Tag: American Soccer

BTS, Columns, Whitecaps

Rose’s Rise: Breaking down how Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past year

31-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps centre back Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past 16 months, despite not really playing the position before then. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that suggest that the ‘Caps might have unearthed a hidden gem at centre back in Rose.  Despite a few injuries to start the season, it has … Continue reading Rose’s Rise: Breaking down how Andy Rose has quietly been one of the best centre backs in MLS over the past year

Alexandre Gangué-RuzicLeave a comment
Columns

‘Caps Look Back: Breaking down how the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 homegrowns and draftees did in 2020

In the next part of our ‘Caps Look Back, we take a look at how the Vancouver Whitecaps Homegrowns and draftees aged 23 and under fared in 2020, giving an overall grade for how they handled themselves this season.  The ‘next wave’ took a step forward this season.  Ever since Marc Dos Santos was hired as head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, he’s given a … Continue reading ‘Caps Look Back: Breaking down how the Vancouver Whitecaps U23 homegrowns and draftees did in 2020

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic2 Comments
Columns

Finding Robin: Analyzing the race between Derek Cornelius and Ranko Veselinovic to be the Vancouver Whitecaps #2 centre back

While Erik Godoy is a no-doubt, everyday starter for the Vancouver Whitecaps at centre back, the ‘Caps have some hard decisions to make when deciding who to play beside him. The 2 favourites right now appear to be Ranko Veselinovic and Derek Cornelius, a pair of U23 defenders who’ve put in some good shifts this season. In this, we try to compare the two, seeing … Continue reading Finding Robin: Analyzing the race between Derek Cornelius and Ranko Veselinovic to be the Vancouver Whitecaps #2 centre back

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic1 Comment
Columns, Post-Game

Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps bust some slumps, defy some stats in big win over RSL

In Second ‘Caps Thoughts, our day-after column looking at the Vancouver Whitecaps, we take a look back at a big ‘Caps win on Saturday, as they took down RSL at ‘home’ in Portland.  It’s been a while, or at least it felt like it has been.  While there were only 3 weeks between Vancouver Whitecaps wins, which in a typical season, is a time span … Continue reading Second ‘Caps Thoughts: Vancouver Whitecaps bust some slumps, defy some stats in big win over RSL

Alexandre Gangué-RuzicLeave a comment
BTS, Canada Soccer, Post-Game, Women's

California Reeling: The US continues 19-year unbeaten streak against Canada with 3-0 win in Olympic Qualifiers finale

After both teams had already punched their tickets to Tokyo this past Friday, both Canada and the US met in LA on Sunday, with a chance to win some silverware on the line. And despite a strong Canadian push, it would be the US who would triumph over 90 minutes, keeping the Canadian winless run against their neighbours at 19 years and running. It was … Continue reading California Reeling: The US continues 19-year unbeaten streak against Canada with 3-0 win in Olympic Qualifiers finale

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic1 Comment
BTS, Canada Soccer, MLS, Other Soccer Talk

Middle Man: Canada’s Liam Fraser could take the reigns in Toronto’s midfield with Bradley injury

With Michael Bradley injured for an expected four months, it presents a chance to a young Canadian to make his mark on MLS, this time being Toronto FC’s homegrown Liam Fraser. Well, that was not the plan. Toronto FC opened preseason this week, only to find out that captain Michael Bradley was still nursing an injury which he had picked up in the MLS Cup … Continue reading Middle Man: Canada’s Liam Fraser could take the reigns in Toronto’s midfield with Bradley injury

Ben SteinerLeave a comment
Columns, Men's

CanMNT Chalkboard Talk: 3 tactical ideas Canada Soccer should carry over from 2019 to 2020

With Canada Soccer’s 2020 Men’s National team slate kicking off with a victory over Barbados this week, we look at some tactical ideas that they should carry over from 2019 to 2020, as they look to take the next step and join the elite of CONCACAF.  In international football, tactics are a good way to offset deficiencies in talent throughout a team’s squad. Over the … Continue reading CanMNT Chalkboard Talk: 3 tactical ideas Canada Soccer should carry over from 2019 to 2020

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic2 Comments
BTS, Columns, Whitecaps

Godoy’s Plan: A look at Erik Godoy and why his signing is important for the Vancouver Whitecaps

With Erik Godoy looking set to return to the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2020, we look at the impact the Argentine had in his debut 2019 MLS season, and what his move can teach them ahead of the opening of the Winter Transfer Window. He might have already been in their midst, but the Whitecaps locked up their centre back solution this week. Just over a … Continue reading Godoy’s Plan: A look at Erik Godoy and why his signing is important for the Vancouver Whitecaps

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic2 Comments
Columns, Other Soccer Talk

Thrift Shopping: A statistical look at some MLS free agents that the Vancouver Whitecaps could sign

With the opening of the MLS Free Agent period this week, we analyze some potential names that the Vancouver Whitecaps could look at, as they aim to acquire some MLS Experience ahead of 2020.  MLS’s Free Agent Period opened earlier this week, giving out of contract players aged 28 and older, with 8+ years of MLS, experience under the belt, a chance to find a … Continue reading Thrift Shopping: A statistical look at some MLS free agents that the Vancouver Whitecaps could sign

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic1 Comment
Columns, Men's, Post-Game, Pre-Game

What’s next for Canada Soccer on the path to the 2022 World Cup?

With the results from CONCACAF Nations League now finalized, as Canada missed out on making the knockout stages on goal difference, they now turn their focus to qualifying for the Hex by next fall. Here is how that journey looks to be shaping up for them.  The latest round of CONCACAF Nations League fixtures are now over, as the 2019 international slate wrapped up yesterday. … Continue reading What’s next for Canada Soccer on the path to the 2022 World Cup?

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic6 Comments