Whitecaps retake top spot in Western Conference with 1-0 win over FC Dallas
VANCOUVER – First place in the Western Conference belongs to the Vancouver Whitecaps once again – at least until Los Angeles plays Sunday – folllowing a 1-0 win over FC Dallas on Saturday at B.C. Place.
Cristian Techera's terrific goal in the 32nd minute stood up as the game's only goal, vaulting Vancouver to 45 points on the season and to the top of the West standings and putting them two points ahead of the Galaxy. They also go top of the Supporters Shield table for the time being after D.C. United lost to San Jose on Saturday.
With his back to the goal and FC Dallas defender Je-Vaughn Watson right next to him, Techera back-heeled a pass from Kekuta Manneh past goalkeeper Jose Gonzalez, a moment of brilliance in a match that didn't offer too much in terms of excitement.
"It just happened really fast, and it was something off instinct where that was the only option that I had," Techera said through an interpreter.
Coming off back-to-back games where they squandered leads late – a 2-0 lead over Montreal with 20 minutes remaining turned into a 2-2 draw and a 3-1 lead in the 80th minute over Kansas City became a 4-3 loss – the relatively tame victory was welcomed by the Whitecaps.
"We didn't play that well," said goalkeeper David Ousted. "We controlled it well and we got away with the three points. So we'll be entertaining another day."
It was Ousted's 10th shutout of the season, and he was quick to credit the back line for a job well done and for rebounding after a couple sloppy performances. Kendall Waston, who returned to the starting lineup after being suspended for the Kansas City loss due to yellow card accumulation, was particularly strong on this night. The win was the 14th of the year for the Whitecaps, which is already the record for the most wins they've recorded in a single MLS season.
"Today was, roll your sleeves up, fight, scrap, run tackle, and obviously, whoever was going to get their noses in front was probably going to win the game," said head coach Carl Robinson. "Fortunately, it was us."
Next up for Vancouver is the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final at home Wednesday against the Montreal Impact. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw. The Impact's newest star designated player Didier Drogba is expected to play after making his debut Saturday in a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia.
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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr
