Whitecaps' Hassli effective as starter or sub

Big games call for big-time performances. ``And we've got a few guys who are certainly capable of it,'' said Vancouver Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie. ``So, you're hoping those guys stand out on the day.'' The Whitecaps go for their first Canadian championship Wednesday night against three-time defending champion Toronto FC at BMO Field. While Rennie didn't name names, Eric Hassli, his biggest player, physically, at six-foot-four and 200 pounds, is the one on many a fan's mind. Will the Frenchman start, or won't he? The Canadian final will, of course, be about more than one decision from one coach, but no decision will be scrutinized more than Rennie's strategy around Hassli. Last Wednesday, in the first leg of the Canadian final at B.C. Place, Rennie gave Etienne Barbara, his former leading scorer with the second-division Carolina RailHawks, a start up front in Hassli's place. Barbara, who's missed months with a sports hernia, was Cheap Hockey Jerseys ineffective. Hassli came on in the 56th minute and, after Ryan Johnson headed Toronto in front in the 66th, Hassli struck a stunning injury-time volley that makes Vancouver's task Wednesday night far more manageable. Win and they're Canadian champions and into to the CONCACAF Champions League. Tie 1-1 and it's off to extra time. Tie 2-2 or more and they're through on away goals. Hassli, the highest-paid Whitecap, again came off the bench Saturday in a 2-2 home tie with Seattle. Rookie Darren Mattocks was the starter that night, and his strong yet unsatisfying performance - all speed and chances but no finish - only clouds the matter from the outside looking in. Is Rennie salivating at the prospect of unleashing the Jamaican flash against a young Toronto back line? Or perhaps unconvinced that Mattocks is ready to finish a chance in a crucial game. Does he try to tire out Toronto's defence with Mattocks' pace, then bring in Hassli for the kill? Or soften them up with Hassli's heft, then attack with Mattocks' speed? ``It's about making sure what we've got out there is right for this game,'' Rennie said. With four games in 12 days, concluding at Portland on Saturday, it's possible that Rennie always had Wednesday night pegged as a start for Hassli, and he's just been managing minutes and seeing what he has in other players. Or maybe Hassli is now seen as the Caps' super sub. Toronto defender Adrian Cann offered up this observation when asked if he expects to see Hassli start: ``It would be good to see him start,'' he said, ``because the longer he plays the quicker he tires out. If he gets on in the last 20-30 minutes, he's more resilient, makes the most of his opportunities.'' Hassli, who has four goals in his last six appearances, smirked when asked about returning to BMO Field. It was his goal last season that had the Whitecaps ahead an hour into the second leg of the Canadian final. Lightning and rain then forced a full replay, which Toronto won. Before last week's first leg in Vancouver, Hassli said it felt like the trophy was ``stolen'' last season. ``I have good memories and bad memories,'' Beats Headphones he said after Tuesday's training. ``But now is another game, it's really important and I'm focused. ``We play soccer to win titles. I won a (league) championship in Switzerland and I want to win something in Vancouver. ``If we can bring the cup home it will be huge for the fans and the club.'' The only thing that seems certain about Hassli is that he'll play at some point in the final. And in either role, he'll have a chance to be that big-time player Rennie talked about. ``More than anything,'' said Rennie, ``it's about making sure the guys who do play do the job. ``We're in good shape, excited about it. I feel confident we'll be ready to go in this game.''