It seems fair to suggest that the league needs a rethink on its officiating standards and maybe its pool of referees. TSN soccer analyst Kevin Kilbane said: “Again, unfortunately, we are talking about officiating and refereeing decisions that are costing sides. The other week, it cost the Whitecaps. Today, it’s gained the Whitecaps three points. Ultimately it’s poor. I think it’s a real scar on the MLS.” St. Louis interim head coach David Critchley did an admirable job in the post-game interview session of trying to stick to how well his team — sitting 14th in the Western Conference — matched up against the Whitecaps on the road, saying things like, “to watch these guys perform like they did … massive amounts of being proud, being happy.” He did admit this: “I’m pretty upset with, as you guys can imagine, a lot of situations on the field out of our control. I think we have to get better as a league.” Goalkeeper Roman Bürki was more blunt, saying: “What I heard now, and not only from our side but also from Vancouver’s side, is that it was a joke, to be honest.”