After an abysmal first season in the MLS, nearly every aspect of the Whitecaps organization has seen some modifications. High profile names have been brought in, a promising young coach in Martin Rennie will lead, and the team has bolstered their depth at nearly every position. While all these changes point towards a more positive outlook this season, one of the major facets of Vancouver’s game that I feel has been largely ignored was their inability to score from free kicks and corner kicks. With First Kick less than a month away, it is concerning to me that management has seemingly done nothing to remedy this problem, at least for the start of the season.

The ‘Caps lack of goal scoring was, and has been well documented since last season. Whether it was a lack of a creative midfield influence or the fact we only had two credible goal-scorers, there was always much to bemoan on the offensive side of the ball for fans. For all the criticism our attack got, one of the biggest issues that wasn’t as largely publicized was the inability to convert off corner kicks and set pieces. In fact their inaugural MLS season saw them score only once off a corner (in their first game nonetheless) and just three more times off of free kicks. This may not sound problematic but judging from the goal compilations that MLS.com compiled for all the teams, they likely finished last in those regards as well.


Dead ball situations can be broken down to two main components, a good delivery and an ability to get on the end of the ball. Despite boasting some tall forwards, Vancouver’s most dangerous man on crosses was Camilo, one of the shortest members on the team at 5’7”. Incidentally, he was also provided some of the better service all season, often taking corners. While the team has brought in a lot of attacking talent, most are of the small, skilled and speedy variety and although new arrival Sebastien Le Toux comes in at six feet, he has never really been known as an aerial threat.

So where do the solutions come from? With the Whitecaps unlikely to bring in anymore forwards, the most likely option is Atiba Harris. His height is a definite advantage, but the biggest thing that will work in his favor on these set plays will be his work rate. It’s something Vancouver missed sorely when Harris went down with injury, and his ability to win balls would be useful in situations like these. Also a possibility is Omar Salgado whose only goal last season was a headed effort against Columbus. However, he of course is buried amongst the plethora of attacking options Vancouver has.

On the delivery side of the ball, last season the Whitecaps seemed to favor using the aforementioned Camilo as well as Chiumiento and at times, Rochat. This season, Chiumiento may not even be in the starting eleven and well, it’s hard for Camilo to both deliver the ball and receive it at the same time. Le Toux is an option on short-range opportunities, but on longer range free kicks you’ll want to have him near the box, ready to pounce on any loose balls. So where’s the solution to this problem? Vancouver may have found their man in Barry Robson, but he doesn’t arrive until about halfway into the season. In the short term, unless a new addition like Lee Nguyen or Jun Marques Davidson can provide some good service, it appears as though the Whitecaps will continue to struggle with providing decent crosses into the 18.

I’m not asking for a Brad Davis to Brian Ching type of connection, or a Shalrie Joseph-esque aerial lethality, or some David Beckham precision. But to see a lack of attention devoted to this area of the Whitecaps game is a bit discouraging. Maybe Rennie will bring a better approach to set pieces but for now, I wouldn’t expect to begin scoring from corners or free kicks any time soon.