By:Aaron Campbell (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
Top 2:
Fraser Aird
Other then the first 45 minutes in his first MLS game against the Montreal Impact, Aird has put together 270 minutes of good play. Yes he still had a few gaffes late in the game in his defensive coverage but he more then made up for it by hustling back and making sure the Dynamo never got any great chances on David Ousted.
The first half saw Aird get up and down the right side of the pitch with ease, he used his speed at the perfect times and got some decent crosses into the offensive box. Even when he made an over lapping run and didn’t get the ball he was able to get back if the ball was turned over by his team mates.
There is still a lot of work ahead for Aird but if he keeps up this play he should be able to keep getting minutes over Jordan Smith.
Jordan Harvey
Has easily been the best defender this season for the Whitecaps. He is always in the perfect defensive position and knows when to jump up into the offensive play at just the right time. With Sam Adekugbe nipping at his heels for MLS minutes he is making sure game in and game out he is the one picked by Carl Robinson.
Harvey stepped up especially in this game helping out the new CB combo of Pa-Modou Kah and Andrew Jacobson. He was able to move over and help more in the center of the pitch when Adekugbe came on as a 2nd half substitute.
He also made his 117th start to become the all-time leader in the Whitecaps organization.
Bottom 2:
Kekuta Manneh
Has continued to struggle the beginning of this season after ending last season with an injury. He hasn’t been able to find his proper pace on the pitch. When he does get a good run down the left wing he is keeping his head down looking at the ball and not looking up to see what the other Whitecaps forwards are doing to get open for a pass from Manneh.
He will need to improve his game and try to gel with the starters on the pitch to continue to earn his starting spot.
You can only use the, he is a young player, excuse for so long before he needs to be a good player game in and game out.
Jordan Smith
Came on as a 2nd half sub playing in a midfield position just ahead of Fraser Aird. This something I called for two weeks ago with my column for AFTN Canada. I don’t believe he was given enough minutes this game to see what type of player he can be at these position.
With the play by Fraser Aird the past two weeks, it might be awhile before Smith sees any playing time at the RB position.
