VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Simon Becher has been named the MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire for his performance against CF Montréal in Matchday 6.
Becher tallied two goals, an assist, a team-high three chances created, and a team-high three fouls won as the 'Caps claimed a dominant 5-0 victory over their Canadian rivals. The native of Brooklyn, Connecticut was the only player in the league to record three goal contributions in Matchday 6.
With his brace, Becher became the fastest player in league history to score his first four MLS goals in his career, doing so in just 87 minutes of action. The forward also became the first 'Caps player to score in each of his first four appearances across all competitions for the club.
Becher is the first 'Caps player to win MLS Player of the Matchday since Brian White in October 2021 after recording a hat-trick against San Jose Earthquakes on Matchday 29.
Becher is also the first MLS NEXT Pro alumnus to win the award and the third different player aged 23 or younger to take home the honours in the first six Matchdays of the 2023 season, joining Atlanta United FC midfielders Thiago Almada (Matchdays 1 and 4) and Caleb Wiley (Matchday 3).
Earlier in the day, Becher was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday alongside midfielder Ali Ahmed.
After Saturday's performance, Becher leads the 'Caps with four goals across all competitions this season. All-time, the forward has recorded five goals as well as an assist in one start and four appearances.
The 'Caps continue their three-match homestand this week with one of their biggest matches of the season, as they host the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals this Wednesday, April 5 against LAFC at BC Place. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT live on OneSoccer, Channel 980 on TELUS, and AM730 radio, with the radio pre-game show starting at 6 p.m. PT.
The stretch concludes on Saturday, April 8 with a Cascadia Cup matchup against Portland Timbers on the club's annual Vaisakhi Night, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the action live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TSN1, TSN5, and AM730 radio, with the radio pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
The MLS Player of the Matchday is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while a Twitter fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio, and online media.
MLS Season Pass
The 2023 season sees the debut of MLS Season Pass, the unprecedented subscription service from Apple and MLS that will have every match of the regular season, Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup – all in one place and with no blackouts. As an exclusive benefit, Whitecaps FC 2023 Season Members will receive a subscription to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as significant savings over single match tickets.
