Good Monday morning Caps fans, hope you all had a lovely break this weekend and that the week ahead treats you well.
This season has spoiled us so much that any sort of subpar outing from the Whitecaps feels shocking. And while their performance on Saturday in Austin was their weakest one of the season, they still did enough to draw a key road point.
Part of that was another stout defensive performance and some big saves from Yohei Takaoka, who once again deserves credit.
I’m not at all concerned long term but the midfield looks like it might be running on fumes after balling out to start the season. Missing Ryan Gauld, who can drag the team across the finish line in games where it is struggling, undoubtedly also is a factor and the fact that his return is still unlikely for the foreseeable future is, well, a problem.
But a bad night at this office was inevitable. And it was bad luck that all three midfielders struggled in the same match. Given how strong all three have been, that is unlikely to repeat itself.
And the Caps have a prime chance to rotate and get Ralph Priso, Bjorn Utvik and other depth players a look when they take on Valour in the Voyageurs Cup on Tuesday. Valour sit near the bottom of the Canadian Premier League table and while that doesn’t always mean much in the cup competition, this is as big of a talent disparity as the Caps will encounter this season. The trip to Winnipeg is a bit of a drag but it will be a good chance to rest some tired legs and, hopefully, get a quest for a four-peat off to a strong start.
Shameless Self Promotion
Caleb runs down the not-so-good, kinda bad performance in Austin — and looks at how things still turned out OK.
Best of the Rest
Jesse Marsch is trying to recruit Tristan Blackmon to the Canadian Men’s National Team and apparently has a workaround to expedite his citizenship status.
MLS is creating a pre-Club World Cup transfer window — but only for teams playing in that competition. Seems pretty sus, if you ask me.
The Canadian Women’s National Team is hosting a friendly against Costa Rica in June in honor of pride month.
One match, two ACL injuries: A look at where Pacific FC stands after some rotten luck.
re: Tristain Blackmon playing for Canada at the 2026 WC-
yes, he can be fast-tracked for Canadian Citizenship IF he agrees
BUT how will he be approved by FIFA which has a 5 year eligiblity for citizenship approval ?
maybe KJ and Jesse Marsch knows something can happen- certainly Marsch wouldnt have entertained this without checking with not only Canada Immigration, but more importantly with FIFA
maybe CONCACAF President, Victor Montagliani, of Canada can pull some strings ??
Tristain would add depth and experience to a shallow list of CBs
Salty
Canada head coach, Jesse Marsch, wouldnt have put Blackomon’s name out there without doing his due diligence- Jesse is a thoughful, well-planned out coach and, along with immigration authorities, he must have already checked out Blackmon’s interest
this has more legs than many think – Tristain would add depth to a vulnerable area as we only have 2 solid CBs- cornelius and bombito
Interesting about Blackmon. Certainly a very good player. One of the 3 great American players signed by the caps. Somewhat underrated in his 1st 3 seasons. Has formed a good CB pairing with Ranko. Jesse must feel the Tristan would be an upgrade over Derek. I’m not a fan of the rent a player thing, however. Are there no younger Canadian CB’s up and coming? On Saturday’s draw, it looked to me as if the caps were too casual. Risky dribbling and passing. Overall a lack of intensity. Austin also had a say in this with a solid game plan and very determined play, their only fault being not able to finish. Hope the caps can get back to their fast, attacking soccer that has served them well so far.