What a difference a week makes.
This time seven days ago, ‘Caps fans were licking their wounds after a deflating opening day defeat against Canadian rivals Toronto FC. The team needed to bounce back with a win, and they did just that after coming away from a tricky road trip to Chicago with all three points courtesy of another goal from Octavio Rivero.
The Uruguayan’s timely strike, Vancouver’s first-ever MLS goal in Chicago, was just reward for an impressive performance away from home.
All in all, it was a very satisfying afternoon of work for Carl Robinson’s squad. But what did the media make of the ‘Caps triumph over Chicago?
Sportsnet.ca – Martin MacMahon focused on the ‘immediate impact’ that new DP striker Octavio Rivero has had on the club. Like many observers, MacMahon describes Rivero as more than just a goalscorer, stating: “Beyond the goal, his hold up play was strong, he continues to make intelligent runs, he showed he was more than just a finisher with some clever passing, and displayed a bit more in the way of dribbling prowess than he did on his debut.”
The Province – The Province’s Marc Weber focused on ‘Caps Residency product Sam Adekugbe, who made his third start for the club during in Saturday’s 1-0 road win. The “20-year-old Canadian didn’t disappoint,” according to Weber, who had this to say about the left back’s performance: “He bombed forward down the left wing, like everyone expected from the attacking-minded defender. But he also did his defensive work as the Caps posted the shutout.”
Weber also wrote about another left-sided youngster in the form of Gambian speedster Kekuta Manneh. The Whitecaps winger “both dazzles and dismays on the attack” according to the article, which states that “he can pull fans from their couch and have them throw a cushion milliseconds later."
The Vancouver Sun – The Sun’s Gary Kingston is another writer who zeroed in on the goalscoring exploits of Octavio Rivero, describing the ‘Caps number 29 as “a determined young man whose finishing instincts will serve the Vancouver Whitecaps well.”
The Metro –Elsewhere, Ryan Lehal was also talking up the Uruguayan frontman. “Octavio Rivero loves to score goals,” he writes. “And the Vancouver Whitecaps are thankful for that.”
The ‘Caps weren’t the only team in action this week. In fact, it’s been a busy few days around the entire league.
Star striker – MLSSoccer.com had wall-to-wall coverage of David Villa’s first goal for NYCFC after the Eastern Conference newboys notched up a 2-0 win in their home opener over New England Revolution.
Yankee pride – More than 43,000 fans were packed inside Yankee Stadium to see the historic win. It’s not the first time the ground has provided the backdrop for the city’s love affair with soccer however. In fact, it’s got a rich history where the sport is concerned.
Armchair Analysis –From direct styles to funny faces, the MLS Armchair Analyst is on hand to round up the week’s talking points from around the league.
Cascadian rivals – It was a mixed weekend for the ‘Caps Cascadia rivals with the Timbers landing a 2-2 draw with the Galaxy in Portland, while the Sounders limped to a 3-2 defeat thanks to a Chris Wondolowski-inspired San Jose.
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