VANCOUVER -- The biggest knock against Gershon Koffie with the Vancouver Whitecaps has been his consistency. George Selvie Cowboys Jersey . An imposing presence in midfield, the Ghanaian would be the best player on the pitch one game and virtually invisible the next. After starting the 2014 campaign on the bench, Koffie has finally begun to live up to expectations on a daily basis, and both he and the Whitecaps have one of the teams new acquisitions at least partly to thank. Toronto FC dealt Matias Laba to Vancouver right before the start of the season and the Argentine midfielder has slotted seamlessly into the centre of rookie head coach Carl Robinsons formation. The workhorse not only cleans up danger in front of the Whitecaps defence, he also allows Vancouvers attacking players to push forward -- with Koffie being one of the main beneficiaries thus far. The 22-year-old scored from 40 yards out after pouncing on a goalkeeping error in last weekends 2-2 draw with the Seattle Sounders, and had three other clear-cut chances, including a shot that rattled the crossbar in the games opening minutes. "Gersh has got incredible attributes. Hes got the physical strength. When he makes a tackle and he means it, no ones going to beat him. Hes really that powerful," Whitecaps assistant coach Martyn Pert said Thursday. "The consistency part of the game is still something that hes got to really work hard at, and hes getting there, thats four or five games on the spin now hes been very good. "Hes got to keep it going, keep the foot on the pedal and keep driving." Robinson favoured Nigel Reo-Coker in the centre of midfield at the start of the season, but after the Englishman was injured in an off-field incident the Whitecaps turned to Koffie. "I dont think I was disappointed to be on the bench, but that motivated me," said Koffie, whose goal against Seattle was his first of the season. "I have to embrace it because my fellow mates were doing well and it was a coachs decision." Koffie -- who has already played 93 games in his Major League Soccer career -- said Robinson has asked him to go forward more in his attack-minded system, and credits Laba with allowing him that freedom to roam. "Playing with Matias Laba gives me the license to go forward and get some chances," said Koffie. "I know hes there to work the defensive part and delay (opponents) before we can get back in (formation)." Labas tenacity has also rubbed off on his midfield counterpart, who tracked back on more than one occasion against Seattle to help out Vancouvers back line. "(Labas) a guy who sets the tone," said Koffie. "If you play next to him, he goes in for tackles (and) you have to do the same. If he goes in chasing the ball, you have to do the same, because you cant let him do the job (alone)." Also just 22, Laba was a casualty of Toronto FCs winter spending spree, with the club unable to retain the designated player it acquired last season. "I didnt expect it, but I think its for the best," Laba said through an interpreter. "Im very happy in Vancouver with a great coach and teammates." Although he often takes care of the less-glamorous tasks on the field, the Whitecaps have come to appreciate his tireless work. "Mati gives us a great dimension to build off of at the back," said Vancouver captain Jay DeMerit. "He lets the guys that are creative express themselves a little bit more, just by giving you a little bit more of a lockdown defensively." Added the selfless Laba: "Ive always played that way -- win balls, win tackles -- and quickly disperse (passes) so my teammates have more time on the ball." Pert has been in awe at how quickly Laba has adapted to his new surroundings. "Matis been incredible since hes come in and the fact he came in two weeks before the start of the season and every game he just never lets you down," said Pert. "Hes absolutely a top, top player. I couldnt speak highly enough of Mati. "He makes incredible tackles, he gets his foot on the ball, he plays it simple." Because of their youth, Laba and Koffie could be patrolling Vancouvers midfield for some time, and the pair are expected to start alongside each other once again when the Whitecaps (4-2-5) visit the Portland Timbers (3-3-7) on Sunday. "(Koffies) a great player and I think we work really well together," said Laba. "I can win balls and that opens space up for him to go forward and attack more. We compliment each other quite well." Randy White Jersey . -- While much of the nation is buried in snow, glazed by ice or just plain shivering in the cold, its time to play ball in the desert. Cowboys Jersey .Didier Drogba has been Chelseas only fit striker in its last two games with Loic Remy also out with a groin injury, and Mourinho says it is difficult when you only have one striker available but when you have two, the situation improves.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. He received a five-game suspension plus the remainder of the pre-season. On Wednesday, Henrik Zetterberg fell down and came over the top with his stick. The lumber struck Dan Hamhuis of Vancouver in the mouth cutting him profusely. Both incidences were very similar, no? A player out of control and swinging his stick recklessly. But why was Zetterbergs forgiven if he should have been accountable for his stick as well? Thanks for any clarification. Art We Art: Thank you for your question. The most obvious similarity on the two plays you reference is that injury resulted to both Sam Gagner and Dan Hamhuis; albeit in varying degrees of severity (broken jaw vs. substantial cut to lip). Beyond that I see considerable differences that exist when considering the potential for player suspension. I would argue that Zack Kassian was in control of his stick when he swung it with purpose in an attempt to make some form of contact with Sam Gagner once the Oiler forward stopped hard to avoid the body check that Kassian was in the process of delivering. I dont believe for a second that Zack Kassian intended for the swing to catch Gagner in the face and break his jaw. None the less, that was the unfortunate result of the wild stick swing used as part of an intended, but missed body check. Kassian received tthe appropriate double minor penalty on the ice at the time of the incident. Terrance Williams Jersey. The careless manner (video link) with which Henrik Zetterberg brought his stick down hard as he was rolling over to regain his feet following an awkward tumble falls within the spirit and intent of the high-sticking rule. Rule references: 60.1 (Players must be in control and responsible for his stick) and 60.3 (When a player carries or holds any part of his stick above the shoulders of the opponent so that injury results, the Referee shall assess a double-minor penalty for all contact that causes an injury, whether accidental or careless, in the opinion of the Referee.) Henrik Zetterberg should have been assessed a double minor on the play but no call resulted from the high-sticking infraction. Any of the four Officials could have made this call as a result of the injury to Dan Hamhuis. While the call on the ice should have been the same in both cases there are distinct differences between these two plays when supplemental discipline is being considered. Henrik Zetterberg was in a prone position on the ice and the momentum of rolling onto to his knees included his stick travelling over the top accidentally striking Dan Hamhuis. This lack of responsibility and control by Zetterberg was careless for sure but not worthy of a suspension. Zack Kassian on the other hand had his skates under him and I submit swung his stick intending to make contact with his opponent in some manner. The deliberation of this act and the severity of the injury that resulted are worthy of a suspension. Wishing everyone a very safe and blessed All Saints and All Souls weekend. wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap soccer jerseys wholesale jerseys wholesale jerseys cheap nfl jerseys china ' ' '
