Every Thursday, sportsnet.ca will talk to a member of Sportsnet’s soccer broadcast team specifically about one of Major League Soccer’s three Canadian clubs.

This week, sportsnet.ca chats with Paul Dolan about the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the team’s chances of overcoming a four point gap with five games remaining to qualify for the playoffs.

Martin Rennie’s decision to start rarely-used forward Tommy Heinemann and bring Camilo off the bench versus Montreal in last weekend’s 3-0 win worked to perfection. How bold of a move was this, and was it just a one-off? Is there something there that suggests it’s best to use Camilo as a second-half substitute?

Paul Dolan: There were certainly lots of questions about the Whitecaps’ starting line-up and any time you mix it up as much as Rennie did, it has to be considered a bold move. My feeling is that Camilo would have had a field day right from the start against a tired Montreal defence who had played several days earlier in San Jose. But perhaps Camilo was motivated and even fresher coming off the bench. You have to give credit to Tom Heinemann, who always gives his all and helped to wear down the Montreal back four even further. However, I don’t think this will be the way Rennie lines the team up the rest of the way. Camilo is the second best scorer in the league and in my opinion needs to start every game for the remainder of the season.

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Carlyle Mitchell had a great game against the Impact and it could be argued he’s been the Whitecaps’ best player in recent weeks. How did he go from being fourth or fifth on the depth chart to being a starter?

Dolan: I think a lot of credit has to go to the Whitecaps for giving Mitchell the opportunity to play on loan with FC Edmonton and to coach Colin Miller for giving him confidence when he played there. That spell in the NASL gave Mitchell quality games which are so important for defenders and he has taken his opportunity very well with the Whitecaps where he has played aggressively but more composed than he has in the past.

What do you think is Matt Watson’s best role with this team? Did he do enough on Saturday to displace Russell Teibert as a starter?

Dolan: Matt Watson has been very good for the Whitecaps in the last few games and I believe his best role is as a more defensive minded midfielder. I don’t think he should start ahead of Russell Teibert though, as I believe Teibert offers some of the same hard-working defensive responsibilities, but adds much more going forward as a goal threat and supplier. I think Watson has done enough though to have himself in contention for a spot either as a starter or first sub down this important stretch.

What have you made of captain Jay DeMerit in the two appearances he’s made since his return from injury?

Dolan: Outstanding and inspiring. Physically, he has played his typical aggressive style of attacking the ball whenever possible. Mentally, I believe he has given the team a lift as well, as he has looked confident and communicated well with the less experienced Mitchell. I don’t think it’s a coincidence the Whitecaps have two consecutive clean sheets away from home since his return.

It was a huge result in Montreal but even with the win the Whitecaps are still four points back of fifth place? Realistically, with five tough games ahead, do you think the Whitecaps can close the gap and clinch a playoff spot?

Dolan: The biggest reason I think they can still reach the playoffs is the points still available from the home and away series with the Colorado Rapids to close out the season. The Rapids are the most likely team they can displace who are currently in a playoff position and the Whitecaps have played them relatively well the past couple of seasons, despite a loss in Denver this year. With three home games remaining, and FC Dallas (the other team likely still in the mix) playing some difficult teams down the stretch, a good run by the Whitecaps will get them that fifth and final spot.

NEXT WEEK: sportsnet.ca talks to Lloyd Barker about the Montreal Impact. Do you have a question you want to ask Lloyd? Send your queries to John Molinaro via Twitter and he’ll use the best one in next week’s Q&A.