The Whitecaps were back in the win column on Saturday at BC Place, and they had little trouble neutralizing the Colorado Rapids in a 2-0 victory.

There certainly were standouts in this one, with Emmanuel Sabbi grabbing his first career goal as a Whitecaps player, Ali Ahmed with a performance that will haunt the right side of the Rapids defense and Pedro Vite scoring a banger … almost.

This was a true team win, however, one that gives us plenty to chew over in the report card. Read on for the grades …

Yohei Takaoka: 7

Takaoka could have read a book for stretches of the first half and he didn’t have to make a save of consequence until late in the second half. No problems in distribution, with a couple of smart balls playing out of the back to play Ocampo into space.

Edier Ocampo: 6.5

Seems to be still feeling things out with Sabbi, but Ocampo still creates danger down the right hand side with overlapping runs. Did more defensively and tracked back well, using his pace to match up well with Oli Larraz, though Calvin Harris did get the better of him a couple of times.

Ranko Veselinovic: 7.5

Sprayed some lovely diagonal balls and was never really tested defensively and, when he was, he stepped up without issue. Perhaps collectively the best defensive performance of the season.

Tristan Blackmon: 7.5

Had one of the worst turnovers you’ll ever see to end the first half, playing a direct free kick right to a Rapids player and forcing Cubas to take a yellow card.That was the only foible on the night, however, for Blackmon with a couple of lovely runs forward and an excellent performance defensively, winning battle after battle with the Rapids attackers.

Tate Johnson: 7.5

Struggled with the pace of Kevin Cabral early but found his footing, with a smart, patient ball to lay the groundwork for White’s goal. After that, he hardly put a foot wrong and created danger either with his crosses or with smart runs to open up space for Ahmed or White in the box. Johnson sure doesn’t look like a rookie.

Sebastian Berhalter: 7.5

A clever assist from Berhalter but it was a rare occasion where Berhalter’s defensive work rate was even more of an asset than his distribution. Displayed Cubas-like intensity in the centre of the park and was quite difficult to play around.

Andres Cubas: 7

The Rapids had more possession than usual but Cubas helped cushion the danger and made any efforts to build up centrally via Cole Bassett woefully ineffective. Played some absolute bullets from deeper lying positions to help spring Caps attacks.

Pedro Vite: 7.5

Back in a deeper lying role, Vite was sharp as ever, picking up three key passes as he either slid wide to ping in crosses or remained centrally to pull the strings.  Was unlucky to have an absolute worldie called back for offside in the build up.

Emmanuel Sabbi: 8

Rapids found it difficult to deal with Sabbi’s quickness, whether he took the ball to the touchline or cut inside. Worked hard and read the game well, which was exemplified in his expertly timed run to set up his first Whitecaps goal. His influence flagged a bit in the second half but he still had some bright spots, winning free kicks and oozing with confidence. Exactly the performance Vancouver needed from Sabbi.

Brian White: 7.5

A vintage Brian White finish teed up his second goal of the week and it was a nice performance from White, who was a nuisance to the Rapids.

Ali Ahmed: 8

Really drove the match down the left hand side and after about the first 15 minutes, most meaningful attacks came down Ahmed’s side. And with good reason, as this was Ali at his best, driving forward into the box and squaring it to pick up three key passes or, periodically, going for goal himself. His assist on Sabbi’s goal was superbly weighted and he deserved a goal as well to round off a fine performance.

J.C. Ngando, Daniel Rios, Ralph Priso:

No one covered themselves in glory with their sub appearance. Rios continues to make some baffling decisions and Priso was hot and cold.