The AFTN team continue their Vancouver Whitecaps' season so far analysis with the thoughts of Aaron Campbell.
What's Been Great:
The attacking style the team has played this season.
It is entertaining and gets butts in the seats at BC Place. Carl Robinson has built a team that leads with style, speed and pace. The additions of Matias Laba, Pedro Morales, Sebastian Fernandez and Nicolas Mezquida have adapted well with returning players like Darren Mattocks, Kekuta Manneh and Erik Hurtado. This team has the right tools to play the game that Robinson wants to play.
What's Gone Well:
Defensive midfield pair of Laba and Gershon Koffie.
Koffie started the season on the bench behind Nigel Reo-Coker who was paired up with Laba. After looking unfit and not match ready Reo-Coker got injured and Koffie hasn't looked back since. Although at times Laba has looked more comfortable playing the lone defensive mid role he has adapted well playing off Koffie. Koffie is able to attack more knowing that Laba has him covered.
What Needs to Improve:
The team has been giving up way too many goals and because of it they have left 5-7 points on the table. Jordan Harvey has been out of position a lot but is stepping into form now. Jay DeMerit has had a lot of the blame on his shoulders with penalties called in the box against him. After a slow start, Stephen Beitashour has stepped up and filled in for the retired YP Lee nicely.
Player of Year (so far):
Pedro Morales: 11GP 6G 5A
Vancouver Whitecaps' history of DP's coming in and starting slowly has been the story most of the time. He has showed flashes of brilliance with his passing that has brought praise from everyone who has watched him.
Who Needs to Go:
In my opinion Jay DeMerit shouldn't have been signed this past off season. We have depth behind him with Johnny Leveron, Carlyle Mitchell and Christian Dean. Even though he came at a reduced salary he has looked slow and lacking pace in most games this season.
Unsung Player of the Season so far:
Erik Hurtado
He was given a chance to start and he hasn't slowed down or looked back since. With 5 goals in the last 5 games, he is red hot. He has done it with speed, strength and an amazing pace. He has dazzled people with his attacking moves, pin point shots and ability to make defenders look silly and fall down. With Hurtado knowing that Mattocks is right behind him, itchy to get back into the starting XI he has the motivation to keep up his blistering pace.
Team Needs:
More defensive continuity.
It may involve bringing in a high calibre centreback, giving Leveron a chance to bond with Andy O'Brien or giving Mitchell a chance to start. The rumoured CB/RB they had talks with isn't happening, but the search for someone else is thought to be well under way. Robinson has been good playing the players that deserve the minutes but something defensively has to change.
Once Beitashour gets back from playing for Iran in the World Cup that should help settle things down. But with Reo-Coker providing coverage it is showing we are one injury away from being back into the same situation.