For the Vancouver Whitecaps 2014 has been a season of the highest of highs, the average of averages and the ugliest of uglies thus far. Let’s take a look at the moments that have defined this season in its early goings.
THE GOOD: Pedro Morales
Whitecaps supporters have never seen a player of this skill and caliber in a Whitecaps uniform. With a $1,400,000 price tag, Morales is one of the highest-paid players in the league. Expectations for Morales on arrival were for him to become the link between Vancouver’s talented midfield and speedy attack. Morales has been nothing short of exceptional, instantly becoming the Whitecaps’ best player and even entering league MVP discussions.
His passes are becoming legendary only 5 games into this season. Morales’ passes look so effortless yet are perfectly placed nearly every time. In such a short span, he has proven to be one of the best passers MLS has ever seen. As long as he continues to pass at Barcelonian rate, Vancouver will very much be a contender.
Hopefully all the traveling and playing on artificial turf won’t keep him out of games this season. He has already had to deal with minor strains and back problems from the long flights so far this season.
THE AVERAGE: David Ousted
With a record of 2-1-2, a 1.00 GAA, and 1 clean sheet, Ousted has done just enough to keep the Whitecaps in games this season. That being said, they need him to step up game after game and not let in a bad goal (ie. Portland preseason, NYRB first game). They will need him to steal points from them with upcoming games against LA Galaxy (2), Real Salt Lake, San Jose, and Seattle.
He has been very good with the ball in his possession; he has helped the midfielders and forwards when starting the fast paced attack.
With ACC tournament games coming up, Paolo Tornaghi will get some chances to play some games. If he can shut down TFC he might earn some minutes in MLS games. The time is now for Ousted to cement is place as Vancouver’s main man in goal
THE UGLY: Team Defense
Other then the Red Bulls game team defense has had its up and down moments in ever game.
In the most recent game the defense couldn’t regroup once Matias Laba was sent off for his 2nd yellow card. They weren’t able to settle down the middle of the pitch when they needed it.
Against Chivas they let a side reduced to 10 men control the play on the pitch. The Whitecaps paid for their poor play, letting in a goal in the last minute of the first half. If it wasn’t for a strike by Kekuta Manneh they would have left Los Angeles without a single point.
They Whitecaps have a big stretch of games in the upcoming 6 weeks. If they are to come out with a decent record and maintain a playoff pace they will need to settle down defensively and keep up their quick paced offense.
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