kept Chad Barrett on the bench until late in the second half.

Turns out as per a discussion with Wes Knight (on Saturday vs Rochester more on this later), he had suffered a similar injury as De Guzman although you wouldn't be able to tell based on his outstanding play on the back end for the 'Caps. He figured heavily on most of their highlights though out the game. If you don't believe me check out the game in 6 minutes available on Toronto FC's website. Martin Nash made his presence known in the second half when he came in and stepped up the pressure in TFC's end. Ricardo Sanchez who played a fantasic game is showing that he is who the Whitecaps were hoping he was coming into this season. On the back end what more can I say about my the play of Janicki and Big Z. These two infront of Jay Nolly have created an impenetrable wall infront of the Vancity goal. They should change the name from Swangard Stadium to Fort Swangard with the way things are going this year.

With Marlon James starting the game on the bench it gave a chance for 20 year old Cornelius Stewart to make his 2nd appearance on the year. The young man from St. Vincent and the Grenadines spent the entire game giving Toronto fits in their own end.

That being said... the game finished in yet another scoreless draw at home for Vancouver. It really is remarkable the way that Vancouver have been preventing anyone and everyone from getting quality chances on goal. The best chance that TFC had was on dipping volley from 18 year old Gambian midfielder Amadou Sanyang. Had it been 2 feet lower it would have beaten a sprawling Jay Nolly but alas, thats the way the cookie crumbles, you don't put the ball on net your never going to score.

0-0 Home draw... Marlon James might make me eat my last post about a 50/50 chance of winning the tourny.

Saturday day saw the arrival of the supposedly high scoring Rochester Rhino's and Adam West. Unfortunately for me he never saw the field as far as I could tell.

After his brilliant performance on Wednesday, Wes Knight didn't suit up for the 'Caps due to the previously mentioned tweaking. Apparently it had nothing to do with an Ikea related injury as I had instantly speculated. He said his MRI earlier in the week came up clear and his fears that previous knee injury wasn't properly healed could be put to rest. In the first 5 minutes of the game Vancouver had appeared to score on a quick attack which I can't really comment on as I was outside the grandstand at the time. Apparently my ball retrievers said that the play was offside by less then a foot. God bless their little eyes.

Then it happened. Allow the horrors and all the terrors of the world came to an end and Cornelius Stewart finally found the back of the net for the Whitecaps. Since he made his first appearance this year against Montreal on May 15th he has injected some much needed speed intensity into the line up. He always looks dangerous on the ball. It would appear that when Mr Stewart (or Corn Dog to his teamates) is on the field the ball spends a lot less time being banged about in the middle of the centre circle. His blinding speed and fabulous touch on the ball keep the defenders wide on his wing creating, space in the 18 yard box. This new found spacing gives guys on our defensive end the chance to push up like they were at the beginning of the season. Not too long after his goal, Stewart was once again sprung on a partial break and pushed a left footed ball just wide of the goal in an effort to bring the lead to 2 goals.

The question needs to be asked so I'm just going to put it out there. How badly is Mr. Janicki's brain oozing from his skull? also Is their a fund that we the fans could donate to in order find a cure for his cranial leak?

Whatever the case, I think his bloody gauze is scaring away opposing forwards. The thing that bothers me the most is that it seems as though the bloody spot seems to change positions game to game, much like King Richard's mole in Robin Hood Men in Tights. Do he and Marcus Haber share the same barber? It seems Haber is constantly being knicked just above is brow but never quite breaks the skin. Does he maybe tip the barber more? Something needs to get sorted out before we lose both these key pieces to perhaps an eye gouge or maybe a severed carotid. Whatever the case something must be done as there is no room for more off field injuries like Martin Nash's "Sorry coach can't play today, threw my back out helping a neighbour move" debacle. I'm reminded of Brian Griese's "I slipped on my driveway while washing my truck" injury.

Anyway, back to reality. Despite his monster zit, or whatever it is Janicki is hiding from us, he managed to fight through the pain and HEAD in a corner from Nash in the 52'.

Vancouver looked the dominant team the whole game again. All the credit to Teitur for getting the boys to play as a unit, once again they kept the opposition from any quality chances. Unless you count Rochester's striker booting Jay Nolly in the stomach with a high footed studs up challenge a scoring chance...

The 'Caps don't play again at Ft. Swangard until June 6th at 4pm vs Tampa Bay. Between now and then, they have a 3 game road swing, which see's them play against Montreal in the Nutrilite Canadain Championship. Then Rochester in the rematch of yesterday's game, and then in Toronto the following Wednesday, for their final and likely the decisive match in the Canadian Championship.

A 50/50 chance of winning it.

Supposedly 'Caps forward Marlon James feels so strongly about this that he was willing to tell it to the local media.

By the most recent reports he won't even be playing in today's match versus the hated Reds of Toronto. The Whitecaps are also going to be missing their fearless leader Martin Nash and his pin point accuracy on set pieces and corner kicks. While Ricardo "Dirty" Sanchez played well in his season debut last weekend against the Montreal Impact he clearly lacks the pace and presence that Nash brings. I can't see him playing the full match this evening. I would expect he'll be subbed out before the 80' mark.

I wouldn't be suprised to see Tikashi Hirano make an appearance potentially coming in for either Justin Moose or Sanchez.

An interesting match up will be how Wes Knight handles Chad Barrett. As of the last 3 weeks Barret has finally been rounding into the form that Toronto had expected when they brought him over from Chicago.

The Whitecaps should look to capitalize on the fact that Julian De Guzman won't be featuring in tonights match. While he is not in the line up Preki will rely on Dwayne DeRosario to continue his dominant play this season in the middle. DeRo was subbed out early on Saturday, in Toronto's away draw with MLS leaders LA Galaxy. So he should still be fairly fresh for tonights fixture.

The match up of  Zurab Tsiskaridze on Obrien White will prove crucial if Vancouver is looking to stop the Toronto attack. All signs seem to point to a game played in the Vancouver end.

At the opposite end of the spectrum it will be quite a task for Marcus Haber to deal with the overly aggressive styles of Usanov and Saric (aka The Butcher of BMO).  I would look to those two early as probably the first players to get booked in this match.

I can't see TFC sitting back and waiting for the Whitecaps to bring the game to them as the local media is suggesting. Clinching the title tonight they would benifit TFC both by being able to rest their first squad in the final Home fixture vs the 'Caps getting many of their young reserve players much needed experience. And secondly allowing them to refocus their attentions on their drive to make the post season in their four year history.

Despite the fact that Toronto is absolutely aweful on the road, Vancouver can't score.

A barnburner is highly unlikely, expect a low scoring affair.

Hopefully Marlon James isn't The betting type.

This post was typed up prior to tonight's match but as my internet was down until after I left for the game I was not able to post.

0-0 as predicted!

I should have bet on this game. In an effort to look on the bright side, Montreal didn't score either...

Another clean sheet for the 'Caps none the less. It was quite interesting to see the number of quality chances on goal and plays that just looked like they might turn into something. Though the score line was much the same as it has appeared for many of the home fixtures this year, yesterdays match was definitely the most exciting. There was a buzz of excitement in the air well before the match even started. Originally scheduled for 7:30 the kickoff was delayed until 7:50pm for the television broadcast. Ricardo Sanchez had a strong game in the middle replacing an injured Martin Nash. He had several quality crosses off of set pieces. Takashi Hirano was subbed into the game in the second half and looked like he is getting much closer to being match fit after missing most of the early part of the season. To be completely honest he looked like he wasn't quite used to the pace of the game after watching from the side lines for so long. That will come with a little more game action.

Justin Moose played a strong game as did the usual suspects on the back end. Jay Nolly didn't have to make any trademark brilliant saves but did enough to keep the ball from crossing his line so there really isn't much more you can ask of the guy. Zurab Tsiskaridze (Big Z to anyone with a twitter account) had yet another strong showing. He was strong with his challenges on the ball, made several runs up the left side of the pitch to keep the pressure on the Montreal defence, and played several gorgeous free kicks into the Montreal box in the 2nd half. Whoever it was that got him to come over from Miami deserves a raise.

With the draw Vancouver remain atop of the standings in the NASL division with 9 points (2-1-3). The Whitecaps have two very difficult games coming up as they face Toronto FC on Wednesday in a game that may decide the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, and then Saturday they face a strong Rochester Rhinos side.

A loss to TFC secures the Reds a second straight Voyageurs Cup, and would create a nightmare situation for the tournament with 2 nationally televised games remaining with no consequences on the outcome.

With Rochester coming to town the 'Caps will be facing a team that has had no problem finding the back of the net this season with 9 goals for. It should be a good test for the boys in blue as Rochester are one of the teams to beat this year in The Deuce, and Vancouver has not been able score against teams with losing records.

On a lighter note, while Rochester is in town look out for #3 on their defence (Mayor) Adam West.

Whitecaps the face the Montreal

I honestly wish there was something positive to write about today as we head into the first USSF D2 (Deuce) meeting between these two teams but there really isn't anything to say. With Martin Nash unlikely to play and Marlon James not in the line up, we have lost the only player to score from open play this season, and the player who has set up most of the goals we have scored from set pieces and corners.

I'm predicting a low scoring affair, Hopefully we get a good look at 2 time all-star Ricardo Sanchez. Johnny Steele will also miss today's game as he has returned to Philadelphia to deal with some personal business. It will be absolutely crucial for guys like Luca Bellisomo, Sanchez, and Marcus Haber to round into form tonight. Wes Knight had an MRI earlier in the week and hopefully will be match fit.

I believe today will also mark the return of Roberto Brown to Montreal's line up after serving a 2 game suspension by the Impact for his part in a dust up with TFC's Nick Garcia.

As per usual I will try to keep you updated on big news before and after the game from field level via my twitter account; pureslang.

Stay tuned.

Thank You Chicharito

Javier (Chicharito) Hernendez signs with Manchester United a few weeks back to become the first Mexican player to join the Red Devils in their storied history.

Part of the agreement Manchester made with his club Guadalajara was that Sir Alex and his lads would have to lace up thier boots and play a match in Guadalajara's brand spanking new stadium. Is it then convenience or coincidence that their North American tour now includes Houston Texas as a stop?

Toronto fans are really lucky though as they get to see Man U take on Glasgow Celtic. All very interesting. It makes me wonder though if Montreal Fans get to watch their aweful team play against AC Milan and Fiorentina, and Toronto fans get to watch those Italian clubs play eachother and the United v. Celtic game... What the hell do Vancouverites get? We missed out on Everton last year cause of the damned turf at bc place. Will Seattle's preseason fixture be the best that we get???

In other Man U North American tour news, they will be training in Chicago prior to their match in T.O. and by the sounds of it they will be unveiling new uniforms with new sponsors as they have apparently signed a new sponsorship contract with Chicago based Aon.

Postgame Nutrilite Canadian Championship Game 2 Montreal at Vancouver

So yeah it's a day late but you'll have to forgive me I was at Swangard from 10am til 10:30pm last night.

Montreal came into the game with a record of 0-1-0 having lost to Toronto FC last week. Their baby pink 3rd Jerseys have not seemed to bring them any luck thus far in the 2010 Championship, not that the team did anything in last years tournament.

Overall it was a pretty boring game for about 80 minutes. Once Montreal was given a red card everything seemed to change. As you would expect.

Marcus Haber finally got his first goal of the season with the 'Caps which will hopefully get him on a roll as the boys in blue and white have had quite a significant amount of trouble scoring from open play. I'm having a difficult time thinking of an example for you. When the Whitecaps have scored it has been from set pieces and corners and I believe this is the first goal scored by someone who wasn't a fullback.

Montreal do not look anything like defending champions. They definitely have discipline issues. 3 red cards in 2 games and now they have to go play TFC again next week... Good job Impact way to give the fans something to cheer about! It was funny to see the Southsiders splash Montreal's Peter Byers, with beer as he ran toward them with his finger his mouth. Almost as good as the Croatian guy getting punched by the fan.

I was very impressed with the turn out last night at Swangard, it was actually the loudest I've heard it this season.

Nutrilite Canadian Championship

Tonight's match between Montreal and Vancouver will mark the return of the dirty scoundrels of last years tournament who played spoiler to the Whitecaps dream of capturing their first Nutrilite Championship. As most Vancouver fans will painfully remember, Montreal rested their key players in the final Nurilite Match vs Toronto. Montreal who had already been eliminated from the tournament had to hold Toronto to
less then 4 goals to secure the championship for the Whitecaps. Toronto had never scored 4 goals in their 3 year history. Somehow they managed 6 balls over Montreal's goal line on that fateful evening in La Belle Provence. Many locals calling the Impact cowards and claiming the game was a fix.

We all know Montreal was resting their stars for a match 2 days later vs. The Whitecaps, which they eventually won to add insult to injury. What we might not realize though is the actual "impact" that it had on Montreal's season.

I recently listened to a podcast (the fan 590's Nigel Reed and Bob Iarusci) featuring Montreal's Technical Director Nick De Santis, in which he stated that had it not been for that victory over the Whitecaps, his club never would have made the playoffs. Thus they never would have been able to win the League Championship. So
personally I can't blame them. It's a tough way to miss out on a championship but look at Liverpool's agrigate loss to Athletico Madrid this week in Europa League. In the end you have nobody but yourself to blame if you don't win the games you need to win. Montreal did just that and won the USL.

The USSF D2 (aka the deuce) introduced stipulations this year that teams must field the best team available to prevent a repeat of what happened in last years Nutrilite Championship. 

Hopefully Teitur's boys will be able to find a scoring touch on Wednesday, as it seems that Jay Nolly's incredible goaltending has been their only saving grace this season. Pun intended.

Montreal Suspended Roberto Brown, their top striker for a couple games, he has also been suspended by the CSA. He was involved in a dust up with Toronto FC defender Nick Garcia in the last match in which Montreal was defeated 2-0 by the Reds.