The Whitecaps came into the season with high expectations with promises of making the playoffs in their first year and winning the Canadian Championship but have failed at this point. The season started promising enough with an opening 4-2 win against TFC and a comeback draw against Sporting Kansas City. However, the season turned negatively with high number of injuries and the regular suspensions of their designated player Eric Hassli.
A shocking decision came 12 games into the season when the organization decided to part ways with their manager Teitur Thoradson citing the lack of results and style of play being the main reason for the firing. Tom Soehn moved to the bench and brought in a new possession style to the Whitecaps game but the change has not had the desired effect so far. The season has reached a new low this past weekend when the Whitecaps lost the Canadian Championship and a berth into the Champions League by losing 2-1 to their Canadian rivals TFC.
Here are the mid-season awards for the Whitecaps.
Most Valuable Player: Davide Chiumiento
When the Swiss international is firing on all cylinders he makes team so much better with his playmaking ability as he is second in the league with 7 assists. He started on the wing but was moved to a central role as a withdrawn striker when Tom Soehn took over the bench.
Rookie of the Year: Russell Teibert
With neither of their 1st round picks contributing on the pitch, it has been the homegrown player Teibert who has had the most impressive rookie campaign. The 18-year-old has been brought along slowly but when on the pitch has been very dangerous on the left wing. Like most rookies he has hit a wall and is still looking for his first MLS goal.
Offense Player of the Year: Eric Hassli
The big Frenchman has had an up and down first season in the MLS as he is tied for third in the league in goals with 6 but also leads with 4 suspensions. The cautions have decreased recently and of course Hassli made waves across the football world with his wonderstrike against Seattle.
Defensive Player of the Year: Alain Rochat
While many in the MLS world thought that DeMerit would be a difference maker on the backline, it’s actually been the Canadian born Rochat who has been invaluable to the Caps. The Swiss international has been claimed to be the best left back in the MLS by experts and has filled in for DeMerit as he has dealt with injury.
Second Half Prediction
The Whitecaps are now looking to make some changes during the transfer window to bring more skill to the line-up including possibly adding one designated player. While they are situated in last place in the Western Conference and MLS, the players still feel they can turn the season around. Whether they can make the playoffs or not, the club will need to improve their on the pitch results if they look to continue their off the pitch success into their second year.
7th in Western Conference and Out of Playoffs
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
