By:Aaron Campbell (Twitter:@AaCamp81)
Top 2:
Lead up to Kudo first MLS goal.
Masato Kudo
Struggled to start the game with some less then quality play. Was very shy to fight the Portland defenders on crosses and corners. Went away from the physical play numerous times. All that changed when he found the back of the net to open his MLS goal scoring account. He then contributed with an assist of the game winning goal by Bolanos.
He hasn’t really found his role on this team and has struggled with the pre-season injury he picked up but this game will be great for his morale and gives him something to work off of.
Christian Bolanos
3rd goal in 3 games for Bolanos. Was all over the pitch for the team today. Lead the team in shots (5) and was second in chances created (4) also had 53 completed passes for over 94.3%. He was that spark plug after the team went down a goal and was able to get his teammates into the game with his hustle and effort.
Has been on a very good run lately and will have to continue this pace with all the games in a very short time coming up.
Bottom 2:
Cristian Techera
Even though he lead the team in created chances (5) he struggled to get into the offensive flow of the game. Only connected on 72.7% off his passes and could not find the net on any of his shots. Might be a case off too many games in such a short amount of time.
With Manneh missing this game due to suspension Techera was the only option on that left winger position other then maybe Erik Hurtado.
Borchers with the goal to give Portland the 1-0 lead.
Tim Parker
Was caught with his back to Borchers on the lone Portland goal. Other then that gaffe he was invisible on the pitch this game. After having a good game last weekend against NYCFC this was for sure a step back for him.
Needs to find his grove with a busy schedule for the Whitecaps with MLS and Canadian Championship games coming up.
