|
|
The Vancouver Whitecaps are just about set to kick off the 2014 MLS season on Saturday against the visiting New York Red Bulls at BC Place Stadium. The Caps have had a complete overhaul since they last took to the pitch in October. The biggest change is with the man patrolling the sidelines. Scotsman Martin Rennie is out, and Welshman Carl Robinson has been tasked with coaching the Caps back into a playoff spot this year.
The Whitecaps have undergone massive changes in every area of the pitch. No stone was left unturned during the winter, and the Whitecaps have an abundance of fresh new faces eager to show they can play in MLS. The defense, and midfield position look to be a great strength for the club. Attacking and finding the back of the oppositions net could be a sore spot for Vancouver with 2013 MLS Golden Boot winner Camilo Sanvezzo jumping ship to Liga MX side Queretaro FC.
See also: Inside the MLS: Har Journalist
Let's look at the four key components of the pitch to see how Vancouver looks heading into the season.
Offense
Kenny Miller is going to have to be a huge force for the Vancouver Whitecaps as they look to replace Camilo's 22-goals. The 34 year-old Miller could be on his last legs with the Whitecaps with his contract set to expire on June 30, 2014. If Kenny can shake off the niggles that have hampered him throughout the fall, winter, and preseason his should be rewarded with a handsome new deal keeping him in Vancouver. When he's healthy he's the best pure scorer Vancouver has.
Kekuta Manneh had a breakout game last season scoring a hat-trick away to the Seattle Sounders. The speedy Gambian is going to receive a lot more attention from the opposition because of his terrific speed, and ability to fire a quick shot on target seemingly out of nowhere. Manneh has been hampered with a bad back during the preseason and has admitted that it's still taking a bit of time to get caught up with the rest of his teammates. The Generation Adidas player talked about this year being a possible breakout season for him.
"Coming into this year I definitely want to score some goals for the team. I'm really confident that I can do that with the help of all my teammates. I feel like I can do something special in the league and for the team." - Kekuta Manneh
The Whitecaps have taken on a significant Spanish flare with the acquisitions of Nicolas Mezquida, Sebastian Fernandez, Matias Laba, and the newest addition Pedro Morales, who was brought over from Malaga CF this week. Uruguayans Mezquida, and Fernandez have already shown great ability to find one and other on the pitch during preseason action. The familiarity they have with each other can only help them distribute the ball and gain confidence with their new teammates.
See also: Mezquida ready to fit with Whitecaps and MLS
Morales is going to be the focal feature in the Whitecaps offense. The Chilean will play a much-needed number 10 role for Vancouver and it's hoped he can be dynamite on free kicks, corners, and shots from distance. Morales has big shoes to fill as the Whitecaps still have yet to replaces Davide Chiumiento from two seasons ago. Morales talked about his excitement in joining the Vancouver Whitecaps and how helpful it is to have other Spanish-speaking players on the team.
"I'm so happy for this opportunity for me. I like the city it's very comfortable, I like the people and I'm so happy. I feel good that we have six players that speak Spanish, it's very good for me." - Pedro Morales
Omar Salgado, Darren Mattocks and Erik Hurtado seem to be on the outside looking in. The trio of players have had an up and down preseason with consistency being a huge factor in playing time. Salgado is finally healthy and has grown into a giant man. His attitude is something that needs to be worked on if he is to earn minutes with the new gaffer. Salgado has exchanged a few choice words with teammates and the coaching staff during preseason that have him in a negative light.
Darren Mattocks has been on form during recent friendlies with Jamaica this past week but his lackadaisical play often leaves fans wanting more from him. Erik Hurtado's haircut and poor first touch are getting more attention than his play on the pitch. All three players need to make the most of whatever minutes they can earn under Carl Robinson. If they can't improve here in Vancouver a change of scenery would not be a bad idea for all of them.
Overall the Whitecaps have a lot of young talent that could find a bevy of goals. Scoring is going to be the biggest hurdle for the Whitecaps if they get off to a slow start in the competitive western conference. It's imperative that somebody steps up and helps Kenny Miller, and Pedro Morales. Look to the Uruguayan duo to be a pleasant surprise throughout the season while the youngsters gain confidence and find their specific roles with the team offensively.
Midfielders
The Whitecaps midfield has been quite a weakness for the team in recent years. Former Carolina RailHawks won't be patrolling the most important part of the pitch for Vancouver this season. The club made a point of bringing in Matias Laba from Toronto FC to be a sturdy and solid defensive force next to Nigel Reo Coker. The 22 year-old Argentine has already drawn a comparison to Javier Mascherano from Reo C. Neither player is going to be counted on to score goals for the Caps but they are well worth their weight in gold at preventing them.
Russell Teibert is expected to play the left-wing for Vancouver with Fernandez on the right-wing. This is going to be a make or break season for the Teibert. He showed flashes of creativity and vision last year but couldn't keep it up all season. If you can surround Russell with quality players like a Morales, and Miller he should be dynamite in delivering the ball to them. As long as he is not asked to take any penalties Russell Teibert is going to have a fantastic season.
Gershon Koffie has become a forgotten man with the Whitecaps. After having such a promising 2012 season, the Ghanaian native, has regressed with his play in 2013 and during Caps preseason. He is not the same player that drew attention from Europe after 2012. If Laba and Reo Coker get off to a great start he could be stapled to the bench. Carl Robinson and others have not liked what they've seen from Koffie and it's not difficult a stretch to think he could be moved if can't get his game back.
Overall the Whitecaps have a long list of talented Midfielders that will all be competing for minutes. Morales, Fernandez, Mezquida, Manneh, and Teibert will carry the bulk of the load on the offensive side. Reo Coker, Laba, Koffie, Alderson, and Ballouchy (When he's healthy) will be asked to play more of a defensive role. The Whitecaps are all set in midfield and there is no reason to think that will be a weakness other teams can exploit.
Defenders
The Whitecaps will start the season with a strong defense consisting of Jordan Harvey, Andy O'Brien, Jay DeMerit, and Steven Beitashour from left to right. Beitashour is the only new face among those four players. The former San Jose Earthquakes right-back will be tasked to fill the boots of the retired Young-Pyo Lee. O'Brien, and DeMerit will anchor the back-four and remain the glue that holds the defense together. Both players are 34 years-old, which means that getting through an entire season injury free could be a daunting task. Have shed a few stones of the winter O'Brien is in tip-top shape while Jay DeMerit is fully healed from his Achilles rupture that he suffered in last years opening match.
Jordan Harvey finished fourth on the team in scoring last season with 4 goals. He and Beitashour will have to provide instant offense from the flanks as the Whitecaps look for more offense from their defense. If either player should be unable to play 18 year-old Sam Adekugbe, and South African Ethan Sampson will step in at left and right back respectively. Sampson was a bit of a question mark to make the squad as a backup, but he has been given a chance and will undoubtedly have to step up with Steven Beitashour is playing for Iran at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Whitecaps had to use Nigel Reo Coker at right-back last season and they don't want to be forced to do that again in 2014.
Rookie Christian Dean, Carlyle Mitchell and Johnny Leveron are all capable of stepping in at centre-back if need be. Leveron, and Mitchell played outstanding football last season when the Caps centre-backs were decimated with injury after injury. Dean was drafted 3rd overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft and he has been getting rave reviews during the preseason. At 6'3 and 200 pounds the 20 year-old is a physical beast on the pitch. He will not be pushed around and anyone who goes up against him could find themselves eating divots very quickly.
Overall the defenders on Vancouver are rock solid. O'Brien, and DeMerit might be a little slow, but they make up for it with smarts and years of football experience. The flanks should be active and a constant threat with the addition of Beitashour, and Jordan Harvey on the left. Mitchell, Leveron, and Dean will be ready when called upon and barring an unlucky string of injuries the defense should be a key strong point for the Whitecaps.
Goalkeepers
David Ousted will be the number one goalie for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Ousted was brought in last season while Joe Cannon, and Brad Knighton were splitting time in net. Ousted got off to a rough start but eventually got into a grove and played well down the stretch. With a full offseason to prepare he is finally caught up and ready to be the undisputed go to keeper for the Whitecaps. The 29 year-old Dane talked about the upcoming season and how many matches he would like to play.
"I'll play thirty-four and cup games and whatever else you throw at me. I feel I'm ready for the season, and I feel like I'm in good shape. I had a good offseason of training so I feel good, but the clubs looking at that and I'll leave that to them. I'll concentrate on what I have to do and be as strong as possible and work hard." - David Ousted
The Caps have a pair of quality keepers waiting to step in if Ousted gets off to a slow start. Former Inter Milan man Paolo Tornaghi, and 17 year-old home-grown Canadian Marco Carducci will be ready to strap on the gloves. Tornaghi was previously with the Chicago Fire, and Carducci was with the clubs residency program last season and he has impressed everyone who has seen him play this past year. Carducci was brilliant all throughout preseason camp and a huge bright spot in net. The Whitecaps don't plan to loan out Carducci this season which will be great if he can continue to impress and pass Tornaghi on the depth chart.
Overall the goalkeeper position could be a struggle for the Whitecaps if David Ousted let's in a few soft goals. In Vancouver's last preseason match Ousted let in a long-range howler against the Timbers. With the Whitecaps looking for new offensive components to get going, they can't afford to see Ousted start off slow again. Tornaghi and Carducci should form an interesting battle to become the backup. Italians are often exceptional keepers, and it's not a stretch to suggest that one could be minding the net for Vancouver come October.
2014 Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions
Leading Goal Scorer: Pedro Morales
Leading Assist Man: Russell Teibert
Breakout Player: Kekuta Manneh
Best Newcomer: Pedro Morales
Top Defender: Andy O'Brien
Overall:
The Whitecaps will continue to dazzle and tease Caps supporters with fantastic brilliant football, and inconsistent dreadful football. With a new coach, a new playing style, and a significant turnover of players, it's going to take some time for everyone to gel and form chemistry on the pitch. The 2014 Vancouver Whitecaps will finish 7th in the MLS Western Conference and will subsequently not qualify for the playoffs.
|