Tag: american soccer analysis

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps left to ponder missed chances and moral victories after 1-0 loss to Minnesota United

In Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking at all things Vancouver Whitecaps, we look back at the ‘Caps loss to Minnesota United from Wednesday night. Here’s what stood out to us in that one.  For how close they were to making magic happen, the ending had to hurt.  Having fought hard throughout the first 70 minutes, the Vancouver Whitecaps seemed like they were close … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps left to ponder missed chances and moral victories after 1-0 loss to Minnesota United

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Rose’s Rise: Breaking down how Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past year

31-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps centre back Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past 16 months, despite not really playing the position before then. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that suggest that the ‘Caps might have unearthed a hidden gem at centre back in Rose.  Despite a few injuries to start the season, it has … Continue reading Rose’s Rise: Breaking down how Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past year

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Free the Bair: Analyzing why Theo Bair could have a breakout season in 2021 with more minutes

Heading into the start of the 2021 season, the ‘Caps are looking to once again be a team that gives significant minutes to young players. One such young player that is looking to earn a significant chunk of those minutes is forward Theo Bair, who will be looking to have a strong 2021 season, building off of what he’s shown in flashes since making his … Continue reading Free the Bair: Analyzing why Theo Bair could have a breakout season in 2021 with more minutes

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Fluid Formation: Analyzing the ‘Vancouver Whitecaps staggered 4-4-2 and how Marc Dos Santos might look to tweak it going forward

With the 2021 Vancouver Whitecaps season just around the corner, we dive into the team’s tactics ahead of first kick, looking at ways that their fluid 4-4-2 might look in game action.  Heading into the start of a new season, they finally appear to have a tactical identity.  After tinkering with several different formations in 2020, the Vancouver Whitecaps look to have settled on a … Continue reading Fluid Formation: Analyzing the ‘Vancouver Whitecaps staggered 4-4-2 and how Marc Dos Santos might look to tweak it going forward

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Midfield Musings: Have the Vancouver Whitecaps done enough to improve their midfield ahead of the start of the 2021 MLS season?

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfield has been a hot topic of discussion in MLS these past few years — mostly for the wrong reasons. In this, we look at the work the ‘Caps have done this past year and a half to try and fix that, and if they’ve done enough to improve their group ahead of the start of the 2021 season.  There’s no doubt … Continue reading Midfield Musings: Have the Vancouver Whitecaps done enough to improve their midfield ahead of the start of the 2021 MLS season?

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Bargain Bin: Analyzing some MLS Free Agents for the Vancouver Whitecaps to target ahead of 2021

With MLS’s Free Agency process officially now underway, we look at some names for the ‘Caps to potentially look at via that avenue, as a need for MLS experience could see them dive into the bargain bin for some new faces ahead of the 2021 season.  Often overlooked, it could be worth diving into.  As the Vancouver Whitecaps look to fill out their 2021 MLS … Continue reading Bargain Bin: Analyzing some MLS Free Agents for the Vancouver Whitecaps to target ahead of 2021

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

‘Caps Look Back: Breaking down how the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 homegrowns and draftees did in 2020

In the next part of our ‘Caps Look Back, we take a look at how the Vancouver Whitecaps Homegrowns and draftees aged 23 and under fared in 2020, giving an overall grade for how they handled themselves this season.  The ‘next wave’ took a step forward this season.  Ever since Marc Dos Santos was hired as head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, he’s given a … Continue reading ‘Caps Look Back: Breaking down how the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 homegrowns and draftees did in 2020

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

‘Caps Look Back: Analyzing how the Vancouver Whitecaps offseason signings performed in 2020

In the next part of our ‘Caps Look Back, we take a look at some of the Vancouver Whitecaps 2020 signings, giving them a score based on how they fared this season.  After a look at the old, it’s time to look at some of the new.  For the second year in a row, the Vancouver Whitecaps had plenty of roster turnover, as they started … Continue reading ‘Caps Look Back: Analyzing how the Vancouver Whitecaps offseason signings performed in 2020

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Finding Robin: Analyzing the race between Derek Cornelius and Ranko Veselinovic to be the Vancouver Whitecaps #2 centre back

While Erik Godoy is a no-doubt, everyday starter for the Vancouver Whitecaps at centre back, the ‘Caps have some hard decisions to make when deciding who to play beside him. The 2 favourites right now appear to be Ranko Veselinovic and Derek Cornelius, a pair of U23 defenders who’ve put in some good shifts this season. In this, we try to compare the two, seeing … Continue reading Finding Robin: Analyzing the race between Derek Cornelius and Ranko Veselinovic to be the Vancouver Whitecaps #2 centre back

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps unable to overcome fatigue in tough loss to Galaxy

In Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking at the Vancouver Whitecaps, we look back at a tough ‘Caps loss to the LA Galaxy from Sunday, seeing what Vancouver should try and take away from that one.  While it was never going to be easy, it definitely felt like a missed opportunity.  At the same time, you did expect that the Vancouver Whitecaps, winners of … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps unable to overcome fatigue in tough loss to Galaxy

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