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VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps are unbeaten to start the Major League Soccer season, but rookie head coach Carl Robinson knows his club is still very much a work in progress. After thumping the New York Red Bulls 4-1 in their home opener on March 8, the Whitecaps secured a pair of road draws the last two weeks — 1-1 against Chivas USA and 0-0 against the New England Revolution. Catch the action live on TSN2 at 7pm et/4pm pt. Points away from home are always a bonus in MLS, but Robinson wasnt happy with certain aspects of the games as goalkeeper David Ousted was forced to bail out his teammates on a couple of occasions. With that in mind, the Whitecaps spent time this week getting back to basics in preparation for Saturdays home date against the Houston Dynamo. "We havent played enough football in the last two games that I wouldve liked," said Robinson. "We tried to break it down into segments of building from the back at the right times with a midfield player, breaking lines in the midfield and transitioning quickly. "The boys took the concepts very well." Robinson will hope the lessons stick as Houston (2-0-0) comes to town rested, having not played since a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact on March 15. "A very tough game," said Robinson. "I said to the guys in the changing room that theyre always in the playoffs, theyre a very strong team, well coached ... and its going to be a stern test for us." Vancouver is 2-2-0 against Houston all-time in MLS play, including a 3-1 home victory over the Dynamo at B.C. Place Stadium back in 2012. "Its always been a fortress for us," Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit said of his teams home field. "Throughout the years weve been able to pick up good results and well look to continue that. We know we have a tough opposition this week." Robinson, who was promoted to the top job in December after former head coach Martin Rennie was fired, has tempered expectations as he attempts to put his mark on the club and return the Whitecaps to the post-season. "I was never getting too carried away after the first game and Im not getting too down after two difficult away games," said the former Welsh international. "Its important we try and put our stamp on the game. Because were a young team with new players, its important we manage games better." That begins at the opening whistle, where the Whitecaps struggled the last two weeks to assert themselves early on the road. "A lot of teams in Major League Soccer play very well at home," said Robinson. "Its difficult to go on the road and play. The successful teams manage to find a way to win on the road. Were very good at home. We know that, and if we want to be competing for the playoffs weve got to be very good at home." One player the Dynamo will have to pay close attention to is Whitecaps striker Darren Mattocks, who has two assists this season, and three goals in two career games against Houston. "Mattocks is a fast guy," Dynamo defender Kofi Sarkodie told the clubs official website. "As long as we stick together as a back line as weve been doing and just kind of eliminate space in behind, I think we can nullify them throughout the match." DeMerit said the Whitecaps have had past success against the Dynamo because their style suits the matchup. "That means getting the ball down, getting our link play up and our combinations up front to create chances in our final third," said DeMerit. "The way you beat them is to pick them apart, and weve been able to do that most of the time." The Dynamo — who will face their first road test of the season — have yet to concede a goal this year, while striker Will Bruin already has three of his own to go along with an assist. "Strong team," said Ousted. "Good crosses and big guys up front that are good in the box, so we need to study up on those guys and be ready for it. Hopefully we can go in and dictate the play a little more than we did in the two away games." DeMerit will draw back into the lineup for Vancouver after a week of rest. Another change comes out of necessity, with Gershon Koffie expected to replace Nigel Reo-Coker in the centre of midfield. Reo-Coker suffered a bizarre injury on Sunday when he tripped over a bike rack in Vancouver and suffered a concussion and cuts to his face. Koffie, who has started 77 games for the Whitecaps since 2011, subbed in for Reo-Coker for the final 20 minutes against the Revolution for his first action of 2014. "Its always learning when youre on the bench," said Koffie. "Its not easy to be on the bench ... but also you have to learn from the bench." Robinson said hes pleased with Vancouvers unbeaten run to kick off the campaign but stressed its far too soon to be looking at the standings. At this point, the process is what concerns him. "We started off very well. Weve still got obviously a long way to go. Were unbeaten in three but its early stages," said Robinson. "Its important we progress every game and along the way well win games and well lose games. "But as long as were progressing in the right way and trying to put the style of play I want in the team, then were moving in the right direction." Note: The Whitecaps will honour Y.P. Lee before Saturdays game. The famed South Korean defender joined Vancouver in 2012 after a lengthy career in Europe and the Middle East before retiring in October. Follow @JClipperton on Twitter Dominic Leone Cardinals Jersey . Playing in his 19th career final, the second-seeded Tsonga was favourite to win the Open 13 for the third time and to secure an 11th career title, but he struggled with Gulbis attacking approach. Stitched Cardinals Jerseys . -- A 25-year-old freelance journalist from British Columbia was formally charged on Thursday with a felony, five days after she was arrested in the United States over allegations she threatened to kill her hockey player boyfriend. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/624...ardinals.html.Y. - The New York Islanders are brimming with confidence these days, thanks to a standout goalie and a newfound winning attitude. Junior Fernandez Cardinals Jersey . So they rushed to re-sign the first baseman who general manager Ben Cherington described Friday as "a unique player." The World Series champions finalized a $32 million, two-year agreement Thursday with the slugging former catcher who turned into a surprisingly good defender. Ted Simmons Jersey . But luckily for the Canadian squad, one goal was all it needed. Winnipegs Sophie Schmidt scored the winner off a Diana Matheson corner kick to seal Canadas third-place spot in the Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino in Brazil on Sunday.BALTIMORE - Outfielder Delmon Young has finalized a $2.25 million, one-year contract to play a second season with the Baltimore Orioles.In his debut with the Orioles in 2014, Young batted .302 with seven homers and 30 RBIs in 83 games in 2014. He was most productive as a pinch hitter, going 10 for 20.Young saved his biggest hit for the post-season, driving in three runs with a pinch-hit double in a comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers.The loss of free agent outfielder Nick Markakis to Atlanta could lead to extended playing time for the 29-year-old Young, according to Orioles executive vice-president Dan Duquette.Delmon Young is an accomplished major league hitter who had a nice year with a lot of clutch hits in part-time duty in 2014, Duquette said. We look forward to his return and contribution to our 2015 team. Depending on how the team is structured, hhe could have a more vital role this season.ddddddddddddOriginally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first overall pick in the 2003 amateur draft, the 29-year-old Young has a .283 batting average over 1,066 games.Young can make an additional $750,000 in bonuses based on plate appearances: $125,000 each for 250 and 300, and $100,000 apiece for 400 and each additional 50 through 600.To make room for Young on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment Friday. Lavarnway was claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs last month.Laranway became expendable after free agent catcher J.P. Arencibia agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training camp.Arencibia hit .177 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs in 63 games with Texas last year. He spent the previous four years with Toronto. ' ' '
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