The Vancouver Whitecaps returned to winning ways with a dramatic 3-2 victory over St. Louis City on Saturday night.
It was a much needed three points for the Whitecaps, having dropped points in their last two clashes with teams outside the Western Conference playoffs. However, the victory did not come without controversy, as two questionable penalty decisions went Vancouver’s way, including one which allowed Thomas Müller to score a dramatic 104th minute winner.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at the player ratings from this crucial win.
Yohei Takaoka – 7.0
Despite shipping two goals, Takaoka had a relatively solid game in the match. He made three saves, including an impressive one to deny Jeong Sang-Bin at close range, and there wasn’t much that he could do about either goal.
Mathías Laborda – 7.0
Laborda impressed in his left back role, as he regularly got forward and was integral to Vancouver’s attack.
The Uruguayan often found himself as the furthest player forward in a white jersey, and he should have had a goal from the positions he found himself in. However, his attacking intent meant that the Whitecaps were vulnerable on the counterattack, as St. Louis were able to exploit that space.
Tristan Blackmon – 6.5
Tristan has been clearly missing his partnership with Ranko Veselinovic since the Serbian’s absence, and his performance in this game was yet another sign of how important that pairing is to Vancouver.
For the first goal, he completely lost track of Eduard Löwen, playing the German onside and allowing him to score. However, he redeemed himself with his attacking threat, as he won a penalty and was a nuisance from set pieces.
Belal Halbouni – 6.0
Last week we said that Halbouni was just not MLS ready right now, and his performance today is further evidence that unfortunately this is the case. Although he didn’t make any glaring errors, he could have done a better job for the second goal, and he lacked the composure and calmness that Veselinovic brings to Vancouver’s defence.
Edier Ocampo – 6.5
Having watched him over the course of the season, this was a typical performance from Ocampo. He was impressive going forward, as he drove at the backline and created lots of opportunities on the overlap. If he can improve his finishing then he will be an elite outlet in this league, as he had a few opportunities but was unable to take them.
Defensively, although he wasn’t as vulnerable as against Houston, he was still exposed, as St. Louis sought to capitalise on Vancouver’s forward position on the counterattack.
Andres Cubas – 6.0
This game felt unusual for Cubas, as he was seemingly playing in a more advanced role than any I’ve seen him in before.
As a consequence, he seemed to struggle, and I feel like Cubas not being in the defensive positions which he usually occupies left Vancouver more vulnerable on the counterattack. Jesper Sørensen needs to find a system to allow him to focus on his defensive skills without compromising his team’s attacking spark.
Sebastian Berhalter – 7.0
Berhalter is crucial to his teams play, and when he plays well, the Whitecaps play well.
This was perfectly showcased in this performance, as in the first half he wasn’t at his best, and Vancouver struggled as a consequence. It just didn’t seem to click for him and nothing he tried worked. However, he was reinvigorated in the second half, and the hosts looked far more dangerous going forward.
As has been well documented, his set piece deliveries are crucial weapons, and they once again saw the midfielder gather an assist and torment the opposition throughout.
Jayden Nelson – 6.0
It wasn’t Nelson’s best game, as he wasn’t particularly exciting going forward, while he was slow to close down the cross that created the first goal.
However, he did show flashes of positivity, as he was willing to drive at the City defenders. Ultimately, he was fairly ineffective in this one, and he was hooked for Ali Ahmed just beyond the hour mark as Vancouver pushed for a go-ahead goal.
Thomas Müller – 7.5
Although he didn’t quite demonstrate the peak of his powers in this game due to a couple of loose moments and some sloppy finishing, Müller showed the potential of how important he could be to the Whitecaps’ attack.
The Ramdeuter was indeed everywhere across the frontline, and he made Vancouver tick. His composure for the penalty was also world class, and if the Whitecaps can get their attack to click, then they will be a dangerous threat for any opponent.
Emmanuel Sabbi – 7.0
The American was very lively in this one, as he showed positive attacking intent and energy. He did well to create space for Ocampo on the flank, and his drives at the defence caused problems for STL. I feel like it will just take a goal, but if he can fire himself into goal-scoring form before the playoffs then he will be a dangerous player for Vancouver.
Brian White – 7.0
I feel like the notes I wrote down during the game in preparation of writing this piece are the best way to describe my views on White’s game.
“Good penalty. How’s he missed that? How’s he missed that?? Hope he’s ok.”
As he so often does, White played well. He extended his impressive goal-scoring record against St. Louis, and offered a forward outlet, particularly in the second half when Vancouver were playing better. However, he is yet another player who it would be brilliant if his finishing were to improve from that display.
Although he looked in a lot of pain when he was substituted, hopefully his injury is not too serious, as he continues to be vital for his team and will be pivotal in the coming games.
Subs – 7.0
Ali Ahmed looked very bright when he was introduced from the bench, as he gave STL something else to think about and was unlucky not to produce a goal.
Daniel Rios scored a brilliant header for 2-2 as soon as he came on, and he was threatening throughout his cameo on the pitch, while Cabrera looked solid but like he will need a bit of time to adapt to the MLS.
Late substitutes Ralph Priso and Tate Johnson didn’t have much time to impact the game after their introductions.
Stray Thoughts
- The first half was poor from Vancouver, as St. Louis did well to limit them to keeping possession in the attacking third and opening themselves up to the counterattack. The second half was much improved, and Jesper Sørensen will be hoping to build on that in the coming games.
- The Whitecaps now have three weeks off before their next game against Philadelphia Union on 13th September, and that might be exactly what they need to get their new signings settled and tweak tactics to perfection ahead of the run in.
- In those three weeks, I seriously hope that Sørensen uses the time wisely and gets his side to practise finishing. I have written in the words above that about half the team needed to be more clinical in this game, and if they can improve on that, then Vancouver will start to return to their early season form and blow teams away.
- If the MLS wants to grow in international popularity, refereeing standards need to improve, and fast. After the Tim Ford debacle a couple of weeks ago, there is further controversy involving the Whitecaps, although this time in Vancouver’s favour. Although the first penalty probably should be given after the non-decision from the prior challenge on Sabbi, the second call is indefensible. Having watched the replay more times than I care to admit working out what had happened, if I’m being generous to Laborda, he may have kicked Joyner, but he then trips himself up. If there is contact that Joyner has caused, it is a brilliant decision and fair play to the VAR team for spotting that. However, I can’t personally see a collision, and so for me overturning the on-field decision was very harsh on the visitors after they produced a solid away performance.
These are my thoughts from an entertaining affair, but as always we love to hear what you think, so please leave yours in the comments below.
we can gauge the growing interest in the Vancouver Whitecaps by the growing amount of people commenting on these posts on the Third Sub– used to be well under 10, now its well over 10 – 12 000 more people have come in the last 2 games
AI officiating for all pro sports. It will be consistent and probably less bribeable LOL
those last 8 games after the break are HUGE- 5Home, 3Away
if Gauld does make it back and after a 2-3 game streak to get his game impact back, the Caps have a chance to get 15/24 points
i dont see the group of 4- Ahmed, Sabbi, Nelson or Rios- having a dramatic change in their scoring- it will come down to White (depends on his injury and if its a hamstring, that can be 6-8 weeks), and Muller to score- we are lean at taking our chances
i would guess that Axel will be looking for an international striker free agent who can take the place of White if its a long-term injury
Salty
AHMED IS VERY GOOD PLAER BUT IF HE IS STARTING SO MANY GAMES WHY HE IS NOT SCORING GOALS ? NELSON AND SABBI CREATE A LOT OF CANSES AND AT LEAST THEY SCORING SOME GOALS .VERY GOOD PLAERS NOT ONLY CREATE CANSES THEY ALSO SCORING GOALS NOT ONLY 1 OR 2 SO FAR LIKE AHMED. HE NEED TO TAKING RISK TO SHUT AND HE HAS NO CONFIDENT TO DO THAT .THEY HAVE 3 WEEKS OFF I THINK THEY WILL WORK WITH AHMED TO SCORE GOALS . HE IS VERY TALENTED PLYER AND I BELIVE HE CAN ALSO SCORE MANY GOALS IN THE REST OF THE SEASON .
Why are you shouting?
WHY NOT ALI AHMED IS SO EXCITING!!!!!!! AND MAYBE IT’S NOT SHOUTING BUT ENTHUSIASM!!!!!!! FOR ALI AHMED!!!
(The above comment was not mine, but I think it’s cool and I approve)
I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT ALI AHMED. HE TRULY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SCORE LOTS AND LOTS OF GOALS. BUT, HE MUST AVOID NOT SHOOTING WHEN HAS A GOOD CHANCE LIKE YOU SAID.
FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS ONE MOMENT ON SATURDAY WHERE HE BEAT HIS DEFENDER AND COULD HAVE SHOT OR DRIBBLED BY, BUT JUST PAUSED AND THE DEFENDER CAUGHT UP.
ALI SIR BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOU WILL SCORE MANY MANY GOALS
ALI AHMED IS TRULY GREAT
i did see a clip on Laborda’s right foot– but the controversy will live for many games – you win some calls, you loose some calls- and the Caps have been more on the latter
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:
1. Takaoka- a very steady game- its been a long time since he has given up a short-side goal- he is keeping himself centered so he is able to go down to the short post, like he did on 1 shot that months ago would have caught him flat-footed- 7.5
2. Scoring- what we suffer is from too many offensive players- Ahmed, Sabbi and Nelson- having little finish– its like their collective boots get 3x too heavy or they freeze or they over-dribble- lets hope Muller is the one to get us out of our shooting dilemma – what could this Team be if Gauld returns with his offensive flair? if White is gone with a hamstring, then its a 2 month loss of his punch- YIKES!!
3. 3 weeks is a long time off from competitive games, especially when your next opponent is a top team and wont have suffered from a long lay-off
4. the supporters who booed Daniel Rios got the ball shoved up their arses when he scored… and rightfully so- complaining about his play is normal football jawing- booing your Team player is just poor form- 0.0 to those that did boo
i guess one could say that 4/6 points is a good result, but both teams are near the bottom of the league – we should be disappointed not taking all 6 points
and the engagement of 6 000 more fans/game has made the game more exciting and loud- thanks Thomas Muller and Axel
Salty
Muller said exactly the same thing – that this team takes too many chances to score.
This hammering on the referee is ridiculous. The non-call on Sabbi in the box was absolutely correct. He wasn’t in control of the ball, the defender got nothing but ball, made no contact with Sabbi, who then trips over him. There was definite contact with Blackmon’s heel when he had possession of the ball in the box. Penalty was the right call.
The problem with the Laborda controversy is that people are focused on the last second of that play. There is definite contact in the box and it’s enough to throw Laborda off stride without any embellishment. By the letter of the law, it’s a penalty. Maybe a bit of a soft call, but a correct one.
Absolutely. We may not be able to see, from the replays given by the Apple TV+ team, the contact clearly, but VAR has enhanced views and zoom-ins and better frame by frame tech than the Apple TV+ truck has access to, and we don’t see that on the broadcast. The biggest clue is that it took very little time for Bazakos to be convinced there was contact based on what he saw on the screen. He should be credited for that, not criticized.
I’ve probably taken two or three hundred negative votes on Reddit for refusing to back down to the emotional responses that ignore the Laws. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what constitutes a penalty, and in the final seconds it seems that everyone has a DIFFERENT idea than in the first minute. But Law 12 very clearly lays out that you’re simply not allowed to impede a player with contact, and the magnitude does not matter the way it does with the first list of fouls requiring a minimum of carelessness to be called. Anywhere else on the field, defenders get away with this all the time; poor Tate Johnson seems to be a particular target for opponents trying to go through him to get to the ball. But in the penalty area, VAR can and must get involved, because a ruling of no contact when there is contact is a clear and obvious error.
There’s a key difference here. Against SD the Caps were called for fouls at a rate of 20-2, and 9-0 in the second half, and no impartial observer would reasonably say that they were the team taking advantage with rough play. In the Tim Hill game, a referee who had taken justifiable criticism for bias against Vancouver in a previous playoff game again made at least three calls that were questionable, one against the recommendation of VAR and later criticized by PRO, and one partially nullified by appeal. That’s poor refereeing.
But when a referee overturns a call on VAR’s recommendation, calls another PK that VAR does not recommend a review for, and is criticized because both calls are “soft” and benefit the same team, what you’re advocating for is game management: the NHL-style suspension of the rules because of previous calls, or the current score. Would there be as much frustration if the score was 2-1 Vancouver and St Louis got an equalizing soft call at the end to turn the result into a tie? Probably not. But that’s what game management wants and many fans angrily demand. And if that’s really what you want, you deserve the Tim Ford chaos, because the rules no longer matter.
The whole point of the call is a defender causing an action, impeding a player or making contact. When the offensive player causes contact (and slight contact at best), the defense tie making no effort to initiate or cause contact, it’s simply not a penalty. Agree the referees have to be better all around…too many matches are being influenced by horrible calls.
Disagree completely. In this case, Laborda was chasing the ball and the defender was behind him. The defender was already beaten and was trying to get from the outside to the inside, and had Laborda in his sight. It’s the defender’s responsibility to avoid contacting a player in his line of sight, not an attacker’s responsibility to avoid contacting a player he cannot see. The notion that Laborda initiated this contact is tin foil hat level crazy.
Ahmed is just a much better team player in the combinations/buildup than Nelson (who has better value as a supersub IMO), would rather see him start the next game against Philly. A crazy stat is that, between getting called up for international windows and the injury he just had, Ahmed has still not been in a regular season loss this year for the caps (16 matches, 10 wins and 6 draws)
Completely agree, but he’s better than Sabbi as well for the same reasons. He’s a level up on both. They’re still managing his minutes coming off injury, but can’t imagine him not starting on September 13th.
I never knew that stat about Ahmed- thats really impressive– and YES, he is better than both Sabbi and Nelson when healthy
Salty
I love Ahmed, he doesn’t just dribble but finds the seam passes to where I find Nelson is regularly trying to burn 1 v 1 on the dribble. Ahmed’s dribble and pass combination make his more dangerous. Sabbi is taking some heat here where I find that he has a good mind for the game and opens up other teams in different ways. He makes good runs right through the defense. I think his up side is just different than the other two. When Nelson gets the ball it’s either a hard cut inside or down the line for a cross. When Ahmed gets the ball you don’t know what he is going to do and his head is up better and he’s reading the play. When Sabbi gets the ball he cuts to open space, usually crosses but sometimes cuts inside. I think the trio are some of the best in the mls and making other defenses look bad. I am extremely pleased with all 3 and that they shake up defences in different ways. It’s just finishing. They rely on White to finish. If they can finish with some wicked shots too they would be top of the league. All 3 are good mls players in my book
Completely agree. Nelson is all dribble and poor decision making. Ahmed immediately made an impact.
Besides the referee controversy, if the league wants to be taken seriously they need to figure out the schedules. Whitecaps will rest for three weeks, and then play 5 games in a row with only 4 days or less between each of them, including important ones against Portland and Seattle within 3 days.
True; if the NFL can make a frequent habit of “flexing” games so that the Sunday Night contest is always a decent matchup, surely MLS can be more flexible in its schedule. Maybe there was no way to move the Orlando game by itself, but there might have been a way to reschedule two or three games to avoid the glut of games that will result. The only good thing is that the Caps will be well-rested and may have the chance to recover before this glut, and get their new players enough time with the established group to mesh well.