OT: 2024 Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps Thread

[Just A Bit Outside]

Brutal start for Canada.

 

[Jyrki21]

Everyone was wondering if there was a shot at a USA-Canada final. Now they’re getting the next two in that Animaniacs song instead.

 

[Frostage]

Whitecaps went down early but came back to win. They appear to be much more mentally strong than in previous years. A good sign.

 

[Frostage]

Whelp, the perfect start to the season is over now. Decent effort though

 

[Jyrki21]

Whitecaps went down early but came back to win. They appear to be much more mentally strong than in previous years. A good sign.

I… what game is this about?

Unsurprisingly, their B-team isn’t as good as a more full-strength MLS side. They still played decently and carried most of the first half, but any team missing 7 of 11 starters is going to suffer. I was kind of surprised to see a number of people in the media/podcast world picking them to win.

 

[Frostage]

I… what game is this about?

Unsurprisingly, their B-team isn’t as good as a more full-strength MLS side. They still played decently and carried most of the first half, but any team missing 7 of 11 starters is going to suffer. I was kind of surprised to see a number of people in the media/podcast world picking them to win.

I live in China and am late to the game updates.

 

[Jyrki21]

Whitecaps went down early but came back to win.

It was this I was referring to… I guess you meant they came back to tie it in the first half?

Anyway, Canada beats the US to win the third place game at CONCACAF Nations Cup, so good on them I guess.

 

[VanJack]

That Mexico game was a real disappointment, but bouncing back with a fairly solid win over the U.S. reflects well on the program.

And Jesse Marsch was red-carded for running down the pitch berating the officials for what he felt were missed penalty calls in the box. You've got to love the man's passion. And clearly, beating his home-country on their turf, is a sweet result for him.

Hopefully Canada can move up once against from its current FIFFA ranking of 31st.

 

[MS]

That Mexico game was a real disappointment, but bouncing back with a fairly solid win over the U.S. reflects well on the program.

And Jesse Marsch was red-carded for running down the pitch berating the officials for what he felt were missed penalty calls in the box. You've got to love the man's passion. And clearly, beating his home-country on their turf, is a sweet result for him.

Hopefully Canada can move up once against from its current FIFFA ranking of 31st.

The Mexico result was disappointing but I really didn't find much to fault in the actual performance. Bad bounce for the early goal and then a free kick to make it 2-0, but in between I felt like we carried most of the play. Should have had a penalty to even the score at 1-1.

 

[PanniniClaus]

Over the past 6-8 months, Ahmed has shown his value and versatility for the National Team.

I certainly hope he gets starters minutes in Vancouver... If he can't he should be making the move to Europe.

I am liking the Caps team but always cheer the Canadian content first and foremost.

 

[VanJack]

The interesting thing to me, is that Jesse Marsch and Canadian National Soccer officials are now targeting players with dual citizenship. They are players who were either born in Canada; or were born to Canadian parents.

And they really seem to have been able to attract some top-drawer young talent. Suddenly, playing for Canada is the 'in thing' to do. They're building a lot of depth in their roster, which will be important heading into a World Cup year.

 

[PanniniClaus]

The interesting thing to me, is that Jesse Marsch and Canadian National Soccer officials are now targeting players with dual citizenship. They are players who were either born in Canada; or were born to Canadian parents.

And they really seem to have been able to attract some top-drawer young talent. Suddenly, playing for Canada is the 'in thing' to do. They're building a lot of depth in their roster, which will be important heading into a World Cup year.

It is something that many managers tried to do over the years but to limited effect. It all changed when we managed to get Junior Hoilett and Scott Arfield around the same time. Eustaquio was not far behind.

We swung and missed on Owen Hargreaves and Jonathan DeGuzman.. It would take years before John Herdman would do what he does best and that is sell something... The timing was excellent as Hoilett and Arfield gave us some legitimacy, meanwhile, a stable of younger players were coming through.

We still missed on players and probably always will miss on some. Tomori, Begovic, Bono etc... all choosing England, Bosnia & H and Morocco over us.

Of course we had the world cup qualy run and then guaranteed entry into the 2026 event.... that should have been more than enough to continue to build but the CSA and the players clashed and that tango nearly undid everything..

Kevin Blue was in a bad spot last spring.. Momentum was lost and we had no Manager and no money for a Manager. getting Jesse Marsch was an absolute godsend and with the Copa success, Jesse has added a number of dual nationals to the fold.. Promise, Jebbison, Santi Lopez and Sigur signed up.

He still has a few more targets and then we will need to sustain this post WC. He is closely tracking Luca Koloesho, Justin Smith and Owen Goodman.

He very quickly sorted out who he needed on his back 4. That back 4 was on the field this window. Now he is hunting depth everywhere. What a time to be alive.. I am rolling into my 50's now, began watching in 1985 and I don't know if I have missed a televised match since then.

 

[ExarKun80]

Mango's Murica finishing 4th is just bliss