MLS: Mattocks shows plenty of raw talent

Darren Mattocks will have been happy yet frustrated following his first start of his Vancouver Whitecaps career. The Jamaican striker was a constant thorn in the Seattle Sounders’ side during their 2-2 draw against the Whitecaps. However, the youngster will have been left kicking himself after missing a hatful of clear cut chances.

Seattle head coach admitted his side were lucky Mattocks had misplaced his scoring boots, although, the Sounders defence will remember coming up against the lively frontman. While he may not have found the back of the net, Mattocks never stopped running and proved his striker’s instinct by getting himself into goal-scoring positions, albeit unsuccessfully.

"That's the life of a striker," Mattocks said. "I think I did really well but unfortunately, I was unlucky on a couple of those opportunities that I missed ... That's the way it goes sometimes. That's my first start of the season. Give me a couple of games and I'll be firing on all cylinders."

Punters who bet on soccer games expected the 21-year old to be a regular first-team player at the beginning of the season, only to suffer a freak cooking-related injury which ruled him out of action for eight weeks. Now back fully fit, Mattocks will be looking to prove he has been worth all the hype since his second overall pick at the pre-season MLS SuperDraft.

The lively striker’s 21 goals in 22 games for Akron University show the Jamaican knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. Most soccer betting tips now feel that with a regular run in the first team Mattocks will show he can be the man to score the goals that help the Whitecaps get higher up the table.