The Whitecaps have won three straight matches to open the season for the first time in the franchise’s MLS history. Unfortunately, their 2-0 win over CF Montreal also added another key player to the treatment room, with Ryan Gauld picking up a potentially serious knee injury.
Vancouver did quite well without him, however, with excellent play from the backline, including a goal from both Mathias Laborda and young Tate Johnson. There were plenty of positives from the latest win but what does that mean for the report card? Read on to find out.
Yohei Takaoka: 6.5
Only had to make one save on the evening but it was a fine stop 1v1 on Prince Owusu late. Had a couple of sketchy moments coming out for crosses, which he will need to iron out.
Mathias Laborda: 8
An excellent all around performance from Laborda, read the match well, coming up the pitch and was dogged to win the ball and cut out Montreal counters. His persistence going forward paid off, with Montreal unable to clear their lines on a corner, and Laborda pounced to get a well-earned goal. Perhaps Laborda’s most complete match as a Whitecaps player.
Tristan Blackmon: 7.5
Tracked back well and, like Ranko, was solid in snuffing out danger from Prince Owusu with a couple of nice last ditch recoveries. Was smooth in passing and had a couple of lengthy runs with the ball, asking questions of the Montreal midfield.
Ranko Veselinovic: 7.5
Had some excellent duels with Prince Owusu, including the outstanding defensive moment of the match to make an inch perfect challenge to deny the streaking striker. A comfortable display.
Tate Johnson: 8
A dream full debut for Johnson, who smartly opened his Whitecaps account. Sure, maybe he had a bit of fortune hitting his shot into the ground but no one will begrudge the youngster. He doesn’t look out of place at all and reads the game well for a young player. Had a nice clearance off the line to beat back a Montreal corner.
Pedro Vite: 7
Was only denied a goal by a couple of superlative saves from Jonathan Sirois but was aggressive and linked up well with Ali Ahmed, creating danger from both wide areas and more centrally. It will be interesting to see how Sorensen uses Vite if Gauld is out for a prolonged period of time.
Andres Cubas: 7
Things were comfortable for Cubas, aside from a brief period at the end of the first half where he looked a bit out of sorts. He bounced back and did very well at closing down the passing lanes for Montreal centrally, forcing them to play more balls over the top in hope of reaching Owusu.
Sebastian Berhalter: 7
Without Gauld, Berhalter became the central creative force and paced the team, both in terms of volume of passes and dangerous looks, creating some serious chances with his crosses. A really sharp performance from Seb.
Ali Ahmed: 7.5
Found himself in good positions in the first half, just minus the final ball. He finally found that key pass early in the second half, providing the dangerous cross needed to fuel the Caps’ second. Was excellent on the pressure and worked really hard. Parlayed a really strong performance in CONCACAF Champions Cup into some real momentum in the league as well.
Brian White: 7
Moved and pressed well (Jonathan Sirois will certainly have had enough of White’s presence) and had a clever run to divert attention, allowing Tate Johnson to dart in at the back post and score the Caps’ second. He didn’t get his goal but it was a thorough performance in all other facets of the match for White.
Ryan Gauld: 6
Was forced out after only 20 minutes or so with another worrying non-contact injury, with the captain barely able to walk off the field. To say the Caps’ season hangs in the balance as we wait for more news isn’t an exaggeration.
J.C. Ngando: 6.5
Had some sloppy passes and choices but tightened up as the match went along and showed some real danger dribbling and taking players on 1v1. Whether he will be a viable option further up the pitch without Gauld remains to be seen but Ngando continues to show considerable promise with every appearance.
Subs:
Not much to right home about, with Ralph Priso looking a touch shaky before Daniel Rios and Damir Kreilach came on in the 85th minute as the human victory cigars.
I definitely agree that Boehner should be #1 goalie – do not feel at ease when those crosses come in.
His positioning still needs work too.
Not really a derby, but I digress.
Can’t say I disagree with any of these rankings, though I really like how Berhalter is covering the midfield more.
As for the team as a whole, they’ll be missing Gauld for sure, but it’s less of a hamstring than it would’ve been in previous seasons. Granted, we’ve played weaker teams so far but you can only play those in front of you, and these are teams we should be beating anyways. Away at Monterrey will provide a real challenge, so let’s see what the Caps’ can do.
1. POTM- Mattias Laborda- about as fine a game as he has ever played for the Caps
2. Johnson- an intelligent player for being just out of college play- makes crisp passes and plays well within Jesper’s formation- doesnt take on more than he can handle
3. Takaoka- will never be a capable goalie on cross balls- size and all that- its an on-going problem that smart Teams will keep exposing- sometime this year, i expect Boehmer to be the #1 goalie – size and plays angles better
3. Ngando- he faltered a few times on poor passes, but his poise and comfortableness on the ball makes him a MF starter in most games- i place him ahead of Berhalter simply because he is more creative and controls more of the MF- a smart player and subtlely quick
4. Vite- with Gauld out for a probable extended period of time, Pedro has the opportunity to be THE GUY- not convinced he can do that on a consistent basis as he hasnt shown a liking to intense demands on his game- give him space and time and Pedro can hurt you- with Gauld out, more will be coming his way- we will find out if he can pick up his offensive game to compensate for Gauld’s goals and assists
5. Veselinovic- he has matured into a very capable defender- reliable and reads the game well – his game-saving interception on Owusu’s shooting opportunity was really well done
6. Blackmon- a good working relationship with Vesa- reliable and steady performer
7. Ahmed- started the game with a lot of poor passes- inside his head is moving faster than his feet- with Gauld out, Ali has to get some of the missing goals and assists
8. Ryan Gauld- he will be missed, but i think the Caps have more depth, capabilty and a better head coach to ‘weather the storm’
9. Jesper Sorensen- you gotta like what we are seeing in a professional head coach- the flow of the game, the creativity and the usage of players is 2 notches ahead- we actually have more ball possession than in past years- 9/9 points in MLS is a terrific start
Salty