Gershon Koffie returned from injury to deliver a fine showing as Vancouver Whitecaps secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake at the Rio Tinto Stadium.
The triumph puts the Canadians first in the Western Conference—three points ahead of FC Dallas—and also top of the overall Major League Soccer standings having played eight matches.
Their showing against Salt Lake wasn’t as convincing as some of their previous showings this season, and indeed, it wasn’t wholly apparent that the victory would ultimately be forthcoming.
However, Darren Mattocks is growing to be an influential campaigner this season and settled the contest with a header on 80 minutes. The left-sider thrives when playing on the counterattack, and it was little coincidence that he proved decisive here, as the Canadians bedded in, absorbed the pressure, and sought to launch forward with speed and power.
The match was an ill-tempered affair; the Whitecaps certainly weighed-in with their fair share of hefty tackles, but Salt Lake had already had one man—Sebastian Saucedo—sent off before Mattocks’s goal.
Another was to follow in the dying moments when Jamison Olave was shown his second yellow card.
Midfielder Koffie was one of a handful of excellent performers for Carl Robinson’s outfit. He operated on the right of the midfield three in a 4-3-3 formation and demonstrated his all-round qualities in a convincing display.
The 23-year-old sought to get on the ball for the visiting side and was Whitecaps’ third-most prolific passer, making 40 and succeeding with 87.5 percent according to WhoScored.
He also contributed defensively, making two successful tackles, two interceptions and two clearances.
Next weekend, the Whitecaps welcome Kofi Opare’s DC United, who should be a sterner test than RSL.
