By:Aaron Campbell (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
Top 2:
Blas Perez
-Was brought in by Carl Robinson to be a game changer for this team, doesn’t matter if it is with his physical play, making the other team take stupid penalties or by scoring goals. This game he set up the first penalty kick with a great weighted pass to Bolanos to get him in he right spot to get the call. He was physical enough all game and got under the skin of the Seattle players to throw them off their games.
Was able to initiate contact with Marshall to get the 2nd penalty of the game called and get the Whitecaps the victory. Was a veteran move and the reason why he was brought into this team. It is the little parts of his game they will give them the grit and toughness they where missing last season.
Pedro Morales
– Money from the spot time in and time out for the captain. Was able to put the ball behind the Sounders keeper on two different shots, even when the keeper guessed right on the direction of the free kick. After struggling last season with injuries, Morales has started this season with 3 goals and 1 assist in the three games to start this season.
With the 4-4-2 being played to start this game if gave Morales the opportunity to drop back closer to the defenders so he could get the ball easier and with more open room around him. Look for Morales to continue starting in this spot on the pitch and too excel this season being there.
Bottom 2:
Kekuta Manneh
– Was invisible all game long, never made an impact on any part of the game. Wasn’t able to track back to get involved in the defense down the wings or get up the wing fast enough with the ball to generate any offense and crosses into the box. Needs to start making a positive difference with this team or he might be sat behind all the players looking for their shot to make an impact on this team.
Time for Manneh to step up his game or he will find himself coming off the bench this season.
Octavio Rivero
– Last season Rivero was Carl Robinson’s only option up top for this team, no matter how much he struggled on finding the back of the net he was pushed out as the starter time and time again. That’s not the case this season, with Perez and Kudo on this team he has players behind him looking for their shot at the starting minutes.
Needs to stop almost scoring and just missing his chances and earn his salary on this team. Almost scoring doesn’t get positive results for this team and their supporters.
