VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps are fighting to make the 2014 MLS playoffs. Currently the team occupies the fifth and final spot in the MLS Western Conference with four matches left to play. The Whitecaps have had an up and down season that saw them start off with a fantastic 4-2-4 record under new manager, Carl Robinson. A mid-season summer swoon saw the Whitecaps go 1-2-4 and also featured a 450 minute scoring drought.
When times have turned tough, one player seems to take the majority and brunt of criticism in Whitecapsland. Even though it will always remain a team game, Darren Mattocks is often the scapegoat when Vancouver starts to falter.
The Jamaican international at times has shown flashes of his talent, and blistering pace, but his finish has been lacking this season. Mattocks has started 19 matches this season and has been on the pitch for 1686 minutes. He has scored 6 goals and earned 3 assists. Whitecaps supporters and media will tell you that he does not show his skillset often enough. Fans want more from Darren, and he is unfairly ridiculed, and at times virtually run out-of-town.
Any player who shoulders that level of criticism and peanut gallery comments would understandably grow frustrated playing in such constant negative environment. In typical fashion, Darren Mattocks is not as bothered by all the squawking and yammering coming from people outside of the Whitecaps organization.
"I mean as a young player you've just got to take it. I view it as constructive criticism and don't take it personally. I just have to focus on what I'm doing. I respect everyone's position on what they say or comment on me. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing and respect everyone's views and positions."
If a player is missing a wide open net, dribbling into the corner or blatantly offside, the old adage is to practice, practice, practice. Yes, we're talking about practice. The Whitecaps train three to four times a week in preparation for a weekend match. When the players aren't at training they are getting treatment, swimming, or working in the gym.
The 24 year-old, Mattocks is not avoiding any of these duties. He is out their everyday working at improving his game. Despite all the critics Mattocks is not worried about his competitive or confidence levels.
"No, I'm always competitive out there so I'm not worried about it to be honest. Confidence level is definitely there. That's something given to me that's never going to change. Hopefully when my chances come again I can take it."
When the Whitecaps travel to face the Seattle Sounders on Friday, October 10 at CenturyLink Field Darren Mattocks will not be in the Vancouver lineup. He has been called up to represent Jamaica in an away friendly against Japan. Playing for your country and club team is an important part of being a professional footballer, and a duty that has to be balanced and met when called upon.
"It's my duty. Obviously I play for my club, but I play for my country also. Whenever I get a call up it's another international cap. It's a very big game against Seattle, but let's see what happens."
Darren Mattocks is listed as earning $232,000 in guaranteed compensation this season. That puts Darren sixth on the Whitecaps behind Pedro Morales, Mauro Rosales, Matias Laba, Andy O'Brien and David Ousted in 2014 guaranteed salary compensation. While he certainly hasn't been a goal-scoring machine, the Whitecaps will have to make do with Darren for the rest of this season. He believes he is doing his utmost best to make sure he produces when the Whitecaps call his number.
"I've been working in the gym a lot. It's always just continuous learning, improving, and trying to get better at your craft."
The former University of Akron Marketing Management Major will always have the support of his teammates, coaches, family, and friends. If supporters want to target Darren with their Whitecaps displeasure they should know that it doesn't help his or the teams on field performance and only causes an unneeded distraction at the most crucial part of the season.
Notes: The Whitecaps organization have yet to make an official statement regarding the absence of striker Omar Salgado who last trained with the team on Tuesday, September 23.
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