VANCOUVER, BC – Major League Soccer announced on Monday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Emmanuel Sabbi has been named to the MLS Team of Matchday 21 after his game-winning goal in Vancouver's 1-0 victory over LAFC at BMO Stadium. The 'Caps are now one-point behind, with a game in hand, on San Diego FC who sit at the top of the Western Conference on 39 points. The 'Caps are also two points behind Philadelphia Union, but tied on points-per-game at 2.00 in the MLS Supporters' Shield race.
Vancouver’s goal came after a stunning 13-pass sequence, showcasing their fluid build-up play. Sabbi initiated the move with a driving run forward on the left before delicately chipping the ball into the path of the onrushing Jeevan Badwal. The midfielder then delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Sabbi met it with a sublime first touch to control, before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Sabbi receives his second selection on the season, having previously earned the honours for his efforts in Matchday 8. The American now has five goal contributions (3G, 2A) on the year.
In total, nine different Whitecaps FC members have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday this season. Along with Sabbi, head coach Jesper Sørensen (Matchday 4, Matchday 8), defenders Tristan Blackmon, (Matchday 4, Matchday 7, Matchday 12), Édier Ocampo (Matchday 9) and MathÃas Laborda (Matchday 3), midfielders Pedro Vite (Matchday 1, Matchday 10) and Sebastian Berhalter (Matchday 4), as well as forwards Jayden Nelson (Matchday 1) and Brian White (Matchday 2, Matchday 8, Matchday 12, Matchday 15).
Whitecaps FC are back in action next Friday, July 4, back in California to face LA Galaxy. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. PT. The ‘Caps then return home to face Valour FC on Wednesday, July 9 in the second leg of the TELUS Canadian Championship quarterfinals. Kickoff for that match is at 7 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
The Matchday 21 results for MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Matchday:
F: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (RBNY), Jesús Ferreira (SEA), Rafael Navarro (COL)
M: Anders Dreyer (SD), Carles Gil (NE), Evander (CIN), Philip Zinckernagel (CHI)
D: Felipe Andrade (HOU), Kyle Duncan (RBNY), Mohamed Farsi (CLB)
GK: Daniel (SJ)
Coach: Pat Noonan (CIN)
Bench: John Pulskamp (SKC), Matt Miazga (CIN), Alonso Coello (TOR), Victor Loturi (MTL), Pep Biel (CLT), Erik Thommy (SKC), Marco Reus (LA), Emmanuel Sabbi (VAN), Darren Yapi (COL)