After a tough match against the L.A. Galaxy ended 0-0, the ‘Caps headed to the East Coast. At the RFK stadium, they were to face D.C. United. A team that was still looking to get their first win of the season.
Coming into the game, the ‘Caps were without a handful of key personnel who were out due to injuries or serving a suspension. These absences forced Coach Carl Robinson to make a handful of changes in the midfield and up front. Two of the most notable changes, were the inclusion of Russel Tiebert and Marcos Bustos. Both making their first start of the season. In addition to the player changes, the ‘Caps also returned to a 4-4-2 formation.
Up against a winless side and with the addition of new blood in the starting 11, the scene was set for the ‘Caps to finally score a goal from open play. However, glimpses of last year’s problems continued to be on display and the ‘Caps lack of creativity in front of the opposition’s goal continued.
With D.C. United hungry for their first win, they took full advantage of the ‘Caps lack of chances and the usually solid ‘Caps defence having an off day. With chances few and far between for the Whitecaps, all D.C. United had to do was try to score a goal, and they did – four times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84_6CztUXRA
Though a 4-0 loss to a team that had yet to win may seem like a reason to begin worrying, ‘Caps fans should be reminded of two things. One, this was only the 6th game of a 34 game season, there is still a lot of games to be played. And Two, the team that started the game today, was a team Robinson was forced to play because of injuries and suspensions. The chances of seeing this team start another game this season is very unlikely.
This coming Saturday, the ‘Caps will have a chance to return to their winning ways. However, it won’t be easy. Playing away from home, at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah, the ‘Caps face Real Salt Lake, the only team in the MLS who is undefeated.
This game, against Real Salt Lake, is sure to have a handful of changes and will most likely see a more familiar Whitecaps starting 11. Unfortunately, it will probably see the same familiar story for the ‘Caps as well.