On July 2, Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted was named MLS Player of the Month for June. A much-deserved accolade, Ousted has been a vital part of the Whitecaps’ ongoing success this season and is a major reason why the ‘Caps sit first in the Western Conference and second in the league with 32 points in 18 games.
The 30-year-old Dane is coming off three straight road victories with the ‘Caps, including a brilliant performance against the New York Red Bulls on June 20 that featured two heroic penalty kick saves on Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips.
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Along with this, Ousted also recorded an impressive clean sheet in a 1-0 victory on the road against the LA Galaxy on June 6. Prior to the contest, the Galaxy had not lost at home in 29 matches.
Last Saturday, Ousted was magnificent again with an eight-save performance against a strong New England Revolution side. The Whitecaps won that match 2-1, ending New England’s 17-game home unbeaten streak in the process.
“He’s been excellent,” Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson said of Ousted’s recent play. “His standard’s been very high. He was excellent for us last year, and he’s come in this year and he wants to take it to the next level, and he certainly is doing that.”
Ousted came up big at the right time for the Whitecaps and made some key saves when called upon last month. However, he shouldn’t have been forced to make as many saves as he did, especially considering Vancouver’s last two contests were played against opposition sides with only 10 men.
Nevertheless, he stood tall when needed. Without Ousted’s recent play, the ‘Caps may not be sitting pretty at the top of the Western Conference.
While an honour such as MLS Player of the Month is nice, Vancouver providing stronger defensive coverage would be a better reward for Ousted. Sure, Ousted probably enjoys the recognition of his superb talent, but in a team environment, it is safe to say that winning is the most important objective.
And that begins with winning the midfield and playing a sound defensive game. The ‘Caps need to be tighter and more disciplined. The club has been committing too many fouls as of late. They also need to close any open lanes to the net in order to deter dangerous shot attempts on target. They need to be wary of oppositional counterattacks at all times as well.
Ousted is a great goalkeeper, but it would be better if he didn’t always have to show it. If the ‘Caps want to remain atop the table, they need solid contributions from all positions on the pitch.
Looking for a fourth consecutive win on the road, the Whitecaps end their five-game road trip against the Colorado Rapids on July 4 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.