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November 4, 2015 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps are one victory away from reaching the MLS western conference finals. All that stands in the way is the pesky Portland Timbers. Vancouver held on for a nil-nil draw in the 1st leg of the semi-final series on Sunday afternoon at Providence Park. By all accounts the tired Timbers had the majority of scoring opportunities including a late effort that hit the post.
Vancouver were lucky not to concede after Portland mounted attack after attack in the second half. David Ousted was the difference in-goal and the Caps defensive posture in front of him helped to stop the Timbers from scoring. Defensive holding midfielder Matias Laba was pleased to get a result, but he and his teammates know more will be needed at home on Sunday, November 8 in the return leg.
"I think the team had a good performance. We know it's a good result for us, but we have to win at home."
The away goals rule will be in play when MLS referee Ismail Elfath blows his whistle on Sunday night. A 0-0 outcome through 120 minutes of action is the only way penalties are possible. A 1-1 draw and a draw of anything higher will see Portland advance. Vancouver needs an outright win.
With all the possible score-lines at play, Matias Laba is quite sure who has the advantage come Sunday.
"I don't know, I don't know, but we know in our team we have confidence and we believe in our team. We know Portland is a good team and we are too. We have to concentrate for the whole 90 minutes and I think we have to do the best to get a result."
The old adage is that defense wins championships. Vancouver conceded the fewest goals (36) over the course of the MLS season. David Ousted has been nominated for Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Kendall Waston has been nominated for MLS Defender of the Year. If Vancouver can frustrate the Timbers they could win 1-0. A Portland goal could be tough to overcome, but Laba isn't worried.
"We know that and we have to concentrate defensively, because if they score it's difficult for us, but we can do it."
The 23 year-old Villa Raffo, Argentina, native is known as one of the best all-around defensive holding midfielder in Major League Soccer. He won't score, but will prevent goals from being scored on his keeper with his timely tackles, and tight man-marking. Coincidently enough, Laba's lone goal with the Vancouver Whitecaps came on July 18, 2015 against the Portland Timbers.
Portland has a lot of options when it comes to scoring. Darlington Nagbe, Diego Valeri and Maxi Urruti combined for 11 goals, and 16 assists this season and Valeri scored in the 1-1 draw on July 18. Laba and the Whitecaps will need an entire team effort to keep another clean-sheet vs Portland. If it means poking at the heals of Darlington Nagbe, and perhaps tugging on his shirt Laba wasn't letting his strategy out.
"He's a very good player, because he's strong and fast too, so it's difficult to stay near him. We know he's one of the best players for them so it's important to keep concentration and near to Nagbe, Valeri, and Urruti."
Coach Carl Robinson was also nominated for an award on Tuesday. The second year Welsh Manager has been nominated for MLS Coach of the Year. Matias Laba couldn't be more proud of his coach and his teammates. It takes a total team effort from training camp in January to the final match in October to achieve success and the Whitecaps were in contention all season for the MLS Supporters Shield.
"Yes, it's very important for the club, the team, and for everybody. We know Carl, David, and Kendall is very important for us. I think they are some of the best in the league."
As someone who grew up idolizing Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, Matias Laba should be given much more credit and praise for his brilliant play in front of Kendall Waston and David Ousted. Carl Robinson backed his player who may not be given all his due, but certainly deserves more accolades.
"It's a massive credit to him individually and collectively as well. The rest of team the team should be proud for them because you don't win anything as an individual. You can be the best player, but not be the best team and we tried to create a team environment here and when you create an environment, then obviously individual awards come. Mati's been great, he really has, and he's really one of the unsung heroes as we know. He probably doesn't get all the plaudits he should based upon goals and assists which the league is about, but as I said, there are a number of my players that are like that."
Notes: The Whitecaps have opened the entire lower bowl of BC Place and 1500 of 27,500 tickets remain.
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