Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Vancouver Whitecaps with AFTN
(image via Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
The Houston Dynamo begin a three-match home stand tonight when they welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Shell Energy Stadium. We talked to our friends at AFTN to get some insight on the Caps ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): New head coach Jesper Sorensen has surprised a lot of people after coming to MLS and finding early success. What makes Sorensen's style and system so good for this Whitecaps team?
AFTN: It's a complete overhaul from the Vanni Sartini sides of the last couple of years. Zonal marking is out and there's more focus on aggressive and aggressive play, along with moving the ball quicker, and trying to recover the ball back as quickly as possible after losing possession. That style has allowed the players to play more freely and plays far more to their individual strengths.
You've seen players this year really become the best version of themselves and are playing at higher levels than we've seen before. Perfect examples of that are Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vite. The Sorensen system suits them so well and they've had their best seasons as Whitecaps.
BCS: After a strong start to the season, including a trip to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final, Vancouver has lost 4 of their last 5 matches. What have been some reasons for this recent slip in form?
AFTN: The key reasons have been injuries and players away on international duty. Five players were missing for the Gold Cup and two of them have come back injured. Andres Cubas, the key link between Vancouver's defence and midfield got injured three games ago and has been out with an ankle injury. It's been a far weaker side for a lot of the recent matches. That said, the recent form can't solely be put down to that as they went and got results earlier in the season.
The 'mojo' has gone from the team for want of a better word. They look a different version of themselves from the team of two months ago. While they were playing well, a lot of the rest of the West weren't in great form. The Whitecaps capitalized on that, but are now struggling a bit as others get better. There also isn't the surprise factor any more with teams have a good sample size of how they play and how to play against them. A lot of key players, especially on the defensive side, are having a bad spell of form, but fatigue will play a part in that. They've played 32 games so far this year and we're only at mid July!
BCS: Ryan Gauld has missed most of the season but the Vancouver offense hasn't seemed to miss a beat. Outside of Brian White, how has the Whitecaps attack been so far this season?
AFTN: One of the things that helped Vancouver's good start was that the goal were coming from everyone. All the players are contributing to the attack and 19 different players have scored for the Whitecaps across the three competitions they've played in this year. They all know their roles, where each other is expected to be, and they have, until recently, been clinical in front of goal. The last 6-8 weeks has seen them struggle to create, managing just one or two shots on goal in games. Part of that is with White being away with the US, but they need to get their midfield creativity back. Gauld is back training but still 3 to 4 weeks away and new faces are coming in at the transfer window. The great start Vancouver has had has bought them a bit of breathing space, so the bad results haven't cost them too much in terms of positioning.
BCS: We've seen Sebastian Berhalter break out this season and cap it with a key role in the USMNT at the Gold Cup. How important has he been for this Vancouver midfield and the way the Whitecaps play?
AFTN: As mentioned earlier, Berhalter has been a revelation this season and been rewarded. A big part of that Champions Cup final defeat was him missing in the midfield due to suspension. That may not have made a huge difference in the end, but it's been noticeable that when either he or Cubas are missing, the midfield and the whole team suffers. He's the key to so much of the creativity and set piece threat. He's come back from the Gold Cup looking a little tired though and seemed a bit off in the loss to Colorado. He probably needs some rest as he's been an almost ever-present this season, but this game won't be the one he gets it in. If he's on, so are the 'Caps.
BCS: Are there any injury concerns for Vancouver ahead of this game and do you expect to see any rotation in the lineup for this midweek match?
AFTN: There will definitely be some rotations. Tristan Blackmon is struggling with a hamstring injury and looks set to miss out, so expect Veselinovic (who was rested at weekend) and Utvik in the centre of the defence. They'll switch up the attack and we should see Jayden Nelson get the start, as Emmanuel Sabbi is also struggling with a knock. The big decision is around Andres Cubas. He is vital to the team and was back training this week after his ankle injury. Wednesday may be too soon for him to go, and the conditions may not be the best for his return.
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We want to thank AFTN for their time and wish our friends in Vancouver the best of luck tonight.