Depth-Tested: Marc Dos Santos stresses value of tactics, work rate for shorthanded Whitecaps

Ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps first game down in Orlando, head coach Marc Dos Santos took the time to speak about his team’s approach to the tournament. Here is what he had to say, as he and the ‘Caps expect to use their energy, tactical discipline and solid (if not a bit thin) roster to their advantage in Group B of MLS is Back.  As … Continue reading Depth-Tested: Marc Dos Santos stresses value of tactics, work rate for shorthanded Whitecaps

Second ‘Caps thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps show glimpses, highlight flaws in loss to Sporting KC

In this first edition of Second ‘Caps thoughts, a day-after column where we break down the Vancouver Whitecaps game from that weekend, we look at what we can take from the ‘Caps opening-day loss to Sporting KC, both positively and negatively.  After riding the high of a successful preseason, it was a sobering gut punch, snapping them right back to reality.  The Vancouver Whitecaps opened … Continue reading Second ‘Caps thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps show glimpses, highlight flaws in loss to Sporting KC

Press to Impress: An in-depth breakdown of the 2020 Vancouver Whitecaps tactical profile

The Vancouver Whitecaps wrapped up their final portion of the preseason this weekend, as they took on Minnesota United, winning by a score of 2 to 1. Here is what we took away tactically from that one, as we dive into the Xs and Os used by Marc Dos Santos so far this training camp. Philosophical changes were promised, and they appear to have so … Continue reading Press to Impress: An in-depth breakdown of the 2020 Vancouver Whitecaps tactical profile

Hammer and Tongs: Marc Dos Santos continuing to wield ‘hammer’, pounding tactical identity into Vancouver Whitecaps

The Vancouver Whitecaps get their next phases of preseaon underway this weekend, as they head down to Portland to participate in the ‘Rose City Invitational’. Here is what their head coach, Marc Dos Santos, had to say ahead of their departure.  Call him Marc “The Smith” Dos Santos.  He’s spent a good portion of this preseason hammering all of the details into place, as he … Continue reading Hammer and Tongs: Marc Dos Santos continuing to wield ‘hammer’, pounding tactical identity into Vancouver Whitecaps

Reyna’s Redemption: Why Yordy Reyna has the potential to be the Vancouver Whitecaps wild card in 2020

Heading into the start of the 2020 MLS season, we take a deeper look at one of Vancouver’s longest-tenured players, Yordy Reyna, and why he can be a wild card on this Whitecaps team looking to improve offensively.  These past few years, his presence in Vancouver has remained consistent, while his performances have both entertained and frustrated. Many faces have come and gone this offseason … Continue reading Reyna’s Redemption: Why Yordy Reyna has the potential to be the Vancouver Whitecaps wild card in 2020

Rank(o) and File: Analyzing what Ranko Veselinovic can bring to the Vancouver Whitecaps backline

Another Vancouver Whitecaps signing was wrapped up this past weekend, as the team brought in 20-year-old Serbian centre back Ranko Veselinovic on a 1-year loan. Here is a look at what he can bring to the team.  He might be the latest addition to their ‘rank and file’, but his leadership attributes suggest he’ll be more than just an ordinary squad member. The Vancouver Whitecaps … Continue reading Rank(o) and File: Analyzing what Ranko Veselinovic can bring to the Vancouver Whitecaps backline

Ticket to Tokyo: Canada weathers tough start, rides Huitema goal to punch ticket to 2020 Olympics

Canada’s Women’s National Team continued its strong run of games on Friday, beating Costa Rica by a score of 1-0 to officially qualify for the 2020 Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo later this year. It wasn’t as pretty as Canada would have liked, but they did enough to get through on the evening, riding a second-half Jordyn Huitema goal to an eventual victory.  … Continue reading Ticket to Tokyo: Canada weathers tough start, rides Huitema goal to punch ticket to 2020 Olympics

The Texas Triple: Canada sweeps group in Olympic Qualifiers, setting up ‘win and you’re in’ semi-final in LA

They weren’t as bombastic as they were in their first two victories, as they only beat Mexico by a score of 2-0, but it was enough to push Canada to the top of Group B at Olympic Qualifying, setting them up with a date against Costa Rica on Friday, with Olympic dreams on the line in that one.  It wasn’t a stack of carefully broiled … Continue reading The Texas Triple: Canada sweeps group in Olympic Qualifiers, setting up ‘win and you’re in’ semi-final in LA

CanMNT Chalkboard Talk: 3 tactical ideas Canada Soccer should carry over from 2019 to 2020

With Canada Soccer’s 2020 Men’s National team slate kicking off with a victory over Barbados this week, we look at some tactical ideas that they should carry over from 2019 to 2020, as they look to take the next step and join the elite of CONCACAF.  In international football, tactics are a good way to offset deficiencies in talent throughout a team’s squad. Over the … Continue reading CanMNT Chalkboard Talk: 3 tactical ideas Canada Soccer should carry over from 2019 to 2020