This season Canadians have featured more than ever before since Whitecaps FC entered MLS in 2011. Recently, four Canadians started against Minnesota, which is the second time that has happened in league play since the club joined MLS. We take a quick look at the Canadians who have featured this season.
Dancing Davies
Alphonso Davies has been a star for not only the 'Caps but in MLS. He is the best dribbler in the league and there are stats to back that up. His dribbling success rate of 61.18 per cent is better than any of the other top five players for single season completed dribbles.
Goals scored
: 5 (third overall for WFC)
Assists
: 10 (first overall for WFC, tied for sixth in MLS)
Dribbles completed
: 93 (first overall in MLS)
Dribbles success rate
: 61%
In addition, the 17-year-old is eight completed dribbles short of matching Kekuta Manneh's mark of 149 dribbles completed as the ‘Caps all-time top dribbler in MLS regular season play.
Midfield Engine
Russell Teibert is arguably in the best-form of his career right now. Teibert has earned a starting spot and has kept it by being the most efficient passer on the team so far this season. Arguably his most complete performance was also in that 4-2 victory over Minnesota, when he finished with a 91.3 per cent passing accuracy, while recording two clearances and six interceptions. Last Saturday at NYCFC, Teibert recorded his second assist of the season when he helped set-up the game-tying goal.
Passing accuracy
: 88% (first overall for WFC)
Passes completed
: 358 (fourth amongst midfielders for WFC)
Passes attempted
: 407 (fourth amongst midfielders for WFC)
Teibert is the 'Caps all-time leader in minutes by a Canadian in MLS (8,049) and Canadian Championship (1,758) play. He now has made 157 first team appearance - MLS RS 127, MLS PO 1, CCL 7, CC 21, and D-2 1, which is tied for 20th all-time in WFC history.
Flying Canadian-Dutchman
Marcel de Jong has been very productive since signing for the ‘Caps in 2016. The left back possesses a lethal left foot and his crossing ability has caused challenges for opposing teams. In fact, de Jong leads the defenders in several different categories.
Chances created
: 12 (first amongst defenders for WFC)
Successful passes into opposition half
: 193 (first amongst defenders for WFC)
Successful passes ending in final-third
: 97 (first amongst defenders for WFC)
Interceptions
: 31 (first overall for WFC)
Successful tackles
: 27 (second overall for WFC)
Central Force
Doneil Henry returned at the tail-end of May from his loan-spell with Ottawa Fury FC, where he started three matches and helped keep three consecutive clean sheets. Since his recall to the ‘Caps, Henry was thrown into the mix as Kendall Waston was away at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Costa Rica. His physicality at the back has been an added boost to Robinson’s defence and the Canadian has also shown his ability to start attacks from the back with his passing ability.
Clearances
: 55 (third overall for WFC)
Duel success rate
: 64% (third overall for WFC)
Passing accuracy:
87% (third overall for WFC
Meanwhile five other Canadian players have experienced breakthrough moments this season.
Following a serious knee injury in 2016, Brett Levis has earned his first four MLS starts in 2018.
David Norman Jr., Sean Melvin, Simon Colyn, and Michael Baldisimo all penned MLS Homegrown contracts this season, while Theo Bair has been signed for 2019. Norman recently made his first team competitive debut in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals in Montreal, while Melvin was selected for the MLS Homegrown match during All-Star festivities in Atlanta last week.
The 'Caps are back home on Wednesday, August 8 when they host Toronto FC in the first leg of the Canadian Championship final at BC Place. Visit whitecapsfc.com for ticket information.
