VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC kicked off their 2014 Major League Soccer season in style on Saturday, defeating Eastern Conference powerhouse New York Red Bulls by a score of 4-1.
Striker Kenny Miller and newcomers Sebastian Fernandez and Pedro Morales stole the show, but the ‘Caps saw contributions from all over the park.
Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks was buzzing, Canadian midfielder Russell Teibert quietly put in a strong all-around performance, and the back line barely put a foot wrong.
It really was a total team effort, and the numbers back it up.
Below, we take a look at some of the statistics behind Vancouver’s opening day triumph over the defending Supporters Shield winners.
10
That’s how many shots Whitecaps FC had on target against the Red Bulls. To put that number in perspective, it was more than any other team on opening day and the most the ‘Caps have had since joining MLS – their previous high was nine. Seven different players had shots on goal for Vancouver, with Fernandez, Mattocks and Miller leading the way with two apiece. Also of note, Whitecaps FC created 11 chances from open play on Saturday, which was third to only LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo.
40
The number of successful passes newcomer Matias Laba made on Saturday, which was the highest on the team. Over half of Laba’s successful passes came in the attacking half. The Argentine holding midfielder impressed in a number of categories. His passing accuracy (86.96 per cent) was second best on the team – as were his 57 touches and four interceptions. Laba formed a formidable partnership in midfield with Nigel Reo-Coker, who led the team with four tackles and also had 57 touches. Clearly, Laba and Reo-Coker will be integral to Vancouver’s success this season – at both ends of the park.
94.12
Morales made quite the debut for Whitecaps FC on Saturday. His goal and assist made the headlines, and understandably so, but his passing accuracy of 94.12 per cent (which was updated from the percentage used on Saturday) was also the best on the team. It should be noted that Morales only played 25 minutes; however, he still completed 16 of 17 passes and created three chances – also the highest on the team.
70
Steven Beitashour’s debut wasn’t as glamorous as that of some of his teammates, but the 27-year-old right back was quietly one of Vancouver’s most involved players in their season opener. His 70 touches and nine clearances were the most on the team. Beitashour is known for his ability to create offence from the back, but clearly, there’s more to his game.
Statistics courtesy of Opta Sports.
Whitecaps FC season tickets start at the prorated price of just $331 and single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
