VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Alessandro Schöpf, defender Ranko Veselinović, and goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday following their performances in the 'Caps dominant 4-0 home victory over Toronto FC in front of 24,678 fans at BC Place on Matchday 8.
Schöpf notched his first assist of the season on Fafà Picault's goal, whipping in an inch-perfect, left-footed cross for the Haitian international to head home. The Austrian midfielder also recorded nine recoveries, five successful duels, four key passes, and two interceptions.
Meanwhile, Veselinović scored his first goal of the season in the final moments of the match with a spectacular flick towards the far post. The Serbian, who was named to the Team of the Matchday once in 2023, also recorded 93% passing accuracy, six clearances, three recoveries, and two blocks.
Takaoka came up clutch on Saturday with three big saves to keep Toronto FC off the board, earning himself his second clean sheet of the season. The goalkeeper also reached 50 starts/appearances for the Blue and White in the win.
Schöpf, Veselinović, and Takaoka join attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld (Matchday 7), forward Fafà Picault (Matchday 7), forward Brian White (Matchday 5), and wingback Ali Ahmed (Matchday 4) in being named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. It is the first time the 'Caps have had three players named to the same Team of the Matchday this season.
F: Dante Vanzeir (RBNY), Willy Agada (SKC), Raúl Ruidíaz (SEA)
M: Timothy Tillman (LAFC), Sebastián Driussi (ATX), Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI), Alessandro Schöpf (VAN)
D: David Ruiz (MIA), Ranko Veselinović (VAN), Alex Roldan (SEA)
GK: Maarten Paes (DAL)
Coach: Sandro Schwarz (RBNY)
Bench: Yohei Takaoka (VAN), Sean Nealis (RBNY), Aidan Morris (CLB), Dániel Gazdag (PHI), Albert Rusnák (SEA), Carles Gil (NE), Cristian Espinoza (SJ), Lionel Messi (MIA), Felipe Mora (POR)
After securing back-to-back home wins, Vancouver closes out their four-game homestand with a top of the table clash in the West against Los Angeles Galaxy this Saturday, April 13. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
