Vancouver Whitecaps v FC Dallas – The Story In Pictures

Well that was the week that was. All that was missing was Millicent Martin singing the national anthems before the game.

With off the pitch situations casting a dark cloud over Vancouver Whitecaps over the past couple of days, getting some actual game action to talk about was a welcome change for everyone.

Unfortunately the first half of Vancouver Whitecaps clash with FC Dallas at BC Place on Saturday night did little to lift the gloom. With little of an inspiring nature from either side, the teams headed in goalless, in a half marked by giveaways.

The second 45 minutes provided more enjoyment, with the game finally bursting into life in the 52nd minute on a nice individual goal from Maxi Urruti. The Argentine pounced to dispossess his countryman Mati Laba in the middle of the ‘Caps half, running in on goal, and firing low past David Ousted, whose view was shielded by a crowd of players.

Dallas couldn’t find the second and Vancouver’s fortunes finally changed with the introduction of Alphonso Davies just before the hour mark, but it was Cristian Techera who was to prove to be the difference maker for the ‘Caps, hitting home a stunning, dipping free kick from 27 yards out to tie things up with 16 minutes remaining.

Neither side could find a winner, and considering the week they’ve had, the players missing, and the opposition, this was a good point for the Whitecaps to come away with.

AFTN photographer Tom Ewasiuk was there to capture all the action before, during and after the game. Here’s his “Story In Pictures”, with a full Flickr slideshow at the end.

[Also check out Tom’s website www.residualimagephotography.com for more of his photos and work].

Your Whitecaps starting XI

Brek Shea rising like a Zepp(e)lin on a special day for him

Not much to write home about in the first half but Fredy Montero tries to poke one in, but it ends up in the side netting

As the second half gets underway, it wouldn’t feel like a Whitecaps game without a Mati Laba booking

And Laba’s day get worse in the 52nd minute when he dawdles too long on the ball, allowing Maxi Urruti to dispossess him and head to goal

Finishing off a great individual effort by firing low past David Ousted

Boooooooooooo

And Urruti has a chance to make it two moments later but fires over

The Fonz is here and brings the spark the ‘Caps so badly need

But the difference maker proves to be Cristian Techera who strikes a brilliant free kick

Over the wall and into the Dallas net

1-1!

Captain Ousted is pleased

The game is up for grabs and Jordan Harvey comes up with a huge point saving block on a Michael Barrios shot

David Ousted loses it after a hard tackle on Cristian Techera in the Dallas box

Daddy Brek departs and Bernie Ibini comes on for his MLS debut

But there’s no further scoring and both teams and coaches have to settle for a share of the spoils

You can see all of Tom’s photos from the game HERE and in our full Flickr slideshow below: