The Portland Timbers had done their part. By winning in Dallas for the first time in their MLS history, the Timbers placed the onus on their the Vancouver Whitecaps, their long-time Canadian Cascadia adversaries to win against listless and lifeless Colorado.
The Vancouver Whitecaps certainly made it interesting but ultimately dispatched the Rapids winning 1-0, advancing to play FC Dallas in the Play-In game. Despite playing inspired soccer, the team lost on a controversial penalty kick.
It was a fairly ignominious ending for the Whitecaps, but their demise befit the team’s roller coaster of a season.
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For every Whitecaps high ..
- Beating the Sounders in Seattle to clinch the Cascadia Cup
- Scorching the Red Bulls for four goals in an emphatic opening day win
- Taking thirteen out of a possible fifteen points over their last five games
- The team will begin CCL Champions League in 2015
There was a low …
- Allowing nine goals to Portland over three games
- Going 1-3-2 against Colorado and Chivas USA*
- A 400+ minute scoreless streak
- Winless against Canadian opponents in league play
*The Caps required a late goal to salvage a draw against Chivas USA despite having a man-advantage twelve minutes into the game
Carl Robinson’s young team looked exactly that: young. The team has a stable of pacing, young wingers who can disrupt opponents backlines. For instance, the Whitecaps were tops in the league in penalty kick attempts.
Yes, the Whitecaps creating many chances. However, the team was among the worst at squandering opportunities.
Sep 10, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Fernandez (7) congratulates defender Kendal Waston (4) for his goal against San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch (18) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Much was made of forward Darren Mattock’s maturity. Despite reports last season of an attitude problem, the Akron product seemed quite mature in 2014. He progressed in his ability to read the game and, publically at least, he responded well to his role of an impact substitute.
The Whitecaps were the benefactors of the intra-league loan of Matias Laba from Toronto FC. In his end of the season remarks, Robinson reported Laba will be a full-time member of the Whitecaps in 2015.
“It’s part of my job to teach them. Whether it’s before the end of the year or next year, it’s something I’ve got to do. Ideally it’ll happen tomorrow; I’ll get them on the training field and teach them.” Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson
Along with a stable of disrupting wingers and an upper-tier holding midfield, the Whitecaps also boasted the league’s shutout king in goalkeeper David Ousted. Ousted performed at a high level despite the retirement of USMNT stalwart Jay DeMerit.
In DeMerit’s place came Kendall Waston. Waston, who joined the team in the league’s Summer Transfer Window would eventually become one of the league’s best defenders as the season wore on.
The most pronounced problem with the Whitecaps is the team’s lack of a classic Number 9 striker. A player who can play atop, with his back to the ball who was the ability to hold the ball up. The Whitecaps didn’t have the player who could make those near post runs.
Contrast that to the Whitecaps main competitor: the Portland Timbers. The Timbers shook off a horrible start (five points over their first eight games) to very nearly make the playoffs. It’s no coincidence the Timbers run to relevance occurred after Portland secured Fanendo Adi as their top striker.
Look for Vancouver to look to make a move in the off-season to replace the hole the team has had since Kenny Miller left the squad.
Without any further ado, here are three Whitecaps players who’ll have a big impact in 2015