Vancouver Whitecaps Vs. DC United, 2011 MLS: Quick Strikes Propel Caps

Two goals coming within the first minute of each half were the difference Wednesday, as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated DC United 2-1. The loss means DC's playoff hopes took a hit, as they were not able to leapfrog the Portland Timbers for 11th place in the overall table. For Vancouver, the win means they are out of the basement in the league standings, as they have moved ahead of the New England Revolution. It was a good night for the home fans, but it could hurt their draft position next season.

The scoring started quickly, when Camilo Sanvezzo scored in the box on a cross from the left by Jordan Harvey less than a minute into the match. It was Camilo's 12th goal this season. DC did not look ready for the match, and Vancouver capitalized on their sleepy defending. For the rest of the half, the play was not particularly entertaining, as Vancouver sought to double their lead. DC's attack surprisingly ran through Marc Burch, who took several long-distance shots and free kicks in the match, none of them effective. Following the restart, the Whitecaps managed the same feat as the first half, as a cross on the left by Alain Rochat crossed the ball into the box to Long Tan, who scored on a header in the 46th minute. It was Tan's first career goal in Major League Soccer, and the first goal ever scored by a Chinese player in MLS. Not coincidentally, Tan is the first Chinese-born player in MLS.

United tried to get back into the match in the second half, and Brandon McDonald scored in the 57th minute on a Santino Quaranta free kick. Overall, DC just didn't have the quality on the night to get even a point, although they may have had a chance in the 76th minute. Burch had a shot that bounced off Jeb Brovsky's arm in the box, and while DC players appealed for a penalty, no call was given. Based on the replays, it was unclear if it was ball to hand or not. From there, Vancouver were content to hold onto possession and see out the victory, their sixth of the season.