MLS Kudo may be due for a start
Whitecaps forward was one of team’s key off-season signings
Whitecaps fans could get their first good look at Masato Kudo on Saturday.
With Blas Perez away with Panama and the Caps securing a win in Seattle with two forwards on the field, coach Carl Robinson will be tempted to play Kudo alongside Octavio Rivero against the Houston Dynamo at B.C. Place.
Kudo, a 25-year-old Japanese striker and one of the Caps’ key signings this off- season, has played just 15 minutes in two substitute appearances so far.
He missed two weeks of preseason with an ailment.
“He’s very close (to starting),” said Robinson. “He’s trained well.”
Robinson’s played down expectations for Kudo since he signed him on a free transfer from Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol in December. He’s repeatedly said it will take Kudo time to adapt to MLS and to the Caps.
But, quietly, the club has high hopes. There’s a strong belief that Kudo’s impressive scoring record in Japan — 92 goals in 260 appearances — will translate to MLS because of his movement and finishing ability.
Kudo’s best season was 2013, when he scored 19 goals in 33 games and helped Reysol to the title.
“He’s scored a number of goals ( in his career) because he’s always in the box and he’s got a calm head,” said Robinson. “We’ll see that throughout the year. We’ll get to see it at some stage on the weekend, and hopefully he’ll score the odd goal or two.”
Fans will hope it’s more like the odd 10. When Rivero cooled off last season after a torrid start, the Caps didn’t have enough options.
Despite his lack of action so far, one thing’s clear about Kudo from practice: he’s the best finisher on this squad. In almost every drill, he’s the guy finding the net more often than not, with some part of his boot.
Robinson shifted from his go-to 4-2-3-1 formation to 4-4-2 last Saturday in Seattle. The Caps won 2-1 on a pair of Pedro Morales penalties, with Perez playing a crucial role up front.
Sticking with that formation makes some sense against Houston, in part because Robinson doesn’t have a ton of options in midfield due to injuries and callups.
The Caps ( 1- 2- 0) have five goals through three games but none yet from open play.”