VWFC v TFC @ BC Place, Vancouver, March 2nd: Season Opener

[TheKottonmouthed1555362307]

VWFC vs. TFC at a glance:

Total matches played: 14

MLS regular season matches: 3

Canadian Championship matches: 10

Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic Matches: 1

Total goals scored: 29

Vancouver overall record: 5W-4L-5D

Toronto overall record: 4W-5L-5D

Big game tomorrow and no match thread yet, so I took the liberties. This will be my 3rd home opener in attendance: first as a season ticket holder.

Kick Off: 3:30 PST, TV: TSN, Radio: Van - TEAM1410, Tor - ???

On the theme of season openers, I looked back on that fateful March 19th game in 2011 at Empire Field, and there are 9 players between the two clubs who took part (or were on the bench) in that game, that potentially will take part in tomorrow's opener. 10 players if you include Omar Salgado who was not in Vancouver's squad, but on the roster.

The 9 are Stefan Frei, Ashtone Morgan, Terry Dunfield, Jay DeMerit, Joe Cannon, Camilo, Russell Teibert, Alain Rochat and Gershon Koffie.

Joe Cannon and Ashtone Morgan were unused subs, while the rest started except Camilo who came on in the 83'.

So, with plenty of new faces at each club I can't wait for another chapter in the VWFC/TFC rivalry.

[shermanator]

I'm interested to see if Bekker starts for TFC, and if so, how he plays.

I think Vancouver takes this, Toronto is weak weak weak.

[dhawk11]

where is a good place to watch this match in toronto? being a Vancouver fan? downtown or close to DT

[canadianfoot]

Anyone knows if TSN will Stream the game on their website?

[nolando]

curling on one channel, nascar on the other...wtf?

[nolando]

http://www.justin.tv/salvadefenderlive350#/w/5008172752/2

[munseahawk]

curling on one channel, nascar on the other...wtf?

Curling went to an extra end. They went to the footy right after. Didn't miss any of the action. Looks like they delayed the kickoff.

[Trillium]

0 to 0 at the half.....

Nothing to impress yet... from ether team.

[shermanator]

I'm impressed with what I've seen from Bekker and Earnshaw up front. Miller looks like he's struggling again.

Otherwise not much to note.

[shermanator]

Vancouver showing they are a class above TFC in the second half so far. How long until Koffee is eligible for the MNT?

[Unnamed Trialist]

Caps look a lot deeper this year. Agree that Miller is still slow to impress. Kobayashi, Manneh, pretty good. Reo-Cocker looks like a great signing.

[Trillium]

Bekker taking the free kick for TFC. I'm surprised it wasn't Dunfeild.

Hurtado sure comes on well as a late substitute, a bit more time and there are going to be goals from the Hurtado Mattocks linkage.

[Soccerpro]

Miller didn't change any opinions in game 1 of this year. TFC looked pretty organized. THey just need to add some spark.

[tmcmurph]

Well we got the full 3 points which is important. I have been saying for a while now that TFC will not be the league doormats that everyone is expecting. That was one hell of a good road game by TFC.

TFC looked very organized and almost struck on the counter a few times. The recent imports are playing very well. Just get rid of Dunfield as much as it pains me to say that. He gives his all but he just isn't what you need. I know there are lots of other weaker players to be replaced first but that was a clear header from 8 yards out and way over the net. There is a reason Bekker is taking the free kicks, he is way better at it.

While TFC relied a lot on the long ball they have some players who can be effective in that role. Had my heart skip a few times there tonight. Might not make the playoffs but will be mid table IMHO.

[Gian-Luca]

I would want to get rid of Jeremy Hall first. He was caught in no-man's land on the Vancouver goal. As a defender on a give & go, if you can't stop the give you need to at least stop the go. He doesn't hurt you as much in central midfield as much as he does at right back, but he still hurts you. I suspect (or should that be hope?) he will be benched when Cesar is ready to go.

All in all not bad from TFC considering how many new faces were out there for their first game of any kind with their teammates, and how many starters were missing. Not enough offense but to be expected under the circumstances. Nice to see a couple more Canucks get their professional debut in this game.

[Ivan]

A lot better than I thought it was going to be. I liked Bekker and Earnshaw, but Earnshaw looked tired in the second half. Ephraim looked okay, but I expected more from him. I actually thought Lambe played a good game. Thought Nelson's subs came too late. I don't think Taylor Morgan touched the ball, but welshman looked lively for the 5 minutes he was on. Too bad Osorio never saw the field as he was due to come on, but time ran out. Back four and Bendik looked pretty good.

[BearcatSA]

I'm loathe to jump on a bandwagon but Bekker looks like he's got some game, doesn't he? Clever touches, efficient with his use of the ball, and looks to have a high footballing IQ. First MLS game and didn't look like a rookie (yeah, I know he's 22 but still, a heady, calm performance in this difficult road fixture). Looking forward to watching him develop as the season goes on.

[tmcmurph]

I'm loathe to jump on a bandwagon but Bekker looks like he's got some game, doesn't he? Clever touches, efficient with his use of the ball, and looks to have a high footballing IQ. First MLS game and didn't look like a rookie (yeah, I know he's 22 but still, a heady, calm performance in this difficult road fixture). Looking forward to watching him develop as the season goes on.

He along with Earnshaw, Ephraim & Lambe all looked very good. I have a very real suspicion that had TFC taken Manneh or Hurtado ahead of him Bekker would be in a Caps kit. Not just his touch but his breaking up of 2 on 1 plays (twice) was very strong defensive play. For all the speculation of Bekker being not quite top 10 pick material before the draft he is showing that he really is deserving of his top 5 pick.

PS. Montreal is 1-0 up on Seattle in Seattle!!! Close it out and make the goose poop green fans go home sad

[elmateo]

I wasn't too pleased with Bekker actually, maybe I was watching it differently but as the attacking midfielder there needs to be much more creativity. Too often he was running into occupied space and not creating the opportunities with his runs or passes that often for the players around him. I also think he is still working out things with the people around him who just got off the plane; but I'm going to be much more cautious with praise.

Toronto clearly was an unprepared team, not sure what could be a highlight except the defence wasn't too bad???, and on that criteria I'd be worried about Vancouver too. Toronto did all the work of making Vancouver look okay.

[Lord Bob]

A guy like Bekker making his professional debut is always going to be a day late and a dollar short most of the game. (Manneh and Hurtado, for all their excitement, had the same problem.) I think Bekker looked as good as could reasonably be expected, under the circumstances.

[BearcatSA]

I wasn't too pleased with Bekker actually, maybe I was watching it differently but as the attacking midfielder there needs to be much more creativity. Too often he was running into occupied space and not creating the opportunities with his runs or passes that often for the players around him. I also think he is still working out things with the people around him who just got off the plane; but I'm going to be much more cautious with praise.

I understand your points and I don't think that AM will be his best position on the field but from a pro debut perspective, and the particular skills he brings, he impressed me. He played within his capabilities, didn't try to force things with poor passing decisions or rushed punts a la his central midfield partners.

[madmonte]

I for one thought Bekker was one of the only ones on TFC that would actually do something with the ball rather than hoist it downfield. For TFC, I was really impressed with him. Was impressed with Dunfield and Eckersley's work rates, but too often they'd get the ball and bust it downfield. For me, the CB partnership looked fine. Morgan (Ashtone) looks like he'll need to get used to the new 4-4-1-1 system where he won't be running up the wings as often.

Hall and Ephraim seemed invisible to me. Earnshaw looked like a LOT better of a player than I expected going in, I was quite impressed actually and think that once his match fitness is there, he might actually pot a few. I thought Lambe was fine. Never much super out of him, but he did his job. As for TFC's subs, we hardly got to see Welshman, by that time they were defending a lot it seemed. Reserving judgement there. Taylor Morgan looked to be chasing the action rather than initiating the action.

As for the Caps, man, they constantly look dangerous. DAMN good signings. Reo-Coker, Kobayashi, both excellent. Their back 4 delivered just as you'd expect, Lee and Rochat effective, and Rusin doing a fine job filling in. Davidson, to me, did a good job in Vancouver's box defensively as well, but he doesn't bring a lot besides that. Koffie had a good game.

Again I wasn't too seriously impressed with Miller, but only because he is DP money... Mattocks looked sometimes there and sometimes not, but got a couple of nice looks. Sometimes he seemed too easily marked.

As for Manneh, I think Reo-Coker will be the starter. Manneh looked fast and creative, but his skills on the ball were unable to keep up to his rushing mind. Lots of nerves there, and he really needs to develop a better touch on the ball. Sometimes it seemed like he was just giving the ball away time and time again. Hurtado looked tough though, I would be surprised if, down the road, Hurtado didn't end up with more playing time than Manneh.

Surprising we didn't see Camilo or Salgado, but again I really think it's Manneh who drops down the pecking order a bit.

[Danny Boy]

I'll agree with most points in this thread but I don't get the hate-on for Miller. He probably showed the most hustle out of any one on the team and tracked back to cover marks to the end line. His touches and movements were with purpose and if anything he was a little under utilized in the second half. There were a couple moments where Mattocks could have passed Miler he ball instead of going at it alone.

I was impressed with TFC organization in the first half as they didn't let the Whitecaps take advantage of the first game excitement. I think Califf is a solid addition and should help settle things defensively. The Reo-Coker sub ultimately proved to be the difference maker though.

[Unnamed Trialist]

First, surprised that TFC fans took heart from that performance, I thought the team looked only average and failed to do an essential thing: pressure the ball in the midfield. They made the Caps ball control look good when I suspect it is not as good as it looked 2nd half.

If I had to say where I think the Caps need to improve to really make the playoffs comfortably: Mattocks is young and athletic but lacks skill on the ball and actually moves poorly as a striker. He needs some serious coaching, natural athleticism can't do it in the mid-term. I think he is overrated if that can be said about someone of his age. Miller is also below what we would expect, I don't think he was that poor at all, only that he is usually like that, close, close, almost if only...So I am saying the Caps need a more efficient classic striker up front, or if not should expect midfield goals to be a big part of the season. Meaning going back to being a low-scoring team this year relying on tight wins like yesterday's.

The mids are pretty damn good, a fine bunch and lots of options there, and the subs are interesting, Hurtado was fine, Manneh who I agree lacks a bit of calm and poise, both can do damage and break open spaces. Pressure on the other youngsters to work their butts off. In the experienced department, Kobayashi very good, so was Reo-Cocker. They have to show their stuff against better competition this year but think they will.

Our back line was also strong, hope DeMerit stays healthy this year as he is important for us. YP Lee continues to amaze, a helluva good player and at his age too.

After bouncing between Cannon and Knighton all last year, we have Cannon, but let's face it. He is not a top class keeper and probably, if you want to take that step up, you should sign one: at keeper prices in MLS that means paying only 100-150 grand more. You not only need a player with better feet, but a player who is more of a leader and can rule the back line as well.

Optimistic about this year and hoping to see Concacaf Champions when back this summer!

[Obinna]

Vancouver looked very good last night. I was impressed with their Japanese attacking midfielder and NRC fit in well. I think both will prove to be fantastic signings this season (especially the former). Whitecaps looked balanced and their defense looked good. I liked Davidson he kept possession well, and obviously Koffie was fantastic. He just keeps getting better and better. I can see him signing in Europe in the next few years and catching the eye of the Ghana national team. Would of liked to see Tierbert come in but I understand MR wanting to get his draft picks some action. Both looked very good too which is not good for Russell.

Toronto looked okay. They have brought in some good pieces but they do not look like a unit going forward like Vancouver did. That is to be expected. They were also strong defensively which was good and Bekker did pretty decent but I don't think attacking midfielder is his best position. He would be better box to box and Silva should be in his spot. By the way..where was he? It is becoming more and more apparent that Morgan lacks composure on the ball. At first I figured it was inexperience, and it may be, but he has played upwards of 70 games in all competitions for TFC. I am starting to think composure is just not in his game, which would be a pity because he has other good attributes (strong crosser, quick and athletic, good tackler).