It was a step in the right direction.
Scoreless draws are rarely fully satisfying outcomes, but in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ home opener vs NYCFC at BC Place on Saturday afternoon, there were certainly some positive takeaways, especially after the struggles in Ohio last weekend.
To start things off, moving back to the double pivot in the centre of the midfield just makes more sense for this team. Most importantly, it allows your best player to be in a prime position to do his thing. Particularly in the first half, Ryan Gauld was buzzing in the final third, and helped create some of the Whitecaps’ best opportunities.