The Vancouver Whitecaps demolished FC Dallas 3-0 in the first of their three game series. Let’s look at how individual players performed.
Yohei Takaoka: 7.0
Different data sources differ on if FC Dallas registered a shot in this game (I think some are mistakenly still counting an offside shot) but Takaoka was untroubled in either case. His passing, however, was excellent as always.
Edier Ocampo: 9.0
Nobody even got close to getting the better of Ocampo defensively, and he was reasonably dangerous on the ball. I’d probably give him a 10 if he was a little bit more clinical with his final action in a few situations.
Belal Halbouni: 9.5
When the other team doesn’t even get a shot, the defenders obviously did something right. Halbouni was extremely good defensively and was actually a little unlucky to not get an assist or two. I do think he took a couple of risky, overly aggressive, decisions both in and out of possession but the ‘Caps were so dominant it didn’t really matter.
Ralph Priso: 10
I can’t lie, I was a little nervous about Priso. Visions of the corner goal Dallas scored in the last match and the return of Petar Musa to the lineup had me worried this was going to be the test that was too big for Priso as a centre-back. But it was never even close to being a problem. Priso managed the situations where the ball was in the air well and absolutely dominated Musa when the ball was on the ground. He was also very assured in possession (of which, there was a lot).
Tate Johnson: 9.0
Tate Johnson was also very good in possession and never looked in trouble defensively. Like Ocampo, I think he could have been a little bit more clinical in the final 3rd but overall a very strong performance.
Andres Cubas: 9.0
Cubas’ duel winning in the centre of the park was vital to killing any possible momentum Dallas might gain. Any time it looked like they might be able to do something on the break, there was Cubas to put a stop to that.
Sebastian Berhalter: 10
I don’t think 9 shot contributions out of a double pivot, paired with Berhalter’s usual defensive solidity, can get you anything less than a 10.
Ali Ahmed: 9.5
Look, it might seem like I am lying it on a bit thick here with all the high grades, but Ahmed had 7 shot contributions in this game. What else am I supposed to grade that as? His 0 goals in MLS record bafflingly continues (though he did register his 10th assist).
Thomas Müller: 10
Müller had 10 shot contributions in this game, almost 50% of the team’s total shots involved him in some way! But, as is often the case, Müller’s real value was as an on-field coach, marshalling the team in attack and defence.
Emmanuel Sabbi: 10
Certainly Sabbi’s best performance in Vancouver, and maybe the best ever performance by a Whitecap who didn’t score a goal in the game. Sabbi dominated the right side of the field, and, I thought, showed some real nous to win Vancouver’s penalty kick.
Daniel Rios: 8.5
Rios gets a lot of flack, but I think you did see his value in this game. He scored a goal, which is obviously nice, but having a big body to use as a reference point and win physical battles was very helpful. As exciting as Rayan, Elloumi is, I don’t think he provides that (yet).
Subs:
Rayan Elloumi and Kenji Cabrera combined for a goal which was good. According to the commentary team Cabrera was strongly considered for a start over Sabbi. In the end, I think Sørensen made the right choice, but it shows how highly thought of he is in the organization. I would like to see Elloumi shoot a little bit more! He has been a little bit too deferential to senior players in the final third. Listen to your ego, Rayan! Joedrick Pupe made his debut, which was a welcome sight, as were more minutes for Ryan Gauld. But both teams seemed like they just wanted to jog around until it was over by the time they entered the game. Jayden Nelson almost scored a goal. I thought with Dallas having to push forward it might have been wise to get Nelson on earlier, but it was 3-0 and Dallas didn’t even register a shot, so I can’t really complain.
We all know about the injuries this year, but if you think about our best 11 … Gauld not starting, White, Ranko, Blackmon, and Adekugbe all injured, and Laborda suspended. All kudos to Ocampo, Sabbi, Johnson, Habouni, and Priso but they aren’t in our best 11 (you could build an arguable case for Ocampo but not as a clear choice over Sam).
We dominated Dallas starting only 5 of our best 11 (Takaoka, Ahmed, Muller, Cubas, and Berhalter). Thinking that through, the ratings on this article just aren’t good enough!
these are the highest ratings across the board i have ever seen — IMO, he got it right
lets hope he can do the same or near the same ratings after the game in dallas
Salty
I love Adekugbe but Johnson has that locked down. If I had to pick one it would be Tate every time. And yes I know Sam is great when he is not injured but hey he’s injured a lot.
And he’s 30 if I am correct. That’s a little old to be playing as a wingback.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. As it turns out our starting lineup was very good. And don’t forget that Sorensen knows how and when to introduce the subs into the game. And notice how, unlike some managers, his subs are attacking players designed to finish the opponent off by scoring more goals, or at least playing the game in their opponent’s half. The only question is: does Laborda replace Priso? Probably, but the silver lining is that Priso could come on to replace either Cubas or Berhalter if needed. While Priso is not quite at the level of Cubas or Berhalter he’s not that far behind.
IMO, along with tate Johnson, Ralph Priso has been the biggest surprise
not withstanding, the best surprise ever- signing Thomas Muller
Salty
I have to give Rios kudos, he did well this match.
We are getting to the end of our non-White time hopefully, but I still wonder if Sabbi would be a good fit up top instead of Rios if Sorenson wanted a vet instead of a rookie in Elloumi at times.
Obviously more of a false nine than a target striker like White or Rios, but I imagine Sabbi up top with Mueller behind and Ahmed/Caberra on the wings could lead to a lot of chances.
Similarly I thought Nelson would have been a decent fit, since he has energy and speed to burn, and his tunnel vision on goal wouldn’t be as much of a liability if he was going right up the middle.
Anyways, thats my tuesday morning musings, hopefully we only have 1 more game before we can see a White, Gauld, Mueller, Ahmed combo on the field at the same time.
GREAT GAME / GREAT TEAM!…only request please please both Sabbi and Ahmed stop shooting at the advancing goalkeeper!… Try side stepping him while still keeping the ball…….he might pull you down (penalty} or better you may score!
Right on Salty! I sure hope we go far in the playoffs because I am not looking forward to not reading this fan blog.
What a great atmosphere at the game. The flags were a brilliant idea. And oh man that Muller pass to Ahmed it was on a platter. He’s probably going to have his friends lobbing balls to him for practice this week 😉
Flags looked great on screen. Less so when jammed into your eye by a hyperactive eight year old! But hey, I got to savour the match a second time at home and catch everything I missed.
Southsiders rated a 10 for their prime cuts tifo. Delicious.
Finally, while I realize the votes have all been cast, that lineup ( a decent one but still missing 5 presumed starters) producing that performance in a playoff game is the only evidence an unbiased judge could ever require to hand Manager of the Year to Jesper Sørenson. The tape will stand as an indictment for evermore against anyone who voted otherwise.
I guess. I never had one in my face except maybe when walking out of the stadium. Then they were dangerous! If I was a player and seeing that on the field I would be stoked!!
who can debate your evaluations ?? NOBODY – this was the most professional, energetic and complete game i have seen the MLS Caps ever play– but was it because we crushed the Dallas spirit, or because we were so much better? the return match should see a more determined opponent, but if we play anywhere near how we played on Sunday, there will not be a 3rd match- its good to be wrong when i called for a Dallas win on Sunday – i should know better than to underestimate this Team
never done this before- PsOTM- Johnson, Priso, Cubas, Ocampo and Berhalter- if Ahmed could ever learn how to score, then he was there (i just think he is a panic shooter and not sure that will ever change)- so happy to see a classy Rios get a terrific header; and Pupe is quite a tall stud of a player
tough question for Jesper- who starts at CB? Priso, Halbouni, Pupe or Laborda- i would go with Laborda and Priso- and we might see Blackmon as a sub- how things are changing
i delighted in seeing Gauld have some of his running and dribbling back- he is starting to return to his usual stuff- can we imagine a dynamic 5-some upfront ?– Gauld, White, Ahmed, Sabbi and Muller – thats quite a package for any team to handle no matter who is on the field!
a cheer to the head ref who let the game unfold
Salty