Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Fatigue, midfield struggles big factors for Whitecaps in loss to Earthquakes

In our latest edition of Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking back at the Vancouver Whitecaps game that was, we take a look at what stood out for us in the ‘Caps 4-3 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes to open up their MLS is Back tournament.  At the very least, you can’t fault them for not being entertaining.  Entertainment is probably the last … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Fatigue, midfield struggles big factors for Whitecaps in loss to Earthquakes

Roster Roundup: Analyzing the Vancouver Whitecaps squad and picking players to watch at MLS is Back

In this piece, ahead of the start of MLS is Back for the Vancouver Whitecaps, we take a look at the club’s roster down in Orlando, project their starting lineup, pick some players to watch and talk some tactics.  In a matter of days, things are going to get real for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are going to kick off their MLS is Back tournament … Continue reading Roster Roundup: Analyzing the Vancouver Whitecaps squad and picking players to watch at MLS is Back

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

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

Battle of Orlando: The individuals and battles to watch in Canada vs USA (Tactical Preview Part 2) 

After looking at the profiles of both Canada and the US in the 1st part of our tactical preview, we now take a look at some individuals and battles that will shape the game, as both teams look to gain a massive victory in the quest for the Nations League knockout stages.  Canada vs USA in-depth tactical preview part 1: What to expect from both … Continue reading Battle of Orlando: The individuals and battles to watch in Canada vs USA (Tactical Preview Part 2) 

Canada vs USA in-depth tactical preview: What to expect from both teams in Orlando

Ahead of Canada vs USA, we break down both team’s tactics, and look forward to some matchups to watch. After a 1st game where tactics proved to play a huge role, there’s a lot to talk about heading into this one, so we’ll look at some of those talking points in this 2 part series.  As the clock continues to tick, preparations are ramping up … Continue reading Canada vs USA in-depth tactical preview: What to expect from both teams in Orlando

Pitting a Hammer vs an Army: 3 key battles to watch between Forge and Cavalry in 2nd leg of CPL Finals 

After a hotly contested first leg of the CPL Finals in Hamilton, the series now shifts to Calgary, with the ‘North Star Shield’ on the line for both Forge and Cavalry. In this one, we take a look at some key battles to watch, as both teams look to finish the season as champions.  As both Forge and Cavalry get set to play the last … Continue reading Pitting a Hammer vs an Army: 3 key battles to watch between Forge and Cavalry in 2nd leg of CPL Finals 

Overloads, presses and quick passes: How Canada vs USA shaped up from a tactical standpoint

After Canada took out the US in a huge victory on Tuesday, we look at what happened to tactically to allow that to happen, as Canada managed to get a strategic upper-hand over their neighbours. In a battle of what seemed like David vs Goliath, at least on paper, Canada showed the US they were closer to the latter than they are to the former, … Continue reading Overloads, presses and quick passes: How Canada vs USA shaped up from a tactical standpoint

Canada vs USA in-depth preview part 3: Key players and individual battles to watch tactically 

In the third part of our preview series ahead of Canada taking on the US in Nations League play next week, we bring the second of 2 tactical profiles on both teams. After exploring how both teams play and how they might interact with each other in the last part, we will now take a look at some of the more intriguing individual tactical profiles … Continue reading Canada vs USA in-depth preview part 3: Key players and individual battles to watch tactically