Second ‘Caps Thoughts: A few old problems come back to haunt Vancouver Whitecaps against SKC, but changes are on the horizon

In Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking at the Vancouver Whitecaps, we reflect on a tough ‘Caps loss to Sporting Kansas City from Sunday. Here’s some of what stood out to us.  It was one heck of a way to be brought back to reality.  Riding the wave of a strong start to the 2021 MLS season, the Vancouver Whitecaps were brought back down … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: A few old problems come back to haunt Vancouver Whitecaps against SKC, but changes are on the horizon

Sporting Spirit: Vancouver Whitecaps prepared for a bit ‘extra’ from motivated Sporting Kansas City side on Sunday

The Vancouver Whitecaps take on Sporting Kansas City in their 6th match of the MLS season on Sunday. Here’s our preview ahead of that one.  Against a team that has had their number in recent years, they’ve got a chance to try and return the favour.  Reeling after a midweek loss to Minnesota United, the Vancouver Whitecaps will look to get back to winning ways … Continue reading Sporting Spirit: Vancouver Whitecaps prepared for a bit ‘extra’ from motivated Sporting Kansas City side on Sunday

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

Abila’s Airstrike: Ramon Abila’s second-half header sinks Vancouver Whitecaps versus Minnesota United despite bright performance in 1-0 loss

The Vancouver Whitecaps took on Minnesota United on Wednesday at Allianz Field, but fell just short of beating the struggling Loons, who rode a second-half goal to their first win of the season. Here’s our match report from this one.  All things considered, it was a tough pill to swallow.  Away from home, against a struggling Minnesota United team, the Vancouver Whitecaps had every chance … Continue reading Abila’s Airstrike: Ramon Abila’s second-half header sinks Vancouver Whitecaps versus Minnesota United despite bright performance in 1-0 loss

Loons Looming: Streaking Vancouver Whitecaps expecting ‘difficult’ Minnesota United side despite slow start

The Vancouver Whitecaps take on Minnesota United on Wednesday in their 5th game of the 2021 MLS season. Here’s our preview ahead of that one.  A chance to continue a strong start beckons.  With 7 points from their first 4 games, the Vancouver Whitecaps will head to Minnesota on Wednesday looking to make that 10 from 5 on Wednesday, when they’ll take on Minnesota United … Continue reading Loons Looming: Streaking Vancouver Whitecaps expecting ‘difficult’ Minnesota United side despite slow start

Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps show good resolve after slow start in 2-0 win over CF Montreal

In Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking at the Vancouver Whitecaps, we look back at the Whitecaps game that was from over the weekend. For this edition, that was a scrappy 2-0 win over fellow Canadian rivals, CF Montreal.  They did the job that they set out to do.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Vancouver Whitecaps were full value for their victory over … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps show good resolve after slow start in 2-0 win over CF Montreal

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

The Quest Continues: Breaking down what the Vancouver Whitecaps Jean Pyerre and Gabriel Pirani rumours mean in team’s hunt for a #10

The Vancouver Whitecaps had a busy weekend on the transfer rumours front, finding themselves linked with a couple of Brazilian #10s. While those rumours are pretty much done and dusted at this stage, that the ‘Caps were even linked in them is good news – and here’s why.  It feels like something big is on the horizon.  No one’s quite yet sure what it is, … Continue reading The Quest Continues: Breaking down what the Vancouver Whitecaps Jean Pyerre and Gabriel Pirani rumours mean in team’s hunt for a #10

Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps continue to build identity in 1-0 win over Portland Timbers

In our return of Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column where we break down storylines surrounding the Vancouver Whitecaps, we look back at what stood out in their opening day win over the Portland Timbers to kick off their MLS season on Sunday.  It’d be hard to imagine them drawing up a better start beforehand.  A clutch goal from their DP #9. A big clean … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps continue to build identity in 1-0 win over Portland Timbers

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