Inside sources tell us that this is the more handsome of the two Wilson brothers
Photo: Ali Gilmore
In Part I, we looked at the contribution of Charlie Gregory, Will Marment and Matthieu Braem.
Today we look at the rest of the defence Jordan and Patrick Wilson, and James Riley. Firstly the two Wilson brothers who were a crucial part of the 6-0 win over the Tamils.
Jordan talked to Prost about his relationship with his brother both on and off the field, commenting.
“It’s a pleasure to play with him, said Jordan when talking about his close relationship with his brother.”
Against Tamil Eelam, the Wilson brothers were outstanding. Quick as the Tamil breakaway forwards were, and they had plenty possession, Patrick and Jordan swept up almost everything in their path.
So often, you could see the relief of tired forwards who no longer needed to track back because the Wilsons had cleaned up the breakaway, ensuring the ball would be going forward again.
That alone may account for some of the energy advantage Cascadia had at the closing stages as they desperately needed goals.
Clearly, in a team whose individuals are still getting to know each other, the strongest link is between Jordan at defensive midfield and Patrick who missed the first game, at centre half. It has become Cascadia’s rock.
There may be so many examples of small things James Riley has brought to the this team, that the media may never catch up with them all. One unheralded off field difference is that Riley, who has become an expert on nutrition and recovery, has texted the players nutritional advice and even offered to take them shopping for the necessary products.
Coach James Nichols has been delighted with the extra touches Riley has brought, positive things for the Cascadia effort, that he did not have to organise himself but because of Riley are just getting done.
Riley is adamant that whatever reason there is for Cascadia’s eventual elimination, it will not be insufficient recovery time and nutrition. This will prove vital as they enter their fourth game in six days tonight against Karpatya.
On the field, the quality of the player himself seems to have convinced many of his colleagues to aim higher and to a man they have risen to the expectations they have set themselves. The fans and coaching staff have watched them improve game after game.
James Riley discusses a matter with a colleague
Photo: Ali Gilmore
With the world’s media, Riley has seen an increasing number of interviews requested of him, and he has answered every one. The Boston Globe was being lined up as this goes to press. In a combustible political environment, Riley has proven a savvy communicator and a safe pair of hands for an overstretched CAFF who are equally as delighted at the increasing media attention, and to their credit it has to be said, coping well with the pressure.
It was Riley who was in charge of knowing the score from the other match and communicating the needs of the group to the players. To that end, he was in constant contact with the fans during the second half of the Tamil Eelam match which had the added advantage of really making those fans feel part of the effort. Locals who were around them were also impressed with the constant communication of the needs of the team.
Today, the side will need all the experience Riley brings against a difficult opponent. Knowing that the Wilson boys are to his left will assist him on looking after other matters, especially the introduction of a new centre back to replace the suspended Matthieu Braem.
And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a new born Riley baby in London keeping a wise and silent eye on all that transpires!
Kick off against Karpatya is 10am Cascadia time, 6pm in London.
Cascadia
MLS
