VANCOUVER – As the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps prepare for their first-ever MLS postseason meeting in the 2017 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday (8:30 pm ET | ESPN, TSN, TVAS2), all the hype understandably surrounds the Sounders' all-time leading scorer who now plies his trade for Vancouver, Fredy Montero.
Just as important to the outcome of the series, though, will be the performance of Vancouver playmaker Yordy Reyna.
The Peruvian has been electric since finally getting healthy, registering six goals and four assists in 18 appearances from his post just behind Montero in head coach Carl Robinson’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
As he enters his first MLS postseason, Reyna takes confidence knowing that he calls the prolific Colombian forward his attacking partner.
“We know that Fredy is a player with a lot of quality and technique. It’s great playing with him because he supports you and provides the motivation every player needs,” Reyna said. "He has a a lot of characteristics, he scores goals, he’s a No. 9 and he’s a super player. We make for a great pairing, a great combination and I’ve quickly jelled with him.”
The pair have fallen a bit off their blistering September pace, when they combined for six goals and five assists over five league matches. Unlike Montero, Reyna has yet to contribute a goal or assist against Seattle, though he believes it may be coming.
"We’re doing good work during the week and it’s reflected in the game,” Reyna said. "We’re happy with everything so far and we hope Sunday is not the exception and we get a good result against Seattle."
After foot surgery kept Reyna out for most of the first half of the season, his play of late has won him consideration in the Peru national team in a pair of recent World Cup qualifiers. Though he will be disappointed not joinLa Blanquirroja for their two-legged playoff against New Zealand as they bid for their first FIFA World Cup finals appearance since 1982, he remains focused on helping the Whitecaps reach the first Conference Championship in team history.
“The last game for Peru against Colombia I had a chance to get into the match and contribute to my country and now with the Whitecaps we're in the playoffs,” Reyna said. "We have a good group and a good team and we want to keep advancing in the MLS Cup Playoffs.”
