Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

March 18, 2015 Twitter

@HarJournalist Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device



VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps received an instant offensive threat when Nicolas Mezquida entered the match on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. Mezquida had a tremendous preseason with the Caps and it was a no brainer that he entered the match for an injured Mauro Rosales just before halftime. The 23 year-old linked up with fellow Uruguayan, Octavio Rivero, during much of the second half and created numerous scoring opportunities for himself, Rivero, and other teammates. Rosales has been ruled out of Vancouver's away fixture against Orlando City SC on Saturday. The Argentine winger is back in Vancouver and awaiting scan results which will determine the severity of his suspected ankle injury. Rosales has ditched his walking boot and is expected to miss an extended period of time. In his absence, Nicolas Mezquida is projected to step into the Whitecaps starting eleven as he looks to seize his opportunity alongside Pedro Morales, Kekuta Manneh, and Octavio Rivero up top. Mezquida was happy to help the Whitecaps earn all three points on the road against the Chicago Fire. "I feel happy because first we won the game because we needed three points. I'm happy first for the group, and after for playing well." Carl Robinson was pleased to see Mezquida thrive and take advantage of the opportunity he earned. In 2014, Mezquida played in 14 matches, started 4-matches and scored a pair of goals in 418 minutes. He didn't complain about his lack of playing time and now he is set to be rewarded for his determination, improvement, and hard work. Robinson was delighted to talk about Nico following training this week. "I think Nico's a prime example of, you've got to keep going. If you're not in the team you've got to keep your head down, keep your focus, and keep enjoying your football. You see him around the training ground and he's got a smile on his face. He was the guy who covered the most distance in the second half for us and he gave us an extra incentive in our front-foot football on Saturday. I'm disappointed that he didn't score a goal or two because he probably should of. Nico might be the only Uruguayan I know that stays on his feet when he's pulled down in the box so I'll have to have a word with him about that." The relationship and chemistry between Octavio Rivero and Nicolas Mezquida has been a pleasent surprise for the Whitecaps and their supporters. Both players first met each other while playing for Uruguay at the U-17 national team level. Although it's been some time since they've last played together, you certainly wouldn't know it from watching the duo during training sessions and against Chicago. Why do both players understand each other so well? It's simple if you ask Mezquida. "Because the relationship is well. He understands me and I understand him. We had the same coach and we played a long time, before. I know how he plays. I have to take advantage of his movement." #mate with @OctavioRivero29 in the room . Today is a big day @WhitecapsFC pic.twitter.com/hKL1NatYhz — Nicolas Mezquida (@nico_mezquida) March 14, 2015 The Whitecaps coaching staff have instructed Mezquida to play on the right flank and cut inside to the middle of the pitch when he has the ball. With Pedro Morales and Nicolas Mezquida on the pitch at the same time. It's like Vancouver have two attacking no. 10 players on the pitch to distribute the ball. "The coach asked me to stay on the right, but when you (I) have the ball go in the middle like a second no. 10. This is good for me because it's how I feel good. I take the ball in the middle and try to give a pass to Octavio. When I go in, I have the ball and I feel a good connection with Pedro. It's good for me." Adrian Heath's side have a secured an impressive 4-points from their first two MLS matches. Football legend, and worldwide superstar, Kaka is a big reason why Orlando City SC can't be taken lightly by the Whitecaps. Carl Robinson is hoping his team doesn't surrender a dangerous free kick to the former Milan, Real Madrid, and Brazilian wizard. "Don't give any free kicks away, that might help. He's a fantastic player, fantastic ability from dead balls. If we give him a chance he's obviously going to thrive with that and maybe hit the target. We've got to make sure we don't give away unnecessary fouls away in those areas." Not only is Nicolas Mezquida excited to play against Kaka, but he is also thrilled about being on the same pitch with Kaka, one of his personal all-time favourites. "I'm excited because we play versus Kaka. Kaka is my favourite player so playing him is a moment for me and I'm excited for this game. He's a Brazilian symbol. I remember him in the World Cup. Playing versus him is like a dream." On Saturday Nicolas Mezquida and his teammates won't be dreaming. Kaka will be on full display and it will be up to the Whitecaps to defend him and not get star struck. Vancouver has a strong group of players that have bonded and formed chemistry, while Orlando is just getting going. Notes: Pedro Morales (Flu), Mauro Rosales (Ankle), and Marco Bustos (Injury) were absent from training on Tuesday.