Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC part ways with Martin Rennie
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club will not be renewing head coach Martin Rennie’s contract beyond 2013.

“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Martin for his work over the past two plus seasons not only on the pitch, but in our front office, in our community, and with our partners,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Vancouver Whitecaps FC president.

Lenarduzzi continued: “These decisions are never easy and include a lot of thought and analysis. We have made a number of improvements since joining Major League Soccer; however, in order for this club to continue to grow and reach the next level, now is the right time to make this change and move in a different direction.”

The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2013/10/wfc-part-ways-rennie

 

BRADLEY FOR VANCOUVER ?


Could Bob Bradley be in line for the Vancouver Whitecaps' vacant head coaching gig? According to The Province, the former US and Egypt national team boss has been interviewed by the Canadian side and is now one of their top targets. The same article suggests that the club's interest in Bradley is the main reason the 'Caps didn’t grab Frank Yallop when they had the chance last month.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...referral&utm_content=News&utm_campaign=Unpaid

 

Vancouver Whitecaps name Carl Robinson
new head coach after lengthy search


The Vancouver Whitecaps are sticking with one of their own to help lead them back to the MLS promised land.

The club announced Monday that it has promoted assistant and former English Premier League and MLS veteran Carl Robinson to the top post in Vancouver, ending a coaching search that lasted six weeks after former boss Martin Rennie was let go in late October.

Robinson – who joined the ‘Caps coaching staff in January 2012, shortly after announcing his retirement from a 16-year playing career – is now tasked with lifting the Whitecaps into rarified air in MLS after missing the playoffs two of their first three seasons in the league.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-robinson-new-head-coach-after-lengthy-search

 

First-round MLS draft pick Lewis signs with Cosmos
​

Despite a report that Vancouver Whitecaps draftee Andre Lewis has signed with the New York Cosmos of the NASL, both Major League Soccer and the Whitecaps confirmed to MLSsoccer.com on Friday night that the talented 19-year-old Jamaican midfielder is indeed signed by MLS and that he could suit up for the 'Caps in 2014.

Goal.com on Friday reported that Lewis – the seventh overall pick in Thursday's MLS SuperDraft – signed with the reigning NASL champions some time before the draft.

However, a spokesperson for MLS told MLSsoccer.com on Friday evening that conversations with the Cosmos have already taken place in the event Lewis makes the team.

"MLS has an agreement with Lewis and the Cosmos for him to join MLS and Vancouver, provided certain conditions are met," MLS vice president of player personnel Lino DiCuollo said. "In the event the Whitecaps want to retain the player, as of the roster compliance date (March 1), then he will be with them on a loan or after a transfer from the Cosmos."

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-arrangement-new-york-cosmos-over-draftee-and

 

Whitecaps announce re-signing of Jay DeMerit


The Vancouver Whitecaps have announced the re-signing of centre back and club captain Jay DeMerit on Monday, the Major League Soccer club stated via Twitter.

DeMerit’s contract with the Whitecaps expired at the end of the 2013 season.

DeMerit has spent three seasons with the Whitecaps, starting in 58 of 60 games played. He spent most of the 2013 season rehabbing from a ruptured Achilles tendon, suffered in the first game of the year against Toronto FC.

http://www.reddit.com/tb/1vp2vz

 

Vancouver Whitecaps announce USL PRO affiliate agreement with Charleston Battery
​

MLS clubs continue to get involved in the league's partnership with the USL PRO, and yet another team has announced a formal affiliation for 2014.

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced Thursday that they will affiliate with the Charleston Battery in an initial one-year partnership. Vancouver will send at least four players from their roster to play for the Battery during the 2014 USL PRO season. As a result of the partnership, the Whitecaps will not participate in the 2014 MLS Reserve League.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...sl-pro-affiliate-agreement-charleston-battery

 

Steven Beitashour to join Whitecaps


The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to acquire Iran international defender Steven Beitashour from the San Jose Earthquakes, multiple sources told ESPNFC.com.

Pending Beitashour’s passing of a physical, the Quakes will receive an undisclosed amount of allocation money in return for the right back, who was thought to be on his way to Europe after failing to agree on a new contract with San Jose at the end of last season.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1693493/steven-beitashour-join-vancouver-whitecaps?cc=5901

 

Report:
Vancouver Whitecaps acquire midfielder Matias Laba on loan from Toronto FC


It appears that Matías Laba has finally found a home for the 2014 season after all.

The Province's Marc Weber reported on Tuesday evening that the Vancouver Whitecaps had acquired the young Designated Player from Canadian rivals Toronto FC via MLS' intra-league loan system.

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC did not immediately respond to an MLSsoccer.com request for comment on the report.

The move would allow Toronto to bring the number of DPs on their roster down to three, the maximum allowed. Though Toronto FC head coach Ryan Nelsen originally stated he would "move hell and high water" to keep the 22-year-old, the club's prior acquisitions of Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Gilberto, all DPs, forced him to turn to the possiblity of a loan


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...cquire-midfielder-matias-laba-loan-toronto-fc

 

2014 Vancouver Whitecaps Preview:
Still a team in search of a signature moment


Midfield mix: Right now, it looks like Carl Robinson is leaning toward a 4-2-3-1, and best guess is that the deep "2" line will be Nigel Reo-Coker and Matías Laba (if the rumored loan deal goes through). That's a good, intuitive pairing that combines both skill and bite. But they've got to learn how to play with each other in less than two weeks, which is no easy task. Vancouver came up short last year because they never got the midfield just right, so it's got to pain the Southsiders (and others) to see it still up in the air at this late date.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...w-still-team-search-signature-moment-armchair

 

Whitecaps FC acquire Chilean attacking midfielder Pedro Morales from Spain's La Liga side Málaga CF



VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired attacking midfielder Pedro Morales as the club’s newest Designated Player on a free transfer from Spain’s La Liga side Málaga CF, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Pedro is an exciting attacking player and we are thrilled to have him join our club,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He is a natural number 10 who will bring a creative flare to our attack and is someone the supporters will enjoy watching.”

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/03/wfc-acquire-pedro-morales

 

Whitecaps Send Five To Battery
Lewis, Douif, Abdallah set for season-long loan in Charleston


Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com

Friday, March 7, 2014

CHARLESTON, S.C. – As part of the official affiliate partnership, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has loaned five players to the Charleston Battery. Striker Mamadou Diouf and midfielders Aminu Abdallah and Andre Lewis will join the Battery from Whitecaps FC’s Major League Soccer roster, in addition to U-23 striker Marlon Ramirez and U-18 defender Jackson Farmer.

Each player joins the Battery on season-long loans, pending receipt of their International Transfer Certificates and United States work permits and visas.

http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/792995.html

 

Late Manneh equalizer salvages point for Whitecaps FC

A late equalizer by second-half substitute Kekuta Manneh salvaged a point for Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1W-0L-1D) in a 1-1 draw with Chivas USA (1W-0L-1D) Sunday evening at the StubHub Center.
After Erick Torres gave the 10-men Goats a lead just before halftime, Manneh scored his first goal of the season in the 81st minute to help the 'Caps claim a point in their first road match of the season.

Striker Darren Mattocks picked up the assist on Manneh's tally - the Jamaican's second helper in as many matches.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson made just one change to his starting lineup after last week's 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls.

Midfielder Pedro Morales, who picked up a goal and assist in just 25 minutes of action against New York, made his first start for the "˜Caps - replacing an injured Russell Teibert (hamstring strain).

The Chilean Designated Player slotted in centrally behind Mattocks, which moved Kenny Miller over to the right wing.

Sunday's contest got off to a slow start at the StubHub Center, as both teams struggled to sustain any offensive pressure with temperatures up and around 30 degrees Celsius.

After an uneventful opening 10 minutes, the complexion of the match took a turn around the 13-minute mark when Goats midfielder Agustin Pelletieri was sent off for a hard tackle on Morales.

To their credit, Chivas maintained an organized defensive structure despite going down to 10-men, which limited the "˜Caps from creating anything of substance.

There wasn't much between the Western Conference foes in the first half, but Chivas looked the more lively side. They had five attempts on goal, though none caused Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted much trouble until the 45th minute.

There wasn't much Ousted could have done at that point, as a 20-yard Torres strike deflected off Jay DeMerit's backside into the bottom left corner of the goal to give Chivas a 1-0 lead at the half.

Vancouver came out of the interval a little more energized and creative in possession, but Chivas had the first chance in the 52nd minute. Goats midfielder Leandro Barrera broke in against the run of play, but Ousted raced off his line and made a sprawling save to keep the game within reach.

From that point forward, Whitecaps FC began to take control. In the 66th minute, Morales released Mattocks in the area with a ball over the top, but the Jamaican poked it just wide with Goats goalkeeper Dan Kennedy onrushing.

Manneh, who was subbed on in the 60th minute, also had several chances. The 19-year-old Gambian injected some life into the "˜Caps attack with his creativity on the left wing and he was rewarded for his efforts in the 81st minute.

In the build-up, Mattocks made a great run down the left flank, before slipping an inviting a ball into the box that Manneh hit first time into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Both teams pushed for the go-ahead marker in the game's dying stages - Ousted made an alert save of a Torres header in the 85th minute and Manneh had another opportunity in the 86th - but it was not to be as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

The "˜Caps are back on the road next Saturday, March 22 for an early morning clash with New England Revolution at 11 a.m. PT, before returning to BC Place to host Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 29.

Retired defender Young-Pyo Lee will be honoured prior to the March 29 match.

Whitecaps FC season tickets start at the prorated price of just $331 and single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Stat of the Game

In just 30 minutes of action, Manneh led Whitecaps FC with four shots on Sunday. The second-year striker/winger also had both of Vancouver's shots on target.

Match Details

Budweiser Man of the Match: Kekuta Manneh

Press release from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC

 

Re: Late Manneh equalizer salvages point for Whitecaps FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves best
FC Edmonton 4-2 Tuesday at Thunderbird Stadium

Four first-half goals carry 'Caps to victory over NASL outfit

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC Reserves bested North American Soccer League (NASL) side FC Edmonton 4-2 Tuesday on a sunny afternoon at Thunderbird Stadium.

The two Western Canadian squads opened with a fierce back and forth battle in the first half, with all six of the game's goals scored before the halftime whistle.
http://www.reddit.com/tb/19sqdn

 

Mattocks scores first goal of the season, but 10-men 'Caps fall just short

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-1L-1D) suffered their first loss of the 2014 season on Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Colorado Rapids (2W-1L-1D) in front of a third straight sold-out crowd to start the season at BC Place.
Striker Darren Mattocks, who was named the Budweiser Man of the Match, opened the scoring with his first goal of the season in the 67th minute. But after the "˜Caps went down to 10 men in the 77th minute, Rapids midfielder Jose Mari responded with two stunning goals in as many minutes to end Vancouver's undefeated streak at four games.

Post-match interviews with Carl Robinson, Kenny Miller, and Jay DeMerit - mlssoccer.box.com/s/t8mj3ylcj3ngisvhjrzy

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson fielded an unchanged starting lineup on Saturday, returning to the 4-4-2 diamond midfield formation that proved effective in last weekend's 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo.

And the match got off to a similar start, as Whitecaps FC began to push forward around the 10-minute mark after an early feeling out period.

The "˜Caps appeared to open the scoring in the 14th minute for the second straight match and midfielder Pedro Morales was involved again. This time, the Chilean ripped a shot from distance and Mattocks slotted home the rebound, but the Jamaican was just offside.

The two nearly combined again in the 36th minute, as Morales released Mattocks into the box with an inviting through-ball from midfield. But Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin was quick off his line to make a sprawling chest save off Mattocks' left-footed effort - one of Irwin's three saves in the first half.

At the other end of the park, second-year striker Deshorn Brown was Colorado's most dangerous player in the opening 45 minutes. The Jamaican had six of Colorado's eight first-half shots, including a glorious opportunity in the 30th minute.

In the build-up, Rapids striker Gabriel Torres sent a well-played overhead ball to a streaking Brown, whose left-footed strike from inside the box trickled just wide of the goal.

The two teams entered the break all-square, and aside from an early Morales free kick in the 51st minute, neither side managed to create much in the opening stages of the second half.

But the floodgates eventually opened, starting in the 67th minute. That's when Mattocks opened his 2014 goal-scoring account with a cool finish inside the box after receiving a nice flick-on from Kenny Miller.

Less than a minute later, Vancouver came within inches of adding to their lead. The "˜Caps had numbers on the counter and Mattocks laid the ball into the box for an unmarked Morales, who hit it first time only to see a sprawling Irwin deflect the shot wide.

It was easily the timeliest of Irwin's six saves on the night, and the Rapids took advantage. Moments after Matias Laba was sent off for his second yellow card of the game, Mari notched a brace within the span of two minutes.

Both of the Spaniard's goals, which came in the 79th and 81st minutes respectively, were perfect curling strikes from outside the area that eluded a sprawling David Ousted and found the back of the net after hitting the far post.

The "˜Caps came on strong in the dying stages of the match - Irwin punched away a Morales free kick in stoppage time - but it was not to be as the Rapids held on for a 2-1 victory.

Next up for Whitecaps FC is a much-anticipated home-and-home series with perennial Western Conference contender LA Galaxy. First, the two teams will meet next Saturday, April 12 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, before going head-to-head again the following weekend at BC Place.

It's not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccerhalf-season ticket ($100). Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Press release from the Vancouver Whitecaps

 

Whitecaps come up short, eye redemption next weekend at BC Place

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-2D) came out on the attack against perennial MLS Cup contenders Los Angeles Galaxy (2W-1L-1D) on Saturday, but ultimately fell 1-0 in the first of consecutive matches against their Western Conference competitors. The "˜Caps host the Galaxy next Saturday in a rematch at BC Place.
It was evident from the outset that Whitecaps FC would not sit back against the favoured Galaxy. In the first minute of the match, Darren Mattocks did well to earn a corner kick, a common theme in the first half. Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo punched out the subsequent corner from Pedro Morales comfortably.

On eight minutes LA had their first chance of the game. Keane played a quick one-two before striking a shot on target that was saved by David Ousted.

Ten minutes later it was Vancouver again on the front foot. A corner kick from Morales was cleared and sent back in by Andy O'Brien. Jordan Harvey then had a shot blocked before Morales struck one over the bar.

The speed of the Blue and White was clearly trouble for the Galaxy. Mattocks made a terrific run into the box on 20 minutes, slipped, but got back up with the ball at his feet and fired a shot on target, however Penedo was there kept it out. Next was Manneh's turn to burn the defence, breaking through on 32 minutes before Penedo again made a good save.

The home fans were hoping to see Landon Donovan score and become the leading goalscorer in MLS history. That goal nearly came off of a cross from Dan Gargan in the 40th minute, but Donovan's header went wide of the "˜Caps net.

After an even first half, the two sides went into the break level at 0-0. Though they hadn't scored, Whitecaps FC out-chanced the home team with three shots on target compared to only one from the Galaxy.

LA came out motivated early in the second half. Barely a minute in, attacking midfielder Stefan Ishizaki crossed into Keane who broke free and tapped it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Down a goal midway through the second half, Robinson sent in reinforcements as Erik Hurtado and Kenny Miller subbed on for Sebastian Fernandez and Pedro Morales in the 70th minute. Hurtado looked to make his mark four minutes later as he chested down a ball into the box, found an inch of space and fired a shot, but it was quickly blocked by the Galaxy defence.

Pushing for a goal, Nicolas Mezquida came on to provide fresh legs on 76 minutes, replacing Manneh. The Uruguayan immediately stepped up to take a corner kick, which was met by the head of Kenny Miller and found the target, only to see Penedo keep it out.

With Vancouver pressing forward, the Galaxy found space for a breakaway the other way. Substitute Rob Friend got on the end of a flick from Keane, however his low finish went wide of the far post to keep Whitecaps FC in the match.

Despite a late surge, the Blue and White could not find the goal they needed as the final whistle blew on a 1-0 defeat.

There will be a quick chance at redemption for the "˜Caps as they host the Galaxy at BC Place next Saturday, April 19. Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Press release from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC

 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC settles for draw

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-2L-4D) side battled back from an early two-goal deficit to claim a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake (4W-0L-5D) Saturday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium.
After surrendering two goals in the first 10 minutes of the match, the 'Caps hung around and clawed their way back into the match late thanks to a pair of second-half substitutes.

Uruguayan Nicolás Mezquida scored his first Major League Soccer goal in the 86th minute and countrymate Sebastián Fernández stunned RSL with a long-range strike in stoppage time to help the Blue and White come away with a gutsy point for the second straight week.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson made two changes to his starting lineup on Saturday after last weekend's 2-2 draw with LA Galaxy. Centre back Johnny LeverÃ"n and winger Kekuta Manneh drew into the squad, replacing Jay DeMerit and Pedro Morales (lower back).

Things didn't start as planned for the Blue and White, however, as undefeated RSL showed their class from the opening whistle. It was a dream start for the home side, who opened the scoring in the second minute of play.

Joao Plata got things going for RSL in his first start since returning from a hamstring injury. A Luke Mulholland dummy allowed Plata to break into the left side of the box and the crafty striker hit a low strike cross the face of goal to give the Royals an early advantage.

Plata's strike partner Alvaro Saborio got in on the action in the ninth minute. Again it was RSL's build-up play in midfield that started the sequence. After Ned Grabavoy was tackled at the top of the box, the ball trickled to Saborio and he made no mistake with a quality left-footed strike into the top left corner.

After a few more RSL chances - midfielder Kyle Beckerman was stymied by Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted in the 16th minute - the "˜Caps began to settle into the match around the 20-minute mark.

Fullback Jordan Harvey, who looked lively along the left flank throughout the match, was involved in both of Vancouver's first-half chances.

In the 26th minute, he sent in a cross that was deflected to Manneh, but the Gambian was dispossessed before he could get off a shot. And in the 36th minute, RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando tipped a Harvey header just over the goal.

At the other end of the park, Ousted came up with a big stop on Plata in first-half stoppage time to keep the score 2-0 heading into the half.

The visiting "˜Caps got off to a much better start in the second half, as they began to use their width and find space along the flanks.

Robinson used his full allotment of the subs in the second half, bringing on Fernández and Erik Hurtado in the 61st minute and then Mezquida in the 67th. Accordingly, a more urgent-looking Whitecaps FC side continued to push forward and create opportunities.

With their backs against the wall, the "˜Caps finally got their breakthrough in the 86th minute. That's when Mezquida flicked home a rebound from in tight after Rimando saved the initial shot off Darren Mattocks, who started the play with a great run down the left side of the box.

Then, moments before the final whistle, Fernández completed the comeback with a wonder strike from 40 yards to cap off an inspired second-half performance. This was the second straight week Whitecaps FC had come back late to earn a 2-2 draw against one of the toughest teams in MLS.

The "˜Caps are back at BC Place next Saturday, May 3 for the club's 40th anniversary match against San Jose Earthquakes. Tickets are still available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

It's not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

Press release from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC

 

Re: Vancouver Whitecaps FC settles for draw

An Open Letter from Jay DeMerit
"The ocean water in the bay is calm and I’m at peace"
​

WATCH: DeMerit retirement press conference
"This isn't a career ender, it's a life starter"
http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/07/watch-demerit-retirement-press-conference

 

Re: Vancouver Whitecaps FC settles for draw

Whitecaps FC launch USL PRO team,
provide update on National Soccer Development Centre at UBC
WFC2 to play at Thunderbird Stadium;
NSDC renderings revealed
​

VANCOUVER, BC – Soccer fans in Metro Vancouver will soon have a new professional team to cheer for.

Whitecaps FC announced on Friday the launch of Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2), the club’s USL PRO team that will begin play in the spring of 2015. WFC2 will be owned and operated by Whitecaps FC and will play all home matches on the David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium, a natural extension of the club’s training home at the University of British Columbia: the National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC)

In partnership with UBC and the Government of British Columbia, the club also revealed preliminary renderings of the final phase of the NSDC, featuring a state-of-the-art fieldhouse (subject to final UBC Board of Governors approval), which is set to be completed prior to the start of the 2017 Major League Soccer (MLS) preseason.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/wfc2/2014/11/whitecaps-fc-launch-usl-pro-team-update-nsdc

 

Make it three goals in three games for Octavio Rivero.
The first-year striker scored a superb diving header in stoppage time to lead Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2W-1L-0D) to a 1-0 win over Orlando City SC (1W-1L-1D) Saturday night at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.

Rivero's winner, which came moments after David Ousted saved a Cyle Larin breakaway, propelled the 'Caps to their second straight victory and clean sheet away from home.

This is the first time Whitecaps FC have won their first two road matches of an MLS season - and only the third time they've won consecutive road matches since joining MLS.

Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson made three changes to his starting lineup after last weekend's win over Chicago Fire. Diego Rodriguez, Gershon Koffie, and Nicolas Mezquida drew into the squad, replacing Pa-Modou Kah, Russell Teibert and an injured Mauro Rosales.

It was the first start of the year for all three players - and for Rodriguez, his first-ever MLS regular season appearance. Rodriguez and centre back partner Kendall Waston came up big for the 'Caps, combining for 15 clearances, three interceptions and two blocks.

There wasn't much happening either way in the early stages of Saturday's match. Orlando controlled 60 per cent of possession and showed some promising build-up play, but didn't really have a sniff at goal. Vancouver, on the other hand, defended well and had the better chances to score.

Rivero had Vancouver's two best chances, including a breakaway in the 34th minute. But goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts rushed off his line to make the save. Less than a minute later, Rivero beat Ricketts but smashed a half volley off the crossbar from in tight.

Pedro Morales, who set up Rivero's first attempt with a perfect throughball, also came close in the 38th minute but sent a first-time effort just wide from the top of the box.

It was a decent half for the visiting 'Caps, despite picking up three yellow cards.

After a relatively quiet first half, Kaká began to cause some problems after the break. The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year blasted a strike wide in the 55th minute and curled in a dangerous free kick minutes later that striker Pedro Ribeiro headed just over the goal.

Ribeiro came close again in the 70th minute with a curling strike that sailed just over the goal.

Looking to inject some life into his side, Robinson made a double sub in the 67th minute, bringing on Residency graduate Kianz Froese and Erik Hurtado in place of wingers Kekuta Manneh and Mezquida.

He was also forced to make his third sub a few minutes later, when Jordan Harvey replaced an injured Sam Adekugbe. But it was Rivero who played the role of hero for the second straight match - this time in stoppage time moments after Ousted denied a Larin breakaway.

The 23-year-old Uruguayan met a Morales free kick with a diving header in the 96th minute to secure the victory and hand Orlando their first loss of the season. Rivero becomes the first Whitecaps FC player to score in his first three MLS matches.

After back-to-back road wins, the 'Caps return to BC Place next Saturday for a much-anticipated Cascadia derby with rival Portland Timbers. Limited tickets are still available.


Press release from Vancouver Whitecaps FC