PORTLAND, OREGON – Vancouver Whitecaps FC picked up their second straight win at the Simple Invitational on Wednesday, defeating Norwegian side Stabæk 3-2 at Providence Park.
Here are three things that stood out to me.
LOOKING SHARP
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<b>Post-match interview: Darren Mattocks</b> |
I had a feeling Darren Mattocks would have a big game on Wednesday.
In fact, I messaged a co-worker prior to the game saying: “Mattocks is going to score tonight. Book it.”
He scored twice – one from the penalty spot and once from open play.
So, how did I all of a sudden become a psychic?
I didn’t.
The Jamaican has been scoring a lot the last few days in training – particularly on Tuesday when the ‘Caps spent an extended period working on finishing.
And he’s been in great spirits, too. You can see some of that in this video from the team’s fun free kick competition on Tuesday.
As Carl Robinson often says, it’s an important to play with a smile on your face.
It certainly worked for Mattocks on Wednesday.
QUICK COUNTER
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<b>Mattocks finishes off a quick Whitecaps FC counter-attack</b> |
In Whitecaps FC’s pre-match meeting, Robinson singled out the team’s “offensive transition” as one of the keys to the game. Stabæk will pass the ball and control possession at times, but we can catch them on the counter, he told the group.
And that’s exactly what they did. Vancouver’s third goal was a counter-attack exhibit.
After goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi punched away a Stabæk free kick, four different ‘Caps players touched the ball before Mattocks finished from inside the box. And that was in the span of less than 20 seconds.
Erik Hurtado only took one touch, winning the ball in Vancouver’s box and paying the price for his efforts. Marco Bustos only took two touches, playing quickly to Nicolas Mezquida, who then sent a perfect diagonal ball to Ben McKendry.
McKendry showed his quality by releasing Mattocks into the box with a clever throughball, and finally, the Jamaican calmly slotted it past the keeper.
It may not make the highlight reel, but that goal was a thing of beauty.
“It was excellent,” Robinson said. “We defended well and managed to break quickly. Counter-attacking is a big part of modern day football … when there’s space behind you have to take advantage.”
STANDING TALL
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<b>Highlights: Stabæk Fotball 2-3 Vancouver Whitecaps FC</b> |
If it wasn’t for Tornaghi, Wednesday’s result could have very easily gone a different way.
The Italian shot-stopper kept Whitecaps FC in the match with five saves – many of the spectacular variety. Tornaghi didn’t get a game for Whitecaps FC in 2014, but with a busy season ahead, it’s safe to assume we’re going to see a lot more of him in 2015.
“Paolo was excellent for me last year even though he didn’t play a minute of football,” Robinson said. “I think you saw today how good he can be. He’s an excellent shot-stopper, we know. He’s vocal and his distribution is very good. When Paolo gets his opportunity this year, I’ll have no worries throwing him in.”
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
