I have long been a support of Darren Mattocks and his value to the Whitecaps. Although in the minority at times I have tried to hold firm to that belief. For the past month, Mattocks has been an important part of Jamaica's second-place finish at the Gold Cup. Not a regular starter, Mattocks came on late in games and was a difference maker. Ignoring the terrible red card decision (it was not even a foul), Mattocks finished strong scoring highlight goals in the semifinals match against the United States and in the finals match against Mexico.

Mattocks has been a polarizing figure in Vancouver. Given this shaky relationship and the uncertainty of the future, Mattocks' performance at the Gold Cup begs the question: Should Mattocks be Sold? I doubt his market value has ever been higher, and I suspect it never will be again. If the Whitecaps can get a good return maybe it is time to part with their backup striker. However, the decision is not this simple.

The Whitecaps play 8 games, across 3 competitions, in August. It is unrealistic, and probably a terrible idea, to expect Octavio Rivero to play all 8 games. If Mattocks is sold, who plays in place of Rivero? Eric Hurtado has apparently fallen off the map, and his attitude in his post-game interview yesterday suggests that his mindset is not where it needs to be. Robert Earnshaw seems to be the obvious choice, but his lack of playing time consideration is concerning. Why is he not being used? He is making far too much to sit on the bench or not even make the 18. If Mattocks is moved, what other options are there at striker? Maybe they let Caleb Clarke play a few games or they move Manneh to striker; although it seems he has fit in well on the wing.

Thoughts?