Good Friday morning Caps fans, hope you all are having a lovely week and that you are gearing up for a well deserved break.
Well, the international break is in the rearview mirror and we’re back to the final handful of MLS games before the offseason hits and we must go without.
The playoffs return this weekend with the conference semifinals and it will be interesting to see if Cascadia foe Seattle can upend LAFC and if Atlanta United can keep their magical run going.
The Caps, meanwhile, have until the middle of next week to make their call on options. We’ve had plenty of coverage on the ramifications of those decisions here on the blog.
I, however, got to thinking about a question I have yet to see settled: What is the best Whitecaps goal from 2024?
The reason for this is simple. The Caps’ X account posted a 15 minute long video with every goal from this season and, looking to kill some time at work (don’t tell my boss), I watched. It was a fun way to relive the highlights of the season (and remember some matches I purposefully blotted out of my memory).
For my money, the selection goes to Ryan Gauld’s lovely one time volley during the Wild Card round against Portland. Gauld, in effect, is his own worst enemy for this award, as he has several goals that could win (the screamer against New England during the regular season comes to mind). But to score a goal of the highest quality, to hit a ball so cleanly and perfectly placed, when the stakes were the highest is something special. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing goals I’ve seen in the entirety of the MLS playoffs.
I am also, however, partial to Ali Ahmed’s goal against San Jose in the second week of the regular season. Ali didn’t develop as much as many of us hoped this season but his raw talent is readily apparent and it is clear to see why he is attracting such serious interest from European clubs. This goal reinforces that, as he absolutely mugs two Quakes defenders before his beautiful curl past Daniel. Not nearly as consequential of a goal as some of the other ones this season but I am partial to an individual effort and this certainly fits the bill.
Are there other goals I’m missing? Chime in in the comments — it’ll give me something to do when I’m supposed to be working this afternoon.
Shameless Self Promotion
It might be the last dance for this iteration of the Whitecaps in 2025. How should the club proceed to maximize this closing window of opportunity? Caleb dives deep with the answers.
Best of the Rest
Jonathan David once again shone as Canada dismantled Suriname 3-0 to advance to play Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League semis.
As drone-gate drags on, what does that mean for John Herdman’s tenure as manager of Toronto FC.
In a shock move, Tata Martino has left Inter Miami of his own accord, another seismic change in what has already been a roller coaster of an offseason.
York United has a new manager in CPL, while Atletico Ottawa is looking for a new boss.
gotta agree with you- Gauld’s sublime, deft lob over the Portland goalie is a skill you rarely see – it was a remarkable shot – why Scotland doesnt see his potential in being a starter is bewildering, but it probably is because he is playing in MLS and in Canada- they can be euro snobs – we were all hoping he would-if possible- join Canada for WC 2026- but alas, the pull of and loyalty to the haggis is just too much
Ali Ahmed might be going to a Euro league, but it wont be at the level we once thought it could be- he just lacks the offensive punch and physical durability – he might be better to make his career in MLS
TFC Head Coach and former womens and mens head coach, john herdman, has hid away from drone-gate– but he wont avoid the ‘soccer guilottine’- he will be suspended by FIFA, MLS and Canada Soccer and loose his job at TO before the MLS season 2025 begins… and rightfully so- herdman is showing himself to be a weasel and just too slick… but that is what narcissists are IMO (and MAYBE, TO will get to be a better Team, but only if the 2 Italians can find another place to play)- if Herdman is proven innocent, then my apology will be forthcoming
Tata leaving Miami without winning the MLS Cup is a shock, but he has other plans – with him gone, Miami will have suitable and high quality coaches applying for the job- with Messi, any coach is a possibility– and TO BE STRAIGHT, Tata was foolish not to improve his defence which could be shredded easily- it cost the Team in the playoffs
as far as the CPL goes, i am happy to be wrong- i gave the league 3-4 years before it would be dissolved– and it has survived, made small steps forward and has some quality football with more markets possibly being added – its a slow climb to being solvent, but the little red train is still going up the hill- WELL DONE TO THE FOUNDERS AND TO THOSE STILL INVOLVED!!
There is also the Berhalter belter against LA fc