The hottest player in MLS scored another great goal Wednesday night to help salvage a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew. His fifth goal in four games, Octavio Rivero is proving how great of a player he is, taking MLS by storm and being a main factor in Vancouver's undefeated streak.
Wil Trapp started on Wednesday after being out the week before with a right calf strain, but did not make an impact on the game and was subbed off only at halftime. Columbus also missed Federico Higuain due to a red card being given last week. After praising Pa Modou Kah in this writer's preview of this game, he did not start for the Whitecaps and was replaced by Diego Rodriguez. Kah did end up coming in as a substitute when Rodriguez went down injured early on.
It was not a surprise that Vancouver would dominate the possession throughout the game after coming off of a huge 2-0 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy and looking solid throughout the course of the early season. Early on, Columbus barely held possession of the ball as Vancouver came out the strongest team. Columbus' first opportunity was a ball to Justin Meram who poorly shot wide from close range. In the 24th minute Kei Kamara crossed to Ethan Finley who was tackled, but the ball popped up to the onrushing Kamara who slotted home past David Ousted. Six minutes later Rivero found an equalizer for the 'Caps. A quick throw in came from the left side to Rivero who turned on Michael Parkhurst, held him off, and finished in the left corner of the net.
Columbus started the second half off perfectly when a ball in the 50th came in to Kamara who side footed first touch into the back of the net past an off balance Ousted. In the 57th minute Kekuta Manneh was subbed on for Nicolas Mezquida and what a substitute appearance it was. When Manneh stepped onto the pitch, Vancouver took full control of the game. Laba missed a shot just over the bar from outside the box, and Pedro Morales also had a decent attempt. Darren Mattocks eventually ended up scoring his first goal of the season from a pass by Manneh in the 64th. Vancouver was rampant after their second equalizer and it is surprising that Columbus came out with a tie. Chances were created left and right for the Whitecaps, but they could not find a winner and were left losing two points.
Vancouver is a dark horse this year in the Western Conference and currently is the best in the league. Columbus were without Higuain, but faced off against a very well Whitecaps side and will look to get back on track in a pivotal Eastern Conference match against New England on Saturday. Vancouver will travel to San Jose for a Western Conference game, hoping to remain undefeated and stay top of the table.