Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

April 20, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device





VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps scoring struggles have been well documented this season. A 2-4-1 record, six goals, and none scored from open play is not what Carl Robinson and his players envisioned at the beginning of the 2016 campaign. The Whitecaps gaffer maintains a positive outlook that goals will eventually come as long as the team is creating scoring chances.



Nicolas Mezquida has been a recent bright spot as a number 10 man during this difficult stretch. The 24 year-old played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw vs Los Angeles on April 2, and 61 minutes away to an undefeated Real Salt Lake side on Saturday. One of the most promising scoring opportunities against RSL came after Octavio Rivero nicked the ball off his defender and sent Mezquida in 1v1 with goalkeeper Nick Rimando.



"When Octavio (Rivero) recovered the ball, I thought it was going to be a big chance, but it was a good save for the keeper, said Mezquida. "He's (Nick Rimando) a very good keeper, he made big saves. We created chances, so I'm not worried about that because when we score the goal, it's going to be open for more."



It's quite remarkable that Mezquida is fit and available for selection. While playing against the LA Galaxy, Mezquida got his foot stuck in the BC Place turf. Fortunately, he was able to play the entire match and avoid an ACL or MCL injury. With attacking midfielders Pedro Morales, and Christian Bolanos also injured in that match the Whitecaps dodged a bullet with Mezquida's minor twisted knee.



"Now it's better," Mezquida explained. "I feel better so that I can play. It was in the game against LA, I tried to turn and my foot got stuck in the turf. I twisted my knee, so there was a little pull in the ligament, but it's ok. Nothing big, but I feel it a little bit in the game and in training, but I don't have to be worried about that. I just feel a little pain, but it's going to recover in passing time."



Carl Robinson praised Mezquida for his work rate and effort against Real Salt Lake. It's good to have a player who may not play every minute of every match, step and show what he can bring to the pitch when called upon. The Caps could no doubt be looking to Mezquida more often should Morales remain sidelined long-term.



"I thought he was excellent again on Saturday, obviously barring the goal, he could have scored," said Robinson. "He was disappointed he didn't score but he linked our midfield through our attacking play very well. We know the dirty side of the game he does very well, so he should be very proud of his performance."



Despite Vancouver's scoring woes, the team atmosphere, confidence, and mentality is not lost. This team knows that eventually they are going to start filling the back of the net. It could take an own goal, perhaps another penalty kick, or even an offside play that isn't called by the assistant referee. Goals all count just the same no matter which way they go in.



The Montevideo, Uruguay native fully supports his teammates and the coaching staff. There are still 27 MLS fixtures to go and plenty of opportunity to put Vancouver ahead in the scoring department.



"Yeah, I know it was difficult after the last game because we lost, said Mezquida. "We are a strong team with a strong mentality and attitude. We want to think about that, we're going to win, and we're going to be ok. I believe in the group, I believe in the coach."



That next match will feature FC Dallas as they pay a visit to BC Place on Saturday, April 23. Vancouver could face a depleted squad as skipper Matt Hedge will miss 4-6 weeks with a torn meniscus. Dynamic midfielder Mauro Diaz has missed the last four matches with a hamstring injury and his status is to be determined. One face that Whitecaps fans will recognize is, Mauro Rosales.



The 35 year-old was traded to FC Dallas on February 16 for striker Blas Perez. Rosales scored his first goal in an FC Dallas kit on Sunday vs Sporting Kansas City. His brilliant free kick has him in the running for AT&T MLS Goal of the Week. Caps players including Nicolas Mezquida have congratulated Rosales on his goal and are looking forward to seeing him, although they admit it might be a little strange at first.



"It's good for Rosales, he made a good free kick, admitted Mezquida. "He's a big player so it's going to be feel weird because we are playing against him on the other team. It's going to be good seeing him again."



GOLAZO! Mauro Rosales. @FCDallas lead 2-1. #DALvSKC https://t.co/GZFIShciEV — Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) April 18, 2016