Saturday afternoon at BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps looked like they were playing on easy mode against visiting Austin FC, as they romped their way to a 5-1 victory, including a four-goal performance from Brian White.
It sounds funny to say after the final result, but it was a bit of a sluggish start to the match for Vancouver, with players no doubt feeling the fatigue of a physically and mentally taxing trip to Mexico midweek. Once the Whitecaps found their form, however, they were simply unstoppable for the rest of the match. Vancouver really poured it on in the second half, leaving Austin desperate to find the quickest way back to YVR.
How did the players’ grades shake out? Let’s have a look:
Yohei Takaoka – 6.5
The Japanese keeper made three saves and cleaned up a couple of sloppy early defensive moments from Vancouver. That said, his play on Austin’s goal (although in garbage time) was very strange. It looked like Takaoka had the far post covered, but he pulled up at the last moment as though the shot was going wide, allowing the distance effort to find a way home. This is not the first time Takaoka has struggled to read shots from distance, which is not ideal.
Tate Johnson – 6.5
The young American was not super busy, as Vancouver focused much of their buildup down the other side of the pitch. Nonetheless, Johnson held up well defensively and put in a good 90 minutes for his team.
Ranko Veselinovic – 7.0
With a lot of one way traffic, Ranko had a pretty uneventful match. He was very strong in the air though, as he won all three of his aerial duels, and he also notched six clearances.
Tristan Blackmon – 7.0
Blackmon’s on-ball value and ability to win duels high up the pitch really shines in this system. He did have a sketchy early moment with a back pass to Takaoka, but overall the American defender has been stellar this year.
Edier Ocampo – 7.5
What Ocampo lacks in precision he certainly makes up for with hustle and physical ability. I think that once Ocampo gets his crossing dialed in, he has the potential to be a top-tier fullback in MLS.
Andres Cubas – 7.0
As always with Cubas, ball-winning is the first thing that comes to mind, and the Paraguayan international made sure that Vazquez and Uzuni were unable to combine very often on the counterattack.
Ralph Priso – 6.5
Nothing spectacular, but the Canadian midfielder certainly looks more comfortable when his team is in control and he can keep his game simple.
Pedro Vite – 6.5
While not as dynamic as his early-season form, Vite remains a quality contributor in the midfield. Vancouver did not build very much centrally in this match, so the Ecuadorian was less integral for the Whitecaps than normal.
Daniel Rios – 6.5
Look, Rios has not been spectacular this season, but he pulls out quality moments often enough to keep you happy when analyzing a depth striker. His deft touch to White on Vancouver’s first goal was sublime, and he has underrated technical quality, even if his penalty attempt was a bit disappointing.
Brian White – 10
White absolutely feasted on an Austin defensive unit that appeared to have a very hard time keeping track of him. Each of his finishes was supremely calm, and frankly, White was unlucky not to have five or six goals. Bonus points for his creative celebrations.
Emmanuel Sabbi – 8.5
It’s impressive for a player to come back from a preseason injury and hit the ground running with a brand new team the way Sabbi has. He’s made an impact in each of his performances to date, be that from the bench or as a starter. This match marked his second consecutive in MLS play with a goal, as well as his first assist.
Substitutes – 7.0
Vancouver kept the pressure on Austin late into the match, even with the result already well secured, and that’s a credit to those who came off the bench. First and foremost, congrats to Giuseppe Bovalina for earning his first minutes of 2025, and he was pretty close to tallying an assist on season debut. Elsewhere, Seb Berhalter earned some valuable rest before coming on, while Ali Ahmed has himself up to four assists this year, and nearly had a goal as well, with a good effort which clattered off the post.
Alright, those were my thoughts on a dominant showing at BC Place. Let me know yours in the comments.
Honestly, I was a little worried we might be out of gas. But once this team takes the lead, it gives them a boost. You’d swear Brian could’ve played 180 minutes on the night. He really had his way with them.
I really didn’t see any standouts in a negative manner other than a missed PK. I figure they gave it to Danny to try and give him a bit of a cookie and it wasnt a brutal kick but you gotta score there.
Hopefully everyone gets some good rest this week, rotate the squad a bit next week at STL even if it means we don’t have a first choice lineup. Then full force against Miami.
Brad Stuver – 10.0 for saving a mouse on the field
That’s the rating I wanted to see. Bravo!!
What are the thoughts on our local boy Badwal!! He was out again as a sub.
anywhere from good, to very good to outstanding in your ratings says it all- i cant remember a week like this for a long time of being in MLS
having said that, a couple of comments:
1. i still struggle with Takaoka’s play- his lack of attention to short post shots, shots rebounding off his hands or chest ands going out into the middle of the box and being frozen on some shots are a major concern as these cost us goals and in post season play, each could cost us the game- he is better at holding onto cross balls and his kicking is sensational
2. Ocampo needs to learn to have a quick look for players in the box before crossing the ball – you can train yourself to do that
3. Rios is showing me some positive stuff, so maybe he can grow his game and importance to the Team – he is better than Ardaiz
4. what impressed me most with White’s goals are that he is using soft touches ALONG the ground– its obvious he is working on improving where and how he is shooting at goal- he is much more than just Ryan Gauld’s assistant
5. if i were Jesper, i would give Blackmon a game off- a couple of mistakes in the last 2 games almost cost us a goal or 2- he has been STELLAR this season, but maybe fatique is setting in; then i would do the same for Vesalinovic- these 2 are the best CD pair in MLS– its time for Halbouni to get some time
6. Johnson really impresses me at how quick he is learning the pro game- he plays within his ability, is correcting mistakes and makes crisp passes- when he comes back, Sam will be challenged to move Tate from the starting spot and it will give Jesper an option to keep Sam’s constant leg injuries from haunting his game
Salty
Funny to say, but I think the CONCACAF games (which are usually taxing and detrimental to teams) have been very positive for Sorenson. It has enabled him to engage more of his team into games and get them comfortable with the new style of play. It would have been more difficult to get minutes to players without having these extra games. They absolutely manhandled Austin–without 3 starters. With the exception of the Toronto draw, this team has looked really good and seems equipped to do some damage this year.