Morales Exceptional In Win

There’s no doubting the skill and flair that Pedro Morales has brought to MLS since joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC in February.

What did surprise some observers, however, was coach Carl Robinson naming the Designated Player captain following the injury and subsequent retirement of Jay DeMerit in the summer.

Captains need to lead their team by example and Morales showed that quality in abundance at BC Place on Saturday, sparking the ‘Caps in a crucial 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Real Salt Lake.

The talented midfielder has been showing signs of fatigue after playing for 14 months without a break following his transfer to Vancouver from Spanish La Liga side Malaga.

It was something of a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from Morales on Saturday, who missed a penalty kick in the first half before bouncing back with a second-half double to give Vancouver the three points that moved them back into a playoff position.

Morales’ first-half performance was enough cause for concern for Robinson that he nearly pulled the Chilean out of the game at halftime.

Morales played down his part in the comeback win, choosing to focus on the strength his teammates had given him to quickly get over the penalty miss and come out strong and invigorated for the second half.

“We needed the win today, it was important with Portland’s loss to Toronto,” Morales said in his first full postgame interview in English. “My teammates were very good today, good attitude. We had so many chances for a goal, but it is important today for a win, for three points. Very, very

The winning goal came when Steven Beitashour let fly from the edge of the box and Morales redirected the shot into the net from close range. For Beitashour, the Chilean’s fighting spirit typifies Morales’ qualifications as captain of the side.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2014/09/caps-hail-morales-resilience

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