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Another late goal put a significant damper on the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff push Saturday. Vancouver was up 2-1 when Daniel Royer equalized for the New York Red Bulls in the 89th minute, robbing the Caps of two important points in the playoff race.
One point gained or two points lost?
“We are disappointed that we conceded in the last minute,” Carl Robinson said. “Second 45 we put in a very good performance, first half we were awful. We were off it we looked leggy, we looked lethargic, and we were probably lucky to be 1-1 at the break. Tale of two halves really.”
#VANvRBNY analysis for @ProSoccerUSAcom
⚽️#Whitecaps drop points late again
⚽️Battle of super talents Alphonso Davies and Tyler Adams
⚽️The tactical battle pic.twitter.com/K810e5BunV— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) August 19, 2018
The question among journalists was whether this was a point gained or two points lost for the Whitecaps?
“After the first half performance I would have taken the point,” Robinson said. “I take this as a positive point. It is a good point for us. A lot of people will say it is two points thrown away. Before the game, we had no points on the board now we have one point on the board.”
The reality, however, is that the Whitecaps needed all three points to keep their playoff hopes alive. Even though the Whitecaps are unbeaten in four MLS games, Vancouver’s chances of making the playoffs dropped from 29 percent to just 23 percent following Saturday’s results in the league, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Defensive woes continue for the Whitecaps
On Friday the Whitecaps announced the signing of new centerback Roberto Domínguez.
The Whitecaps have conceded 49 goals, which is the second worst defensive record in the Western Conference behind Minnesota United. Furthermore, the Caps conceded seven goals during the two Canadian Championship final games against Toronto.
Against New York, the Whitecaps provided too much space on both flanks, and in the center, Kendall Waston and centerback partner Aaron Maund struggled with their timing, which resulted in the Red Bulls’ first goal.
Signing a defender at this stage means the Whitecaps have identified the weakness and believe Domínguez can stabilize the situation.