By:Aaron Campbell (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
Top 2:
Jordan Harvey
Jordan Harvey goal machine as he was dubbed a few seasons back from the loyal Vancouver Whitecaps supporters was one of the only bright spots for the team versus Montreal. He showed a great nose for the net converting in injury time at the end of the first half. This goal gave the Whitecaps a fighting chance in the second half. He got up and down the left wing of the pitch numerous times and almost scored his second goal of the game in the late stages of the second half.
This is still some work to do defensively but he was by far the best defender on the pitch today.
Octavio Rivero
The story of last season continued for the 24 year old Uruguayan striker Octavio Rivero. At times he was the one man up the pitch, looked like he was the only person stranded on an island after a really bad three hour tour. He still held the ball up really well and numerous times was able to take down a pass over top to get behind the Impact defenders. Had a great chance after the first Impact goal buy knocked it off the cross bar. Also had a great break but took a heavy touched off his knee and wasn’t able to get the ball past Bush.
With Blas Perez and Masato Kudo being brought in this season, he might not have as long of a leash he had last season.
Bottom 2:
Fraser Aird
When the Whitecaps brought in Fraser Aird this pre-season there was a lot of supirsed people who didn’t think he could be a starter in the MLS, Aird to start for Whitecaps. After a solid pre-season Aird proved that he deserved the starting right-back spot.
After his struggles this game it might have people rethinking if he deserves to start. He was turned inside out on the first goal, first by not getting back quick enough and then by over attacking and being caught out of position. He struggled offensively most game barely getting up the pitch and involved in the offence.
Christian Bolanos
Don’t let the late game assist on the Kendall Waston goal fool you, Bolanos struggled mightily this game. He was very slow getting up and down the wing, always seemed to be a step or two behind. When he did get back to help the defenders he would get beat way too easily and give up on the play once the ball was past him.
It is his first game in MLS and there is bound to be a learning curve but his effort this game was lackluster and can’t be tolerated moving forward.
