Deutsche-Bedrohung » oulder often missed the mark,

The Whitecaps knew they needed a high-end central defender even before the season started. That need was exacerbated on Saturday after a second half meltdown that saw the Caps fortunate to escape from PPL Park with a point, despite leading 2-0 at half time. The difference between the 4-3 win in Portland and the 3-3 draw in Penn State was the first 25 minutes of the 2nd half. Against the Timbers, the Whitecaps didnt allow their opponents any kind of life after the interval and, in the end, added a fourth goal. In Philadelphia, there was only one team that came out of the tunnel it seemed and Vancouver was under siege from minute 46 on. A simple tactical switch by the Unions John Hackworth saw a largely invisible Zach Pfeffer replaced by Michael Lahoud, whose defensive work in midfield seemed to allow Philadelphias technical players to see more of the ball. Beyond that, it wasnt pace that got the home side back in the game, but instead some good, old fashioned wing play and continuous service to a rejuvenated-looking Conor Casey. The 32-year-old target forward was simply no match for the Whitecaps central defenders. Before getting injured, it seemed as though Jay DeMerit was the more likely Whitecap to win the odd aerial battle, but after landing awkwardly in the 38th-minute, one has to wonder whether Jay DeMerits long-term availability is in serious jeopardy. Compounding the Whitecaps troubles at the back was a worrisome performance by Johnny Leveron, who has been touted as Carl Robinsons guy since the boss scouted him after an impressive 2012 Olympic campaign. The 23-year-old Honduran is billed as a defensive quarterback - a player who can make a great first pass. But on Saturday, his first pass was often a panic ball straight into touch and defensively, well, Leveron had a nightmare. He couldnt catch up anywhere close to Sebastien LeToux on the equalizing goal and then he inexplicably gave Casey acres of space at the top of the box, meekly turning his back on what was then the go-ahead goal. With Andy OBrien turing 35 this month and Jay DeMerit now on the sidelines, the centre-back search has suddenly become the bigger priority than a goal-poaching striker. Short term, Carlyle Mitchell could be back in the picture. He and Leveron found some synergy together in one of the more fruitful periods of the 2013 campaign thanks to the Trinidadians recovery speed and defensive athleticism. Third-overall pick Christian Dean still needs some seasoning, which makes one think that a young, athletic blue-chip centre back is now at the top of the shopping list with the transfer window about to open. Carl Robinson and his web of scouts will be scouring the globe to hopefully unearth a player who fits the Whitecaps criteria of young and with upside value. Asked about a rumoured MLS link with former Man City and Everton vet Joleon Lescott, the manager acknowledged his pedigree, but admitted that the 31-year-old former England international could command an unrealistic wage. To think that Vancouver has taken four of six points away from home while conceding six goals in those games makes you wonder where they could be if they shore up, arguably, their most vulnerable position. Jonas Jerebko Jersey . Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Carmelo Anthony scored 21 and the New York Knicks won their eighth straight game, 93-92 over Philadelphia on Friday night, sending the Sixers to their 23rd straight loss. Derrick Favors Jersey . Advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals should be a formality after Lionel Messi scored a penalty and Dani Alves added a late second to secure a commanding 2-0 advantage over City in the round of 16 on Tuesday. http://www.jazzauthentic.com/kids-pete-maravich-jazz-jersey/ . Serves hit by her surgically repaired shoulder often missed the mark, resulting in 12 double-faults. Donovan Mitchell Jersey . -- The Windsor Spitfires were left with just one goaltender Tuesday after having their starter walk out on them midway through Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff matchup with the London Knights. Utah Jazz Jerseys . According to Dave Stubbs of The Montreal Gazette, preliminary talks have begun between Markov - an unrestricted free agent this summer - and general manager Marc Bergevin.Aprils draft rankings from International Scouting Services shuffled the top rankings of the Top 30, seeing Sam Reinhart of the Kootenay Ice overtake Aaron Ekblad of the OHLs Barrie Colts for the No. 1 spot. Also, Michael Dal Colle of the Oshawa Generals has gone above and beyond with his recent play to surpass Sam Bennett of the OHLs Kingston Frontenacs for the No. 3 position. "A spectacular start to the playoffs has helped both Sam Reinhart and Michael Dal Colle move up the ISS rankings", comments ISS Hockey Director of Scouting Dennis MacInnis. "With their last chance to show their development before the draft, both are averaging close to two points per game, while leading their respective clubss towards championship titles.dddddddddddd" Falling eight spots is Windsor Spitfires forward Josh Ho-Sang, who was recently suspended for 15 games for his hit from behind on London Knights defenceman Zach Bell. Making an appearance in the Top 30 is forward Nick Schmaltz of the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, going into the 21st spot, while Ryan MacInnis of the Kitchener Rangers moves into the 22nd spot. The top two goaltenders remained the same with Thatcher Demko of Boston College and Alex Nedeljkovic of the Plymouth Whalers, respectively. Rounding out the Top 3 netminders is Mason McDonald from the Charlottetown Islanders in the QMJHL, edging out Brent Moran of the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL. Cheap Celtics Jerseys Wholesale Nets Jerseys Cheap Knicks Jerseys Cheap Stitched 76ers Jerseys Raptors Jerseys China Cheap Bulls Jerseys Wholesale Cavaliers Jerseys Pistons Jerseys China Pacers Jerseys China Cheap Bucks Jerseys Online Wholesale Hawks Jerseys Cheap Hornets Jerseys Wholesale Heat Jerseys Cheap Magic Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Wizards Jerseys Nuggets Jerseys China Timberwolves Jerseys China Cheap Thunder Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Blazers Jerseys Wholesale Jazz Jerseys Cheap Warriors Jerseys For Sale Cheap Clippers Jerseys Lakers Jerseys China Wholesale Suns Jerseys Cheap Kings Jerseys Authentic Cheap Mavericks Jerseys Rockets Jerseys China Cheap Grizzlies Jerseys Wholesale Pelicans Jerseys Spurs Jerseys China ' ' '