The Midfielder Scored His Second and Third Goals in Two Matches in a Win Over Dallas
Sebastian Berhalter is making a compelling case to be part of the United States World Cup squad, and Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas, provided perhaps his strongest argument yet.
The 24-year-old midfielder was the driving force behind Vancouver Whitecaps' 3-2 victory over FC Dallas, scoring twice to record his first multi-goal game of the season and take his tally to six for the campaign—a new career best. His performance earned him the match's player of the match award and moved Vancouver back to the top of the MLS Supporters' Shield standings, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Berhalter's first goal arrived in the 23rd minute and was a testament to both his boldness and his good fortune. Picking up the ball outside the penalty arc, he struck a powerful shot that the Dallas goalkeeper could only parry, with the rebound crashing off the crossbar and into the net to level the scores at 1-1. An own goal shortly after put Vancouver ahead before Dallas pulled level early in the second half.
But Berhalter had the last word. In the 64th minute, after receiving a pass from Kenji Cabrera just outside the area, he unleashed a first-time effort that deflected off the goalkeeper's hands and cannoned in off the back post to seal the points.
The numbers behind his display were equally impressive. He had 81 touches, more than any other player on the pitch, created four chances, completed 81 percent of his passes, and also contributed defensively with two recoveries and an interception.
Perhaps most remarkably, Berhalter has now registered a goal contribution in nine of Vancouver's first 12 games this season, becoming the first player in the club's history to achieve that feat. With the World Cup roster announcement imminent, his timing could hardly be better.
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