Soccer: Whitecaps’ Mattocks Nearly Recovered from Cooking Injury

A freak injury delayed the start of Darren Mattocks’ Major League Soccer (MLS) career but the University of Akron product could soon make a big impact for the Whitecaps. Al Dannity looks back at Mattocks’ journey to the big leagues and examines how he could turn Vancouver’s season around.

Building up slowly
When Darren Mattocks was drafted by Vancouver as the second overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft, it was easy to see the appeal of the 21 year old Jamaican. The pacey striker scored 21 goals in 22 games for the Akron Zips in NCAA Soccer last season, presenting the type of speed that can make a big difference for a front man. Mattocks has been out of action for six weeks with burns to his shoulder and hand, an injury he suffered in a freak cooking accident at home. Mattocks knocked a pan handle with his hand, flipping burning hot oil onto his body. That resulted in a week-long stay in hospital and he’s only now back training with the Caps. Head coach Martin Rennie expects Mattocks back in the line-up soon and soon can’t come fast enough. The Whitecaps are entering a big month of play, both in MLS and the Voyageurs Cup.

Big targets
The one area where Vancouver has been sorely lacking through its 4-2-2 start has been in pace up front. The Whitecaps are doing enough to grind out results but they have cried out for a player with the dynamic touch of Mattocks. Wednesday sees Vancouver play the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship aka Voyageurs Cup semi-final with FC Edmonton.

Even without Mattocks the Caps should have too much for the NASL level Edmonton team. A win there would set up a place in the final, and with it a shot a place in the CONCACAF Champions League next season. The Impact or Toronto FC would await there and either would present a match-up where Mattocks could make a big difference.

There’s also the issue of squad depth. With up to four games in the Voyageurs Cup and a further four in MLS, Rennie needs a deep roster to get through this hectic schedule. As it stands the Caps are right where they want to be in the playoff hunt but with big games against San Jose and Seattle this month, any dropped points could prove huge come the end of the year. Once Mattocks is fully healed, the Caps should be in good health for a charge on two fronts.

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