Team of the Matchday: FC Cincinnati, LAFC & Inter Miami increase the gap
The top three contenders in the Supporters' Shield race? They all sustained momentum in Matchday 24, prompting no-brainer Team of the Matchday presented by Audi selections.
A tenacious defender who's comfortable on the ball, MathÃas Laborda joined Whitecaps FC in January 2023 via the use of Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) after spending six years with Uruguayan side Club Nacional de Fútbol.
The Uruguayan agreed to a contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
WHITECAPS FC
'24: Laborda enjoyed a career-year in his second season with the ‘Caps. The Uruguayan started 35 of his 40 appearances across all competitions, splitting time between centre back, right wing back and right back. Laborda also tallied two goals and two assists on the year, scoring in the 3-1 road win at FC Dallas on March 16 as well as the 3-1 road win at Minnesota United FC on July 3. Following the match against Minnesota, Laborda was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 24.
'23: Laborda split time playing at centre back and right back during his first season with the club. The native of Fray Bentos, Uruguay started 23 of his 32 appearances across all competitions, making 15 starts as a centre back and eight as a right back. Laborda made his debut as a starter in the club’s away match against San Jose Earthquakes on March 4 and scored his first ‘Caps goal on September 27 at Colorado Rapids.
NACIONAL
'16-'22: Laborda started 82 of his 101 appearances across all competitions for Uruguayan Primera División side Club Nacional de Football, helping the side win three Primera División titles in 2019, 2020 and 2022 as well as the 2021 Uruguayan Supercopa. The centre back also added six goals and an assist during his time with the club. Laborda originally came through Nacional’s youth academy joining the club at 16 and helped the team’s U-20 side win the U-20 Copa Libertadores in 2018, eventually signing his first professional contract with the first team in 2019.
INTERNATIONAL
Laborda has represented Uruguay at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels.