VANCOUVER, BC – Major League Soccer announced on Monday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC forwards Emmanuel Sabbi and Brian White, and head coach Jesper Sørensen have been named to the MLS Team of Matchday 8 after a dominant 5-1 win over Austin FC at BC Place.
Sabbi receives his first selection after scoring in a second straight MLS match – his first two starts for Whitecaps FC. The American also added an assist, his first for the 'Caps and first in MLS.
White earns his second selection of the season (Matchday 2) after becoming the first player in Whitecaps FC history to score four goals in an MLS match. It was the third time that he has scored three or more goals in a match for the club. The American striker also became the first 'Caps player to surpass 50 MLS regular season goals, and extended his club-record for game winners in MLS regular season play with 17. White is now tied for the league lead with six goals scored in MLS play this season, and nine in all competitions.
Sørensen was selected for a second time (Matchday 4) after navigating another memorable week for Whitecaps FC. On Wednesday, the 'Caps advanced to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup in dramatic fashion in Mexico City. The Blue and White followed that up with their most dominant win over the season, continuing to lead the MLS Supporters' Shield standings while having scored the most goals in MLS, having the best goal difference, and being tied for the fewest goals conceded in the Western Conference.
Eight different Whitecaps FC members have now been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday this season. In addition to this week's selections, the 'Caps have also had defenders Tristan Blackmon (Matchday 4, Matchday 7), Mathías Laborda (Matchday 3), midfielders Sebastian Berhalter (Matchday 4) and Pedro Vite (Matchday 1), and forward Jayden Nelson (Matchday 1).
The Blue and White will head back on the road, traveling to St. Louis CITY SC next Saturday, April 19. Kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m. PT, live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and CKNW.com.
The 'Caps will next be at BC Place on Thursday, April 24 for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals against Inter Miami CF. Kickoff for that match will be at 7:30 p.m. PT. Following that match, the 'Caps host Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. PT. For ticket information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
F: Brian White (VAN), Kevin Kelsy (POR), Rafael Navarro (COL)
M: Gerardo Valenzuela (CIN), David Ayala (POR), Carles Gil (NE), Diego Fagúndez (LA)
D: Daniel Lovitz (NSH), Steven Moreira (CLB), Sergi Palenica (LAFC)
GK: Aljaž Ivačič (NE)
Coach: Jesper Sørensen (VAN)
Bench: Oscar Ustari (MIA), Adilson Malanda (CLT), Miles Robinson (CIN), Edvard Tagseth (NSH), Obed Vargas (SEA), Djordje Mihailovic (COL), Emmanuel Sabbi (VAN), Alonso Martínez (NYC), Diego Rossi (CLB)
