On Saturday, our boys came away with their first victory over two-time defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy in front of a sold out and rocking BC Place crowd.
So what did we learn?
He can score goals
Russell Teibert has shown us many things since he broke into the lineup this year.
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<b>Teibert scores his first professional goal</b> |
He is probably our fittest player on the team and shows us that every game by running all over the field. He is also quick and getting stronger in the tackle. He can cross and pass the ball well, and he is developing an awareness for the game, spreading the ball around and switching the play more effectively by showing great vision.
But now he has added goals to his game as he continues to go from strength to strength.
Russell scored his first two goals in his MLS career, and looked cool and composed as he led his team to a big win over the Galaxy. He's a confident lad, but on previous goal attempts he did not make the most of his scoring chances. This time, however, he showed a lot of maturity on both his goals and proved that - as long as he continues to work hard - this can now be another consistent dimension to his game.
The rock
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<b>O'Brien blocks Magee's shot</b> |
While Russell Teibert fully deserved his Budweiser Man of the Match award, much kudos must also be given to centre back Andy O'Brien.
He was brilliant at the back as he marshaled the back line against one of the best attacking teams in the league. Early on in the game he had a last ditch tackles in the box to deny LA an opening goal, as well as many more important plays.
He is the only player to start every game and for me, he has been our most consistent player and our rock.
True grit
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<b>Full match highlights</b> |
I think everybody knew this was a game where a win was the only result that mattered on the night. LA came out and played like the champions they are and we looked a bit tentative, which made for a very nervy first half.
But this team showed what they were made of by their performance in the second half. The pressure was on to get this victory and the players responded with a second half that left the Galaxy trailing in our wake.
Urged on by our fantastic fans, the boys came out and showed their true grit.
