Report Card: Whitecaps vs Rapids

Starting 11

Brian Rowe - B+ The Keeper had a fairly solid night. He stopped all three shots he faced, and can’t possibly be blamed for the own goal that decided the match.

Marcel de Jong - C Was involved on both ends of the pitch, unfortunately the only play he was involved in that mattered was the one that he buried in the back of his own goal. Not certain how he got himself stacked on top of Henry in that sequence. Defended well when the caps essentially went to three at the back in the second half.

Kendall Watson - Incomplete Left after the first half of the match with a groin strain. He looked fairly stable for the first part of the first half. Got caught in no man’s land on the goal though.

Doneil Henry - C+ Made a couple important clearances in front of goal. Like the rest of the back line was switched off during the goal. Needed to communicate better with his left back on that play.

Sean Franklin - D Was absolutely out to lunch on the goal. Offered very little on the offensive side of the pitch. I would not be sad if that was his last match in a Whitecaps kit.

Alphonso Davies - B The wonder-boy was excellent again (did you know he’s only 17!) Dribbles for days. Dynamic offensively and always asking questions of defense. Could do a little more to get the other attackers involved.

Efrain Juarez - C- I’m struggling to remember any really positive things Effie did while on the pitch. I can’t really recall anything negative either though. I guess he was out there, so that’s something. Needs to find a way be more creative when the other team is in sitting back.

Felipe - C Wasn’t spectacular on his free kicks, nor was he electric offensively at any point. He needs to do more to break down the block whether that is a creative through ball or some effective movement off the ball. His passing and possession numbers look great, but that isn’t hard to do when you’re playing as a deep lying mid against a team in a defensive shell.

Brek Shea - C A frustrating night for Brek. Played as a winger and didn’t complete a single cross, only had one key pass, and two shots (one on target the other missed).

Nicolas Mezquida - C+ More good energy play from Nico. Desperately needs to finish his chances if he wants to be first choice on the team sheet.

Kei Kamara - C+ Like Nico he had some excellent chances to put his team on the board but just couldn’t finish anything off.

Subs

Jordon Mutch - C+ Came on at the half for the captain. I liked Mutch’s match. He seemed to be all over the pitch, inserted himself positively into the offense. I would like to see him start over Effie as I think he offers a little more.

Anthony Blondell - D Entered the match in the 67th minute for Nico. Was mostly invisible during his time on the pitch, only 5 touches in over 20 minutes! I’m not certain if that’s a lack of service to him, or if he was just disinterested in this one. I have liked his play at times this season. The team needs to abandon the ‘diamond in the rough from south america’ approach to transfers.

Eric Hurtado - C- Subbed on for Brek Shea at the 74th minute. Was more effective than Blondell, but not by much. Should not see any field time when the team has a full roster.

Manager

Carl Robinson - D A home match against a the worst team in the west and the team can’t manage a single goal. The simplest way to beat a Robbo-coached team is to let them have the ball. It’s pretty clear Robbo can’t coach this team past a parked bus. If the Caps fail to progress past what they have already achieved (making the playoffs, winning a match there) then it’s time relieve the coach of his duties.