There were two Canadian clubs in action this week in MLS and neither of them won their games.

But fans had their own reasons to celebrate individual displays as Toronto FC’s Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty was named in the MLS Team of the Week, while the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Simon Becher made it to the bench.

With Richie Laryea being called up by Canada, Marshall-Rutty seized the opportunity after being called upon by Bob Bradley at right-back and put in a stellar performance in TFC’s 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The 18-year-old, who started his transition from a right winger to a right-back last season, had a Man of the Match-worthy effort, and stood out for his defensive work rate. He finished with the most tackles by any player in the game, as well as the most duels won.

The Brampton native has made 30 appearances since joining the first team in 2020, but his minutes have never been consistent so far, something that could change when Laryea’s loan from Nottingham Forest expires in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Becher has a knack for scoring whenever given the opportunity, and that’s exactly what he did when he rescued his side during VWFC’s 1-1 draw against Minnesota United FC.

The 23-year-old came off the bench in the 70th minute, before scoring a dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute to seal the draw for his side.

After being drafted 16th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Becher has been mostly playing with the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2), where he is the leading scorer.

The Kansas native has made three substitute appearances now for the Whitecaps and has three goals to his name. Is that enough for him to earn a start soon? Given Whitecaps’ goal struggles in attack, head coach Vanni Sartini will certainly be considering it.