When the wheels come off, they can do so spectacularly.
Western Conference-leading FC Dallas was in control Saturday in Vancouver, leading Martin Rennie’s team at BC Place by two goals.
But things were shifting in a hurry.
Andrew Jacobson, one of the unsung heroes of Dallas’ fast start in 2013, had already limped off, injured. George John, the big center back playing so well lately for FCD, would leave at halftime.
And there it all went.
Credit to Vancouver for applying the pressure, for turning up the two goals and splitting the points as Dallas’ backups (one probably too young and one old enough to have done better) struggled to cope. But for some poor finishing off the foot of Darren Mattocks, and a poor effort from point blank range at the end by Camillo, the Whitecaps would have done more than just earn a 2-2 draw at BC Place.
Dallas will hold its big lead in the West and probably be happy to escape with a point. Vancouver might seemingly be happy just to score against the Texans; the ‘Caps first goal Saturday snapped nasty streak of 419 minutes where FC Dallas had held Vancouver without a goal over the last two years.
But in the end, the Whitecaps probably feel like they deserved more Saturday. They were much better than in a loss a week to Dallas in Texas.
Nigel Reo-Coker was particularly impressive, doing about everything he could do Dallas except produce a goal in the first half. His drive through the midfield was the biggest reason Vancouver always seemed to be in charge in this one, although the Whitecaps inability to defend set pieces cost them a two-goal deficit.
Watch for yourself on the highlights:
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