3.11.2013: Kobayashi, Reo-Coker, Miller- Vancouver Means Business In 2013

3.11.2013: Kobayashi, Reo-Coker, Miller- Vancouver Means Business In 2013

Two home games, two wins for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2013. 

In neither game did the Whitecaps dominate their opponent, but they did enough at the right times, which is a good sign for Vancouver.

It's also a good sign for MLS; that the three (strong ticket selling) Canadian franchises are getting closer to playoff contention. 

Out of a possible combined 18 points for the three Canadian franchises so far in 2013, they've picked up 15 (with Toronto only missing out on 3 points by facing Vancouver).

All three franchises have a strong but different base of players they rely on. Montreal relies on it's Italians, Toronto F.C. now on it's UK players, and Vancouver has a little bit of everything.

The Whitecaps have an Asian and Brazilian flair in midfield; With the Japanese internationals Kobayashi and Davidson, and South Korean Y.P. Lee; and from the other continent Brazilians Sanvezzo and Paulo Jr. 

As well as players with great experience in Europe such as Nigel Reo Coker, Kenny Miller, Y.P. Lee (again), Alain Rochat, and the injured Jay Demerit; and players with great experience in MLS such as MLS vet Joe Cannon who knows how to win it all in this league.

Vancouver also has young talent in 18 year old striker Kekuta Manneh and forward/Jamaican international Darren Mattocks.

Whitecaps Manager Martin Rennie has other players in the mix as well such as Honduran international Leveron and defender Brad Rusin; Rusin gives Rennie a nice heading target as seen in the second half against the Columbus Crew.

So, this week Vancouver moves from 8 to 2 in Talk MLS's Top 8, expect Vancouver to stay up there and compete quite a bit in 2013.

Kobayashi's wonder strike in 2-1 win vs. Columbus Crew (as the 30 year old with over 250 appearances in the Japanese top flight, is off to a good start with a goal and an assist for Vancouver in 2013):