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When we look back on it from the sobering eyes of October, this winless, goal-less, and mostly lifeless week may have actually come at a good time for the Whitecaps. The good news; it took until the end of June to have really poor back to back games. But those pre-World Cup break thrills and spills, with seven goals in two away games feels like much more than two-and-a-half weeks ago. What this past week did was expose a glaring weakness; Vancouvers inability to break through clubs who dont give them space. One dimension the club has been missing since year one in MLS is an aerial threat from a corner, free kick or a Pedro Morales diagonal ball. Whether that attribute is on the resume of a future Centre Back, or they go after a traditional target striker come July 9...the Whitecaps must get more production from the dead ball. With arch rivals Seattle providing the last opposition before an opening transfer window, one wonders how proactive the Whitecaps will be to strengthen. This weekends opponents are runaway league leaders built almost exclusively with well-travelled MLS veterans. Is that an ingredient the club is missing, especially in these dog days of the MLS schedule? Media and supporters alike salivated over the prospects of youngsters Mattocks Manneh and Hurtado all starting together against the leagues worst team in Montreal; especially without three key components in Marco DiVaio, Justin Mapp and Felipe. Its very easy to say now, but what else was Frank Klopas going to do against the Whitecaps, but sit deep? That first hour on Wednesday was like watching three Ferraris trying to race around downtown Vancouver traffic. Lots of revving, but never the space to really get going, and eventually, stuck at a red light on a one way street. The one outfield bright spot against the Impact was the evasive and adventurous Gershon Koffie, who for his efforts, was given a spot on the bench at Colorado. His holding midfield colleague Mattias Laba, was by his standards anonymous Wednesday, and downright leg-less at Philadelphia. But Laba kept his place, and in Koffies absence, Russell Tiebert, a player who many observers find hard to clearly define. One neednt extol the young Canadians virtues - we all know what they are, and he still has enough years to evolve into that ideal position. But the buzzing and supporting and possessing all seemed rather superfluous when the Whitecaps were down two and needing some forward thrust. Koffie did come on at half-time, but even then it felt too late. Most worrisome in Colorado were the performances of Uruguayans Nicholas Mezquida and Sebastien Fernandez. Their country had been dispatched from the World Cup by Colombia earlier that day, and it almost seemed like the two were still in mourning. Neither player could complete a pass, and both looked like featherweights in possession getting brushed aside by stronger opponents. As eight unbeaten suddenly became winless in three, it will be really interesting to watch how Carl Robinson goes about building his team up in advance of the Sounders visit. Does he show patience with his young players to get back to their previous form, or with four games in two weeks looming - does he consider making changes. There must also be a voice in the back of his head telling him about the components his squad doesnt have. We know the man they call Robbo never backs down from a challenge. Hes also not backing down from any incoming phone calls either. Custom Dallas Mavericks Jerseys . -- The Chiefs have signed seven players to reserve/future contracts, including running back Joe McKnight, a former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets. Cheap Dallas Mavericks Jerseys . "Rob brings a wealth of coaching experience, having worked both in Canada and overseas in player development," Canada Soccer technical director Tony Fonseca said in a release. http://www.mavericksteamofficial.info/jose-juan-barea-mavericks-jersey/ . "I only want to go through this one more time," Crosby said Friday. The 24-year-old captain hasnt played since the symptoms resurfaced following a loss to Boston on Dec. 5. Doctors allowed him to return to full practice on Tuesday and while Crosby is pleased with the way his body is responding he refuses to put on his return. Steve Nash Jersey . Huntington doesnt want to help run the club unless Hurdle is in the dugout. The combination thats returned the franchise to respectability will remain intact for years to come. Wesley Matthews Jersey . -- All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham and the New Orleans Saints met Tuesday for arbitration on his contract.Amelie Lacoste has retired from competitive skating. The 2012 Canadian Champion, representing CPA du Roussillon, was a mainstay on the Canadian National team for six years. The 25-year-old from Delson, Que., represented Canada many times in international competition including two 16th place finishes at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, seven appearances at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and various ISU Grand Prix events, notably earning bronze at the 2011 Skate Canada International. She is a four-time Canadian medallist at the senior level, and one of few skaters to win the Canadian title at the novice, junior and senior levels. This season, she placed fifth at the U.S. International Figure Skating Classic, fifth at Skate Canada International, sixth at Trophee Eric Bompard, 12th at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and earned bronze at the 2014 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. "This was a difficult decision for me, but I am excited to start a new chapter in my life. This past year, with changing my training base, helped renew my passion and love for training and competing," said Lacoste. "Im very happy with all that I have accomplished and I would like to thank everyone who made my journey and my career a success. Even though I had ups and downs during the years, you were always there to help and give me advice to be a better skater and a better person. And I would like to thank my family, especially my parents and my sister. They supported me through 20 years of my skating career, and I truly cherish the commitment and sacrifices they made to allow me to pursue my dreams." In addition to her family, Lacoste had manyy other people to acknowledge who supported her throughout the years.dddddddddddd "A special thanks to my dress maker, Mrs. Luis, my physiotherapists Claude Aquin and Stephane Fournier, my sport psychologist Wayne Halliwell, and all the other specialists who worked with me. I also appreciate all the choreographers who helped me develop that very important aspect of my figure skating. My home club, CPA Du Roussillon, ARPAS (Patinage Rive-Sud), Patinage Quéebec and Skate Canada were with me every step of the way, and your support is so appreciated. And lastly I would like to thank all the officials, volunteers, supporters and fans, who always had a word of encouragement or cheered me on. Without all of these people in my life, I would never have achieved my goals, or become the person that I am now." "Amelie represented Skate Canada proudly as a member of our national team for many years and as our Canadian champion in 2012," said Mike Slipchuk, High Performance Director, Skate Canada. "She worked with great desire and determination to achieve her goals, and pursue her dreams. We are pleased she plans to stay involved in skating, and look forward to keeping her engaged now as a member of our national team alumni." Although not completely sure of her future plans, Lacoste plans to stay connected to skating and to give back to the sport that has been so much a part of her life. She has a final word for anyone who wants to pursue and achieve a goal. "Believe in your dreams. Dreams do come true if you are willing do anything in your willpower to achieve it. Go after it. The most important thing, listen to your heart and follow your intuition." 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