The Vancouver Whitecaps were back in action after their bye week. They were facing a San Jose Earthquakes team that had not won a match since June 25. San Jose hadn’t won a game at home since May 3.
Heading into this match, the Whitecaps were a point behind San Diego FC for the Western Conference lead. With the break now over, Vancouver looked to catch up to San Diego and also make a run at the Supporters’ Shield.
New signings Thomas Müller and Kenji Cabrera did not travel to the Bay Area. However, the pomp and circumstance surrounding Müller’s arrival had to wait. The Whitecaps had business to take care of at PayPal Park.
First half: Tim Ford strikes back, but the Whitecaps hang on
It was a slow-burning type of start to the game. The Whitecaps were trying to prevent the Earthquakes’ transitions, while San Jose was doing the same. It was a midfield battle and both teams were causing turnovers.
It looked like a game that could go either way. Well, that was until referee Tim Ford had his Walter White moment and thought the whole thing was about himself. Edier Ocampo got a yellow for accidentally getting his arm in the face of Earthquakes midfielder Vitor Costa. Costa was leaking blood from his mouth but seemed OK. Was that a foul? Sure. A yellow card? Absolutely not.
Now, if you don’t remember, Ford was the referee who officiated that infamous playoff game between the Whitecaps and LAFC in 2023. Ford is infamously remembered for bodychecking Alessandro Schöpf before he could take the shot. Ford was the centre of attention again as he sent Ocampo off for bumping into Costa. It wasn’t a hockey-style body check at all, just a nudge. But Ford saw otherwise and sent Ocampo to the locker room. Was that a foul? Maybe. Was that enough for a second yellow? Absolutely not.
If former Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini was watching this game, he probably thought of Tim Ford being found floating face down in False Creek. At least the police won’t suspect Sartini this time around. It’s been nearly two years since that playoff game against LAFC and Ford hasn’t changed a bit.
Even before Ocampo got sent off, Vancouver was having a tough time getting their attack going. Emmanuel Sabbi and Jayden Nelson looked quiet and Brian White looked isolated. White had the best Whitecaps chance of the game when he took a half-volley on a breakaway and shot it wide.
JC Ngando had to come off for Tate Johnson as Mathias Laborda was put back on his right side after Ocampo got sent off. The ‘Caps managed to stop the seismic transitions from the Earthquakes and hung on. Laborda and Tristan Blackmon, as well as Andres Cubas, did a solid job nullifying Cristian Espinoza, Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango.
They survived one half, but there was still one more to be played.
Second half: Tim Ford makes things worse, vindication and then deflation.
Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen decided to mix things up on the attack by putting Daniel Rios in place of Sabbi.
Of course, Ford decided to be part of the story. Blackmon apparently made contact with Costa in the box. Ford also went to the monitor and the penalty stood. It didn’t look like much contact from Blackmon on Costa, just a nudge. And Martinez converted the penalty past Yohei Takaoka, assisted by Ford.
Injured players Ryan Gauld, Sam Adekugbe and club ambassador and former player Tosaint Ricketts weren’t too happy with Ford either.
Rios was looking lively after coming as he was creating space. He nearly tied the game shortly after Martinez’s goal but was denied by Daniel.
Defensively, the Whitecaps made sure things didn’t get worse. They were calmly getting the ball out of the box and causing turnovers.
Vancouver did get their big chance. Blackmon’s long ball found White. The US international’s touch, run and finish were exquisite. The Whitecaps needed that. They were as alive as you needed them to be.
But this game was far from over. For some reason, there were 11 minutes of stoppage time given. 11. This was MLS After Dark, after all.
Preston Judd deflected in DeJuan Jones’ shot attempt past Takaoka. Jamar Ricketts made the initial cross. The Whitecaps were composed defensively all game…until this moment. Of course.
And thus ended a bizarre and frustrating match for the Whitecaps. This one hurts like a kick in the teeth.
Stat of the match
White’s goal was his 100th career goal. Too bad, it didn’t come in happier circumstances.
What was said
Sørensen was the only one to speak to the media after the game. None of the players did for obvious reasons.
“It was pretty harsh,” said the Whitecaps head coach on Ocampo’s two yellow cards. “But we managed to play a well-structured game 10 against 11.”
He praised his players for keeping their emotions in check and not making things worse.
“Yeah, they are (upset at the officiating), of course they are…But I think they kept their composure well.”
“No, I don’t need an explanation,” said Sørensen when he was asked if Ford gave him an explanation on the penalty decision. “He’s the referee and it was his decision.”
The Whitecaps head coach was ready to turn the page quickly.
“These things happen, adversity happens in football,” said Sørensen. “This game is over now. It would be stupid to carry our feelings of this game to the next one.”
Tweet of the Match
It was hard to pick one Tweet of the match. Saturday night was an all-time night on Whitecaps Twitter, so here are a few great ones.
Wrap-up
The Whitecaps did well in this game despite the circumstances. It honestly could’ve been worse. White tying the game was great, but giving up the winning goal after wasn’t.
And yes, Tim Ford really shouldn’t be allowed to officiate a Whitecaps or MLS game again. He was a disgrace without a doubt. Cue Didier Drogba screaming “It’s a disgrace” at the camera.
But like Sørensen said, they have to move on and forget about this game. They travel to Hamilton to play Forge in the Canadian Championship semi-finals first leg. Forge is undefeated in the CPL and beat York United on Saturday afternoon in league action. Kickoff for that game is at 4:30 pm Pacific.
Then, Vancouver returns to BC Place and hosts the Houston Dynamo. A certain German star and World Cup winner will make his debut for the Whitecaps. Kickoff for that game is at 6:00 pm Pacific.
This game was quite bizarre, but it is time to let the past die. Adversity is part of soccer and sports in general. As the old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”
