Report card: Vancouver vs. Minnesota United

It was yet another home win for Vancouver but which players really stood out? Read on for Wednesday’s report card.

David Ousted: B

After a busy weekend match, Ousted had much less to do on Wednesday. But a clean sheet is a clean sheet and the Great Dane handled the pittance of chances Minnesota was afforded.

Marcel de Jong: B+

Had several superlative long balls, most notably the one to set up Yordy Reyna’s goal. A few nervous moments at the back for the Canadian shouldn’t overshadow an overall strong performance and Caps’ fans should rest easy when the need to rotate Jordan Harvey out of the squad arises.

Kendall Waston: A

Another mature, composed performance for the Big Man. A menace on set pieces against a Loons side who shied away from physicality, Waston nearly had a goal in the 18th minute off a corner. Also displayed some well weighted passes out of the back, which sparked some promising Whitecap attacks. In the running of man of the match for me.

Tim Parker: B+

Parker and Waston have to be among the best CB pairings in MLS and Wednesday underscored that fact. Communication and positioning were seemingly always sharp, although Parker was less aggressive than the Costa Rican in clearing crosses and making tackles. While the entire defense benefited from a disorganized Minnesota team without one of their best players (Kevin Molino), Parker did the Loons no favors with his performance.

Jake Nerwinski: C+

Much less conspicuous than in some of his other recent performances but Nerwinski was no less steady. Didn’t contribute much offensively but was smart and was seemingly always in a good position defensively. A solid, if unspectacular, performance.

Russell Teibert: A

A true safety blanket for the Caps, Teibert was seemingly always there to clean up a missed pass or dangerous run from Minnesota. Look no further than the build up to the second goal, when he gobbled up a wayward pass intended for Alphonso Davies and continued the (eventually successful) attack. Proved his value to the Vancouver team and was one of the standout performers for me.

Tony Tchani: B-

Didn’t notice him a ton throughout the match which is my mind is a good thing--Tchani is at his best when he is doing the little things and often when he draws your attention it is because of a miss-played pass or turnover. Paired well with Teibert and this a match-up that could be useful in midweek matches going forward.

Alphonso Davies: B-

Bold and confident as usual in taking on defenders but seemed to find less success in doing so than normal. Nonetheless, used his pace to latch onto balls and create some decent chances. Looked to shoot rather than pass perhaps a bit too often but if you had that kind of talent as a teenager wouldn’t you do that too? Replaced by Nicolas Mezquida in the 78th minute.

Yordy Reyna: B+

Was set up well by de Jong but also deserves credit for a classy first touch and a smooth finish to nab his third goal in four matches. Also pulled the strings on the nice build up to Hurtado’s goal. If he continues with performances like these, his signing from RB Salzburg will be highway robbery for Vancouver. Replaced by Bernie Ibini in the 63rd minute.

Brek Shea: B

A pretty typical Brek Shea match, for better or worst. A bit clunky in his distribution--save for his connection with Hurtado on the second goal. Don’t quite understand why he was taking set pieces but it didn’t end terribly. Overall, used his pace and physicality to have some sharp moments--especially a nice header on the third goal.

Erik Hurtado: B-

Drew a few guffaws from the supporters when he was included in the lineup but had the last laugh when he polished off a Brek Shea cross and bagged his first goal of the season. Gave the ball cheaply on more than one occasion and doesn’t give the creative dimension that Fredy Montero does but it was a pretty typical performance for Hurtado. He underscored his role on the squad: a rotation striker who can hold the ball up and is good for a goal on occasion. Replaced by Montero in the 71st minute.

Bernie Ibini: C

Didn’t have time to do a ton but had a great bullet header parried by Bobby Shuttleworth in the 69th minute.

Freddy Montero: B-

Did well to set up Brek Shea in the dying moments and while that was his only real contribution, it is good to see Montero’s creativity is on point and hopefully ready for the weekend match.

Nicolas Mezquida: N/A

The last sub, Nico didn’t come on in time to earn a rating but his hairdo always is an A+ in my heart.