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MLS: Manneh and Morales could push the ‘Caps to the top.

By Carson A Merk

May 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales (77) with Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh (23) celebrates his goal against Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre (49) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Morales (77) with Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh (23) celebrates his goal against Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre (49) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the elite duos in the MLS, Kekuta Manneh and Pedro Morales, will look to have the underrated Vancouver Whitecaps making noise in the postseason.

The attention in the MLS goes mostly to certain teams and players in the league. Whether it’s NYCFC with the trio of Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Frank Lampard, reigning champion Portland Timbers, or perennial powers like New York Red Bulls or LA Galaxy. As the MLS gets back in action following the Copa America break, maybe some of the media should turn their focuses north of the border.

Currently teetering around that infamous red line, the one that divides the teams in the playoffs and the ones that will be watching from home, are the Vancouver Whitecaps. They were bounced from the 2015 MLS Playoffs by the eventual champion Portland Timbers, after securing the #2 seed in the loaded Western Conference but have been able to bounce back from that elimination.

Two of the big reasons for the club’s recent success: Kekuta Manneh and Pedro Morales. Morales is Manneh’s elder by a decade, and runs the offense like the seasoned veteran he is. He’s great on the ball, and isn’t afraid to take on defenders, or make that risky last second pass to potentially spring a teammate.

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The target of a lot of Morales’ distribution, Manneh is an athletic freak. He glides up and down the pitch with long, powerful strides and matches his pace with great control of the ball and finishing ability in the final third. Manneh’s pace and powerful strides are so renowned that Whitecaps faithful have nicknamed him “The Flash” after the famous DC Universe speedster.

The Western Conference is open for the taking this season and the race is as close as its been in years. Colorado is a shocking conference leader currently after finishing bottom of the table last year with expected top teams like FC Dallas and LA Galaxy attempting to bring the Rapids back to Earth.

With the addition of crafty veterans Christian Bolanos and Blas Perez, the duo of Manneh and Morales could vault the Caps right to the top of the conference again by season’s end. As David Ousted continues to tighten into his 2015 Goalkeeper of the Year runner-up form, it will be up to Manneh, Morales, and the rest of the Whitecaps to keep excelling on the offense side of the ball.

Don’t be surprised if you see this team from up north, up north on the Western Conference standings, and making a deep playoff run in 2016.

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