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

Twice the Fun: Vancouver Whitecaps beat Chicago Fire 3-2, fall 2-0 to Indy Eleven in preseason doubleheader

The Vancouver Whitecaps closed out their preseason slate with a pair of games versus the Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven on Saturday. Here’s what stood out from that doubleheader, with the Fire game proving to be more of a regular-season tuneup, while the Indy game ended up being more of an audition for a few youngsters. Results aside, it was just good to see them … Continue reading Twice the Fun: Vancouver Whitecaps beat Chicago Fire 3-2, fall 2-0 to Indy Eleven in preseason doubleheader

Studying the Squad: Evaluating the Vancouver Whitecaps roster ahead of the start of the 2021 MLS season

The Vancouver Whitecaps will get their 2021 MLS season underway in less than two weeks, as they’ll take on the Portland Timbers at ‘home’ on April 18th. In this, the second part of our 2021 season preview, we look at the state of their roster at the moment, looking at who stands out among the 28 players the ‘Caps currently have signed to first-team deals … Continue reading Studying the Squad: Evaluating the Vancouver Whitecaps roster ahead of the start of the 2021 MLS season

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?

Last Taste of Home: Caicedo’s hot arrival, academy kids continue to impress, and other Vancouver Whitecaps training notes ahead of Utah departure

The Vancouver Whitecaps began their last week of training in Vancouver on Monday, as they get set to head down to Utah on Friday. In a surprise twist, they also were able to get clearance for the media to attend those last sessions, as well, so here’s some of what stood out from a viewing of Wednesday’s session, in particular.  It’s the last bit of … Continue reading Last Taste of Home: Caicedo’s hot arrival, academy kids continue to impress, and other Vancouver Whitecaps training notes ahead of Utah departure

Not All Bad: Analyzing what Canada Soccer’s Men’s National U23 team can take away from their performance at Olympic qualifiers

It was a tough CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament for Canada’s Men’s National U23 Team down in Mexico, as they came up short against the hosts in a decisive semi-final. Here’s how despite that negative result, they still have a few positive things to take away from the games they played at this tournament. After a positive start to the tournament, things didn’t end the way … Continue reading Not All Bad: Analyzing what Canada Soccer’s Men’s National U23 team can take away from their performance at Olympic qualifiers

The Dream Dies: CanM23’s fall 2-0 to Mexico in crucial CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament semi-final, extending lengthy Olympic drought

Canada’s Men’s U23 National Team narrowly fell to Mexico on Sunday, eliminating them from Olympic contention, extending their lengthy absence from that competition. Here’s what stood out from that game, as Canada fought hard, but just didn’t have enough to get the win needed to send them to Tokyo.  Ultimately, the dream died right at the final sprint.  With CONCACAF’s giants lying in front of … Continue reading The Dream Dies: CanM23’s fall 2-0 to Mexico in crucial CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament semi-final, extending lengthy Olympic drought

On The Right Path: CanMNT U23’s ‘proud’ of strong start to CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers after 2-0 win over El Salvador

Canada’s Men’s National U23 Soccer Team’s Olympic qualifying campaign got off to a flying start on Friday, as they beat El Salvador 2-0 via a Tajon Buchanan brace. Here’s what stood out from that game, as they picked up a huge 3 points in their quest towards topping their Group down in Guadalajara, Mexico.  It was a dream start for Canada down in Mexico on … Continue reading On The Right Path: CanMNT U23’s ‘proud’ of strong start to CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers after 2-0 win over El Salvador

Ranking Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s Olympic squad ahead of March 2021’s CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers by ‘Surprise Rating’

Canada’s Men’s National U23 team has come together down in Mexico, as they’ve started preparation ahead of Olympic qualifiers in less than 2 weeks. In this, we break down the squad selected for the occasion, giving ‘Surprise Ratings’ for each selection.  After a long road to get to this point, they’ve finally put a squad together.  A year after CONCACAF’s Men’s Olympic Soccer qualifiers were … Continue reading Ranking Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s Olympic squad ahead of March 2021’s CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers by ‘Surprise Rating’

March Madness: Marc Dos Santos, Vancouver Whitecaps, bracing for March ‘struggle’ as absences start to pile up

The Vancouver Whitecaps may be barely 2 weeks into their training camp, but things are about to get real interesting for this team, as a hectic next month awaits them. In this, we look at how they’re feeling ahead of that rough patch, as they’re keeping optimistic despite the looming rough patch. Slowly but steadily, it’s starting to feel more and more real with each … Continue reading March Madness: Marc Dos Santos, Vancouver Whitecaps, bracing for March ‘struggle’ as absences start to pile up