Matias Laba’s performance was full of energy but one can’t help feel he’s restricted playing alongside another DM
by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
Starting XI
Ousted 5.5
One to forget for the Dane as his distribution wasn’t anywhere near his usual standards. He also didn’t appear to have his backline fully organized with the second goal a perfect example. He let his defense get sucked deep allowing space for Piatti to finish.
Parker 5.5
Defensively he didn’t really put a foot wrong. His speed is an incredible asset as even when he found himself behind the play he caught up and slowed their progress. However, his passing out of the back was alarming as seen early on putting Rodriguez under huge pressure to control in front of his own area.
Waston 6.0
Looked a bit skittish at times playing alongside Rodriguez. But won the majority of balls in the air while getting his head on a couple at the other end of the park. Would like to see him test the keeper more though.
Rodriguez 5.0
An uncomfortable performance but can be forgiven seeing as it’s his first start for the first team since the beginning of April. A few wayward passes and mistimed challenges showing he needs a few games to build chemistry with Waston.
Harvey 7.5
Another assured performance from the left back. The only one who seemed interested in getting forward on his teams attacks. With his side in need of a goal he managed to burst into the box and earn a penalty.
Laba 8.0
Another terrier-like performance from the midfield destroyer. As he helped close down Montreal’s progress through the middle, Piatti had to float out wide to see the ball and make things happen. I would prefer to see Laba play that defensive midfield role on his own because with Teibert there, he seems a little too eager to surge forward to intercept the opponent.
Teibert 6.5
Stuck to Piatti for most of the match. Once Morales came on Piatti had even more room to affect play and found the space to score the winner. Teibert continues to do his job well minus any fireworks.
Mezquida 6.0
Started off well hounding the Impact defense into mistakes. Unfortunately he could have used a bit of help from the supporting cast up top to close down as well. I find him a better option despite his inability to run fast as he has better control and understands the concept of pass and move. However, it just wasn’t his day and he was disappointingly hauled off for Techera on the hour mark.
Rosales 7.0
Very good outing from the ageing Argentine, unfortunately we can’t keep him out there for longer than an hour. He closes down more than the young guys but hasn’t got the legs anymore to keep it going throughout. He showed why he can play through the middle setting up his teammates with smart passes. If Vancouver knew how to finish he’d likely have at least a pair of assists out of this one. 
Manneh 5.5
Didn’t do enough to justify his place in the lineup. His game is terribly obvious to opposing defenders nowadays, as they know he’s going to run straight at them and as long as they stand up and don’t put a foot in he’ll likely choke up possession all on his own. And that’s exactly what we saw for the majority of the match. Scooped his best effort over although the pass was slightly behind him.
Mattocks 6.0
His work rate this season has been excellent. He really gets about defending from the top but as a lone striker just doesn’t help bring his teammates into the play. His hold up play is lacking and unless he’s playing off another striker he struggles to affect the match. I wouldn’t say no to him playing alongside the stronger and more capable Rivero.
Substitutes
Techera 6.0 (63’)
Can’t say I saw much from the diminutive winger. Brought on for the ineffective Mezquida but didn’t do a lot in endangering Toia.
Rivero 6.0 (70’)
Came with the ‘Caps chasing a goal. Stuck into a two man strike force but had a difficult time getting involved. It would have been nice to save Rivero for Saturday and give Earnshaw a run out. These are the types of games the Welshman’s screaming to be involved in late on.
Morales 7.0 (74’)
Orchestrated from a much deeper position than we usually see him. Found plenty of space to spray the ball around. He also scored the equalizing goal from the penalty spot.
