After a stellar unbeaten run to start the season, the Vancouver Whitecaps have slowed their speed, desperately trying to manage a condensed list of fixtures. It feels as though they’re yet to come away from ninety minutes of MLS action without losing a key player to injury, and this match could prove more catastrophic than desired as both Mathias Laborda and Andrés Cubas suffered the same fate.
Nevertheless, the Whitecaps have strength within the depth of their team, and that is exactly what we saw as they secured a hard-earned draw against TFC. Here is my match analysis of the Whitecaps’ 0-0 draw with Toronto FC, in the form of dissecting the three main stars of the match.
1. SEBASTIAN BERHALTER
Embed from Getty ImagesSebastian Berhalter has enjoyed a better start to the season than just about any other central midfielder in the league. His tempo setting prowess in midfield is second to none, and absolutely pivotal for Jesper Sørensen’s team.
What I loved most about Sørensen’s use of Berhalter in the match is how he worked to increase unpredictability. The Whitecaps have played in the exact same style in each of their matches, and over time, this can become predictable.
But the Danish manager integrated moments and flashes of unpredictability by utilizing Berhalter in different ways.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first fantastic example of this occurred early in the first half where Berhalter dropped into the back-line to pick up the ball as part of that back-three. Normally it’s Laborda maintaining his position as that wide-sided ball progressor, but he’s also a threat going forward with his excellent forward movement.
It might have only been a few times, but this kind of interchange works to bring out the best in both players. It allows Laborda license to roam forward and create overloads down the right, and it allows Berhalter to get on the ball deeper on the field and work his magic.
He remained the key progressor for the Whitecaps throughout the match, even dropping wider of Laborda at times to allow Nelson inside. But after switching to Andrés Cubas’ slot as the ‘6’ in the side, Berhalter’s excellent control took center stage.
It was from this position that he could switch the ball left to right, constantly catching TFC out as he changed the point of the attack. He put together several fantastic switches in the second half, acting as the key to unlock Toronto’s defense and free up the wingers to go 1v1 at their man.
But he also made his mark in transition. Whether it was as the ‘6’ or ‘8’ in the team, Berhalter shuttled and shuffled around the pitch remarkably well, always scanning his surroundings for danger. His scanning of the pitch has been immaculate this season, and evidently allowed him to always be in the right place defensively to snuff out danger.
With that added tenacity and bite, he consistently broke up play in the centre of the park and stopped dangerous attacks from progressing. One crucial moment came in closing down Brynhildsen late in the game, where the Norwegian fell to the floor in hopes of a penalty and the American midfielder swiftly turned around and asked him to get back to his feet.
It’s the kind of cool-headed destruction that is so rare for midfielders to have – an ability to both keep their cool and get in the minds of the opposition with their ability to win the ball aggressively.
He might not have been able to unlock the TFC defense for a true assist, but Sebastian Berhalter is my man of the match.
2. YOHEI TAKAOKA
Embed from Getty ImagesThe official man of the match might have been the man at the other end of the pitch, but Whitecaps keeper Yohei Takaoka was equally impressive. Sean Johnson played supremely well, commanding his box, leading the communication on set-pieces, and coming up with a big save to keep TFC in the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut Yohei Takaoka didn’t put a foot wrong all evening either. He played his part in the build-up, handled his catching and punching responsibilities well, and most crucially, swept in behind the back-line magnificently.
On any ball over the top behind Whitecaps’ reasonably high-line, Takaoka was always quick to race into action.
In the dying moments, he also came up with some smart saves to deny Toronto taking the lead, keeping his second clean sheet for the season.
3. TRISTAN BLACKMON
Embed from Getty ImagesTristan Blackmon has been another standout in the Whitecaps’ early run of form. He’s hardly put a foot wrong all season, and has come up with some big moments for Sørensen’s side.
Saturday afternoon was no different, making several last-man tackles to deny Toronto crucial chances late on.
Embed from Getty ImagesSimilarly to Takaoka, Blackmon was also magnificent at sweeping up any messes in behind and the few balls over the top that troubled the back-line.
I thought Nicksoen Gomis was fantastic for TFC with his ball progression, carrying and strong defending. But Blackmon was just that refined, experienced, older version of everything good in Gomis’ game.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe always looks so assured when defending, and always so assured in possession. He can get forward and have that coverage and support from Cubas dropping in, and he can make himself a real threat from set-pieces. On this occasion, he might not have been able to find the back of the net like he did against Dallas, but that combination of his head and Berhalter’s insane whip troubled Toronto all evening.
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So there it is! My match analysis of the 0-0 draw between Toronto and Vancouver on Matchday 6. Despite their recent lack of wins, Vancouver still remain top of the table, and there is still so much more to come from Sørensen’s men. Thanks for reading and see you soon!
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