Rivero (in white) made it 3 goals in his first 3 MLS games
Photo: Hazel May
by Aaron Campbell (@AaCamp81)
Whitecaps Beat Reporter
Top 2
Deigo Rodriguez
Kah who? Rodriguez filled in really nicely against Orlando. He played very well with Kendall Waston and didn’t look like he was over his head against MLS quality of play.
Stood tall in the box and had some very nice clearances off corners and crosses. Was very calm with the ball and made good quality passes out of the defensive box.
With his good play it will give Carl Robinson an easier decision next time the Whitecaps have a long flight and need to rest Kah an older player.
Octavio Rivero
3 goals in 270 minutes…… What a way to start a career in MLS. Had many quality chances throughout the game. Should have had two or three goals this game.
Went down a little too easy a few times in the game. He needs to make sure the MLS referees don’t start talking about how he goes down easy.
Was a great play on the header to get the game winner. Twisted his body at just the right angle to pick out the bottom lower corner.
Has showed so far in his first three games that he can be a quality MLS scorer.
Bottom 2
Nicolas Mezquida
Struggled all game long. Was playing way too far up top in the beginning of the game. Looked like he was confused if himself or Rivero where the up top striker.
When he did get the ball he wasn’t able to get it up the field and great chances. Had some very bad crosses and pass that Orlando defended way too easily.
With Rosales out for a few weeks he should get another chance against Portland next week. Will have to step up if he wants to keep starting on this team.
Kekuta Manneh
Very ugly challenge where he was lucky to only get a yellow and not a straight red card. Could very easily get handed a suspension from MLS during the upcoming week.
Other then the yellow he struggled all over the pitch. Had a few good runs up the wing but wasn’t able to create any quality chances. Ran into the middle of the pitch where defenders where waiting for him time after time again.
Will need to make sure if he is suspended or not he will have to be careful with challenges in future games. He might not get a warning next time he goes in to a challenge too hard.
