VANCOUVER, BC – How did Vancouver Whitecaps FC fare in the month of April?
Well, they’re still in sole possession of the top spot in Major League Soccer, so that’s a good sign. But let’s take a closer look.
First of all, here’s what head coach Carl Robinson had to say:
“On our day, we’ve shown that we can compete with the best: the LAs, the Salt Lakes, and Portlands,” Robinson told reporters this week. “We’ve also shown that if our levels aren’t right we can get beaten by teams that probably aren’t expected to do much this year. We need to be more consistent … we’ve had a good start, but we can get better.”
Based on the numbers you see below, I’d say that’s a pretty good assessment.
7
Whitecaps FC finished off the month with seven points, eclipsing their previous high of six back in 2012. The ‘Caps posted a 2W-2L-1D record, highlighted by wins against defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake – their first-ever victory at Rio Tinto Stadium.
6
The ‘Caps scored a total of six goals in April.
Strikers Octavio Rivero and Darren Mattocks led the way with two goals and one assist respectively, while Kekuta Manneh and Pedro Morales both added a goal and an assist.
Check out the team leaders in both categories so far this season.
5
On the other hand, Whitecaps FC conceded five goals this past month, including four at home. Naturally, the team plays a little more open at BC Place, but that’s certainly an area they’ll be looking to improve with a number of home matches upcoming.
15
Morales had a team-high 15 chances created in April, which was also the third highest total in MLS behind New York Red Bulls midfielder Felipe (19) and Colorado Rapids midfielder Dillon Powers (17).
The Chilean now leads the ‘Caps with three assists – all three of which have come on game-winning goals. His most recent helper was this perfectly-weighted throughball to Manneh on April 4 vs. LA.
112
No team had more interceptions than Whitecaps FC (112) in April, which I think says a lot about the team’s out-of-possession game. Led by the midfield duo of Russell Teibert and Matias Laba, the ‘Caps are absolutely relentless in closing down their opponents, which naturally leads to turnovers.
Whitecaps FC right back Steven Beitashour topped MLS with 23 interceptions in April, while centre back Kendall Waston was tied for second with 21.
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