VANCOUVER — When you take a look back at the Whitecaps’ season last year, the one stat that stands out the most, aside from not winning a single road game, is the fact the team only won six league games.

Fast forward to 2012, and Vancouver is in a position to earn its sixth straight victory in all competitions this weekend and match their win total from last year — and it’s only May.

The term “confident group” is sometimes overused in sports when describing a team who is winning, but talking to several Vancouver players, and seeing the way they interact even after a loss, you can tell this is one of those confident groups.

Martin Rennie and his coaching staff have done a brilliant job of not only putting a great product on the field, but also keeping players happy off the field.

With the depth of talent Rennie has on his side, you would think there is no stopping this team. I know it is early in this season, but from keeping a close eye on things, I would have to agree.

The Whitecaps are loaded up front with offensive firepower, their midfielders are all class, while the defenders and goalkeepers are all reliable. And the best part about this all for Rennie is he is only seven games into his tenure as an MLS coach.

There probably will be some rough patches, there might be a losing streak or two, but Rennie was brought here for a reason and so far so good for the ‘Caps.

Chiumiento shinning bright

Arguably Vancouver’s most skilled player, Davide Chiumiento has found himself in a tough situation this year. But unlike last season where he may have let his emotions get the most of him, the Swiss playmaker has taken things in stride and continued to work on every aspect of his game.

Known for his amazing footwork, the ability to beat defenders with one move, Chiumiento, like Eric Hassli, has found himself on the bench to start the last few MLS games. During the second leg match vs. FC Edmonton this week, Chiumiento played a part in setting up all three goals and helping lead his team to victory.

Now, does Chiumiento want to be the guy that only plays in Canadian Championship games? The answer is probably not, but you wouldn’t be able to tell with the way he works and carries himself.

He has taken it upon himself to try and buy into the defence-first style of play that Rennie preaches, he is a lot fitter, faster and stronger than he was last year, and it appears it will be just a matter of time before he will be back into the regular starting rotation.

Revving up for the Revs

Coming off a stunning and what a lot of people are calling a shocking victory over the San Jose Earthquakes last week, Vancouver is on the road in Boston this weekend to take on the New England Revolution.

The Revs sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 3-6-0 through nine games this year.

During Wednesday’s Canadian Championship game, Rennie rested a number of players including Y.P Lee, Martin Bonjour, Alain Rochat and Omar Salgado, all who will likely start this weekend.

With the way the schedule works for the ‘Caps they will be playing two games a week until the end of the month.

This is where depth comes into play for Rennie, as he has said time and time again he is not afraid to rest players or give them some time off because he knows other guys are chomping at the bit to get in.

My starting XI for the Whitecaps vs. Revolution: Joe Cannon, Alain Rochat, Jay DeMerit, Martin Bonjour, Y.P Lee, Gershon Koffie, Jun Marques Davidson, Matt Watson, Omar Salgado, Sebastien Le Toux, Camilo.

Irfaan Gaffar is a Vancouver-based writer who works out of the Sporstnet Pacific Bureau. Follow Irfaan on Twitter.

By Laszlo Szele for sportsnet.ca

Finding inspiration from John Furlong’s open letter to the Vancouver Whitecaps faithful a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would take a moment to write my own such note to none other than Eric Hassli. Struggling to find the score sheet for the first time since August of last year, I figured I would try to offer my own words of inspiration.

Dear Monsieur Hassli,

May I call you Eric?

As a fan of the game I have admired your skills and technical ability since day one in Vancouver. As a TV producer, I have marveled at the wonderful goals you’ve given us to work with both during our live broadcasts and in the edit suite. You’re a natural at building storylines for us.

Saturday programming alert: Watch the Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Columbus Crew live on Sportsnet Pacific starting at 4:30 pm PT/ 7:30 pm ET.

It’s truly a shame that so many of the storylines amongst the press recently have been so harsh. I’ve seen the passion and commitment in training, the focus on gameday and the even appreciation for your followers on twitter, @liam2929! What better handle is there than a tribute to your son?

You came into the season more fit than perhaps any other time in your career, and you opened up to us all about some of your dark secrets. You were injured as a teen heading the ball and you’ve hesitated to challenge for them the same way since. I get it, I think we all do. Don’t worry, you’re one of us, a man of the people, even with all the tattoos and really intimidating hairstyle. Hey, I have a fear of flying, I hate spiders and clowns make me nervous. I think we know which of us has the real issues.

Nobody wants to score that elusive first goal of the season more than you, I know that for a fact.

So the question shouldn’t be “when will it happen” but rather “how will you celebrate?”

While not entirely legal, there was no goal celebration more astonishing that the second-jersey reveal last season. While it may not have won the heart and mind of referee Baldomero Toledo, it went a long way in cementing your spot in Whitecaps folklore. All right, an expensive celebration I’m sure, but really, who knew?

Not to worry, if ever elected as FIFA president, my first job, would be to re-evaluate the rule. That and institute video replay perhaps, but we both know what takes priority. Give me some time.

Now, let me get to the point. The Columbus Crew may be “America’s Hardest Working Team,” but to me, you’ve got to be Vancouver’s “Hardest working DP”! You’ve been instrumental in a number of goals already this season. The flick-on, with your head of course, to Sebastien Le Toux in the opener was marvelous. The set-up on Letoux’s opener in San Jose? Magnifique!

All right, I believe I’ve showered you with enough praise. But, with that in mind, I was hoping you could also do a favour for me. Our ratings this season have been great, but Nothing gets ratings higher than a dramatic storyline with a complex character and a dramatic finish. I know the goal is going to come sooner or later, but with me in the producer’s chair, they’ll be no better than say, the 90th minute with the game tied at 1-1? Maybe injury time? How about mere seconds before the final whistle?

A celebration directed at our hand-held camera would also be appreciated. I’ll leave the choreography to you, but maybe a theme? The working man celeb? A hammer and sickle salute? No, too political. A French cliche? How about “the moustache curl”? Down on all fours like a snail? We’ll call it “the escargot.” Whatever the decision, I trust you — but use your head, er, you know what I mean — and try to keep your shirt on.

Sincerely,

Laszlo

PRODUCER’S PICK: What else? Hassli scores the winner late. Whitecaps win 2-1.

Laszlo Szele is a producer on Sportsnet’s soccer broadcasts.