VANCOUVER — Despite being a man down, the Whitecaps were the better team Wednesday night against reigning MLS Cup and Canadian Champion Toronto FC. In the end, Vancouver had to make due with an unfortunate 2-2 draw, which will give Toronto a big advantage one week from now when the tie returns to BMO Field.
Carl Robinson fuming over refereeing decisions
Carl Robinson was seemingly frustrated following the game against Toronto. Referee David Gantar made the controversial decision to send off Whitecaps midfielder Felipe in the 45th minute.
“I am fuming,” Robinson said following the match. “This would have been a contentious yellow card, let alone a red.”
It was not just the red card against Felipe that left Robinson frustrated after the game.
“Erik Hurtado was fouled ahead of the [Doneil] Henry own goal,” Robinson rightfully pointed out.
The Whitecaps would have also liked to see a red card after Yordy Reyna was brought down outside the box in the 78th minute, following a breakaway.
“That was a contentious yellow card. Yordy Reyna goes through. The refereeing needs to be consistent on this level, “Robinson lamented, suggesting the Whitecaps were robbed of a clear goal scoring chance.
Individual mistakes, lack of discipline
Robinson certainly has a point when pointing at the man in yellow. Referee Ganter had a game to forget Wednesday night.
Even though the referee missed a foul committed on Hurtado, in the buildup to Henry’s own goal, Vancouver must shut down individual errors if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and win the Canadian Championship.
Minutes only separated the Caps from a fantastic result against Toronto FC. In the end, it was communication problems between Henry, Kendall Waston and keeper Stefan Marinović that ultimately cost the Caps the victory.
Furthermore, the Whitecaps are 20th, out of 24 teams, in the MLS Fair Play standings suggesting that Vancouver have a problem with discipline. Vancouver, in fact, lead the league with seven players sent off this season.
While refereeing is not perfect in MLS, one must keep in mind that other clubs have to deal with the same officials. Hence, for the Whitecaps to reach their goals this season, Robinson has to improve squad discipline in key games.
Hurtado hopes to keep scoring streak alive in Portland and Toronto
Before heading to Toronto, to play the second leg of the Canadian Championship final, the Caps will face Portland in an important Cascadia Cup derby matchup.
Portland is seven points ahead of the Whitecaps with three outstanding games. Hence, for Vancouver, this game is a must-win matchup to stay in the Western Conference playoff race.
For striker Erik Hurtado in the meantime, the game will be a homecoming.
“I am looking forward to go back to Portland and play in front of friends and family,” Portland native Hurtado said Wednesday. “We got to rally together and get a result in Portland.”
The striker has scored in Vancouver’s last two games and now hopes to keep the goal-scoring streak alive.
“Scoring goals gives strikers confidence. I have some confidence going for sure now,” Hurtado pointed out.
The Whitecaps could certainly use a bit of confidence in what will be a season-defining week for the club.