How Sergio Cordova is resurgencing back to life

Intro

The Whitecaps DP signing is resurgencing back to life after scoring 4 goals in 3 games. Cordova brought in as a designated player before the season. Caps fans were extremely frustrated with the Venezuelan striker as he didn't record a goal contribution in the first 18 games he put on a Whitecaps uniform. Which is bad for a normal player, and even worst if you're a designated player. Now he might be resourging to life.

The first 18 games thoughts

So in 18 appearances, 14 in Major League Soccer, 2 in the Canadian Championship and 2 in the Concacaf Champions League. He suffered on a right knee injury in March and he was expected to be injured for 6-8 weeks. The game he last played prior to the was on March 18, 2023 vs the LA Galaxy and the match he returned on May 13 in a Cascadia derby vs the Portland Timbers. Cordova in the limited time before the injury which was 6 games he failed to score a goal but he looked promising. After the injury it felt like he was invisible especially with in my opinion his lazy pressing, which really affected the team at the time. While sometimes making some decent runs but failing to bury the chances home. As he got a clean break-through vs LAFC and he shot it wide. He has been searching for that goal as a great performance vs FC Cincinnati he drew a penalty who Ryan Gauld scored on. At the time before he scored he had the most expected goals by a MLS newcomer I believe he ranked 23rd in the MLS if I wasn't mistaken. I am confused why Cordova is a newcomer as he played for Real Salt Lake last year but it was on a loan so maybe that's the reasoning but I'm not sure. Cordova has played 9 starts and 7 being substituted on in the MLS before his first goal. Some of the Caps fans were about to give up on Sergio Cordova but then a resurgence happened.

First goal

Sergio Cordova was subbed on vs Austin on July 12, 2023 in the 70th minute, the score was tied 1-1 when Cordova comes on the turf in BC Place. It was one of the first possessions of Cordova being substituted on, a few moments later Blackmon plays a long ball forward, White touches it to Gauld, Gauld plays a terrific through ball that brings Cordova 1 on 1, Cordova became patient juking the first defender, did a fake stepover then shoots with his left foot and precisely scores. His first ever goal with the Whitecaps with the weight removed from his shoulders. Sergio Cordova apologizes to the Caps fans for him taking so long as his celebration.

Improvement

Sergio Cordova is known as a streaky guy, so that was expected to be the first of many for the Whitecaps.. Then I feel like now the pressure is off him, now it'll be time to score on a way more consistent basis. As his finishing got better, his Whitecaps account has finally kicked off and now it's time for him to be on a run. His pressing still isn't great but it's improving slowly. Sometimes this season I feel like he's trying to do too much as he's dribbling his way and gets tackled. But now I think he understands when to dribble, when to pass and when to shoot, which is crucial for his improvement over this year.

Goals

Cordova again got subbed on versus the Galaxy with the score being 3-2 76th minute, Galaxy has the momentum as it was 3-0 for Vancouver earlier. Then Cordova made good decisions in wanting to press or just letting them play at the back in those 15 minutes. In stoppage time Cordova passes it to Caicedo who hits the crossbar but Cordova is there to finish the rebound!

Next game in the Leagues Cup, Vanni gave Sergio Cordova the nod to start and he scored 2 fantastic goals.

What can he do now?

Sergio Cordova has the potential to score 15 goals a season. If he can finish his chances and distribute the chances to his teammates. If he can do this at the beginning of the season too then he can be sensational and be a Whitecaps legend. Making $981,818 per year you expect to play at a top level. If he can improve his pressing and passing then he'll be a top level player. The Caps can potentially have a fantastic strike duo between Brian White and Sergio Cordova if Sergio Cordova continues his form.