BRIDGEVIEW, ILLINOIS – Vancouver Whitecaps FC picked up their first win of the 2015 season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Chicago Fire 1-0 at Toyota Park.
Here are three things that stood out to me.
MORE THAN JUST A GOALSCORER
At one point during the TSN broadcast of Saturday’s match, Luke Wileman stated: “It seems Octavio Rivero is more than just a goalscorer.”
Boy, is he ever.
The 23-year-old striker made the headlines with his game-winner (credit to Steven Beitashour for a heads-up pass to set it up), but I was more impressed with everything else he offered. Rivero’s movement, hold-up play, and ability to create chances for his teammates was something special.
This clearly isn’t a one-dimensional player we’re talking about. Case in point: Rivero created a game-high four chances (defined as a pass/cross instrumental in creating a goal-scoring opportunity). Kekuta Manneh, who looked dangerous once again, also created four chances.
To put that number in perspective, the only out-and-out striker who created more chances last weekend was Dom Dywer from Sporting Kansas City with five. Typically, you see attacking midfielders leading the way in this category. Not strikers, especially those playing alone up top.
But Rivero was instrumental in Vancouver's build-up play, as you can see from his touch map below (courtesy of the 'Caps App).
And here are a few examples of his distribution (click to start and stop).
GREAT DANE
We’re not really learning anything new about David Ousted at this point. After all, the Danish goalkeeper led MLS in clean sheets last season and Saturday's match was his 50th straight MLS start for Whitecaps FC (including playoffs). We know he’s good.
But let’s give credit where credit is due: Ousted was outstanding on Saturday afternoon. He made three fantastic saves in the first-half to keep matters scoreless, including the one you see below (click to start and stop).
LEFT BACK BATTLE
Sam Adekugbe got the start at left back against the Fire and the young Canadian didn’t look out of place – at either end of the pitch.
Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson called his performance “excellent," but he also made a point to credit Jordan Harvey for his “attitude and application” off the pitch.
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<b>Post-match interview: Carl Robinson</b> |
“Jordan’s a warrior for me,” Robinson told reporters. “I just wanted to give Jordan a break from the team, with all the CBA negotiations going on with that lot. My outlook on my team of players is, when the young players show enough to me that they are ready for a chance, I want to give them that little carrot. Sam deserved it based on his performance in preseason, and was rewarded today. I want to give Jordan credit, because his attitude and application was fantastic, even though he didn’t play. That’s what we need. We need players like that in the locker room.”
Adekugbe’s strong showing will likely give Robinson some food for thought moving forward, but you won’t find him complaining. I’m sure he’ll find plenty of minutes for both players this season – especially since the ‘Caps are set to play at least 40 matches in all competitions.
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