Northvansteve

Decisive. That's the word that comes to mind with the new Marsch era. He made decisive choices in the lineup replacing the old era of Borjan, Vitoria, Piette and co without any hesitation. He implemented a new formation (no more 3 at the back) and playing style. He stuck with a core group of starters. He brought in young players and stuck with them. Love to see it.

First time I've watched a full game of his. Very impressed with his control of the midfield. Could very much see him being part of our senior team midfield mix by 2026 - not as a starter but someone giving us legitimate depth at a position we badly need it.

Midfielder. Class of 2006. Named to FC Bayern's "World Squad": FC Bayern World Squad 2024 Played for Cavalry at the end of the 2023 season on a developmental contract. I have no idea if this Bayern "World Squad" is anything more than a marketing vehicle but still seems like a good move.

Apologies if there is already a thread for Jeevan Badwal (I couldn't find it). I don't think we are spending enough time talking about this player. Vancouver Whitecaps 2. Class of 2006. Centre mid. Regular starter for Canada's youth teams. Started season opener at MLS NextPro. Dominated the midfield next to Malcolm Simmons. Badwal has gotten faster. He wins balls, keeps possession and moves it up the field smoothly. Really good prospect. One to watch.

Started the season opener for Whitecaps 2. I continue to be impressed with him. He's big and fast. He wins the ball, controls it and progresses it very smoothly. He's got a hard shot from range. Never seems to be out of position. Played the full 90 next to Badwal and those two absolutely dominated the midfield. Think a young Mark-Anthony Kaye type. At this rate, very much see Simmons up with the MLS team before the year is done.

Vancouver Whitecaps CB. Opened the MLS NextPro season as starter in the middle of a back three next to Belal Halbouni. Class of 2006. Looks like he has good athleticism, he's quick and turns well. Calm in defense and with the ball at his feet. A defender to watch.

What happened with this guy? He showed very well for a time when he played for the Caps - above average attacking left FB, solid defensively. They try to make him a left CB in a 3-man central D for one game. Looks bad and clearly doesn't want to play at CB. Then it deteriorates from there with a series of mysterious "injuries".

One step forward, two steps back? Sure feels that way. What a disappointment. Poor player selection, poor preparation, poor coaching, poor performance. Team looked utterly lost and incapable of competing. Total failure of whatever plan Canada Soccer had for this cohort of players.

He should have started instead of Larin. They needed a play-maker up top.

He helped set up the first Caps goal early with a classic Laryea dribble into the box. After that, it was back to the ineffective form we've seen from him since he joined the team. He isn't attacking the box and at times has been a defensive liability with poor back passes. Very disappointing form so far.

Not sure what to make of Wright's chances at this point. He has a very powerful shot and can get it on target quickly and from range. His footwork is above average. But, he remains very heavy and appears out of shape even at the end of the MLSNP season when you would presume they have had six months of daily training. He's been given starts for most of the season (when healthy) including regular starts later in the season ahead of Gloire Amanda. Curious to see what the Whitecaps do with him.

This is a solid option.

Had my first look at Simmons yesterday as he played the second half for Whitecaps 2 in MLS NextPro. He played as a 6. Moved very comfortably in the middle of the field. At one point, controlled and dribbled out of being surrounded by three opponents. Progressed the ball very quickly with strong forward and one-touch passes. His movement is similar to Kone - very smooth and closes ground quickly. Defensively, he looked a little tentative and did not aggressively challenge opponents but that may be a function of the team's defensive style. Overall, team - and midfield - play improved when he joined the game. Could definitely see a player with MLS potential.

Can't believe they play in field conditions like this. Anyway, a very efficient performance by the team with a lot of good individual efforts.

Khan, McDonnell and Gayapersad all stood out in this game.