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May 24, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - In order to have any success in football, you must have an oustanding defence. If you've got a back-four that's out to lunch, you're not going to win anything. Heading into the 2018 campaign, Whitecaps FC faced a challenge, who would be the centre-back that stepped into the lineup in place of the transferred Tim Parker.
José Aja, Aaron Maund, Doneil Henry, and David Edgar were all candidates at some point. Maund started the first four matches for Vancouver, but it would be Aja who formed a solid partnership alongside skipper, Kendall Waston.
"Yeah, I'm really happy about that." Aja said, as he described his partnership. "I come here to play, and I'm playing the games. I'm so happy to give my best everyday, every game, to help the team. We are preparing to get three points."
The 25 year-old Aja has started 35 MLS matches in three seasons. He has started the last eleven matches for Whitecaps FC. In his only shot on target this season, Aja scored his first career MLS goal on May 11 vs Houston.
Acquired on February 24, 2018, Aja was on the outside looking in with his former club, Orlando City SC. He had a terrific 2016 rookie season, but a hamstring injury, and a revolving centre-back door limited his minutes last season under Manager Jason Kreis.
"The first season, I played good for the team," Aja explained. "When they bring in others players, sometimes I play, sometimes I go to the bench. It's hard to keep the confidence when you play sometimes, and when you don't play."
Whitecaps FC Manager, Carl Robinson knows exactly why Aja's confidence has returned.
"Probably playing, a little bit of belief." Robinson told reporters earlier this week. "We've got a good group of players here that make people feel welcome when they come. Whatever nationality, country, you're part of this group. It's a team mentality here, not an individual mentality. From the moment he walked in the door, he felt comfortable. We've got other Uruguayan players here, which are characters in themselves, and they made him feel welcome. I think him and Kendall have got on very well off the field. It's nice to have a little bit of competition. I still think there's a lot more to come from him, because there's some areas where he needs to improve on, but it's nice to see him play, and with a smile on his face."
As 4-5-4 Whitecaps FC prepare to play the 5-4-2, New England Revolution on Saturday afternoon at B.C. Place. It will be the last match for Waston before he departs to join Costa Rica leading up the World Cup. Aja will have to form a new bond with another centre-back.
New England native, Aaron Maund, has the most MLS experience playing centre-back. Aja and Maund started two games for the Caps earlier this season. A 4-1 loss to Atlanta United FC on March 17, and a nil-nil draw at home to the LA Galaxy on March 24.
"I played one or two games with him," Aja said, of Maund. "I'm very comfortable to play with him as well. I'm very happy I'm playing for the team. I'm looking forward, and forward."
Maund isn't the only option for Whitecaps FC, but he's the most logical, and he's a natural centre-back. Canadian international, Doneil Henry, could also factor into the equation when he returns next week from his one month loan with USL side, Ottawa Fury FC.
If Carl Robinson has an idea, he's keeping it under his hat for now.
"Yeah, that's a good question." Robinson said, as he gathered his thoughts. "We'll look at different players in that area. We've got Maundy who started the season, done very well. We've got Doneil out on loan at the moment, who's played three good games for Ottawa. Doneil will be back. We've got other players that can play there. Effy (Juarez) can play centre-back, as well as Marcel (de Jong) or Aly Ghazal. We've got options. The transfer window will open in a couple of weeks (July 10). I can't give you a definitive answer of who will play next to him, because that is subject to change, but we'll look at all possibilities."
The Montevideo product is grateful for the opportunity Whitecaps FC have shown. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery, a different perspective, and a new challenge. Having Robinson in his corner has made a huge difference for Aja.
"He's totally confident with me." Aja said, of Robinson. "He called me in the preseason, and said, I would be important for the team here, so I'm very happy for that."
Jose Aja is showing that a boost in confidence is sometimes all an athlete needs to get going. It's easy enough to lose faith, but staying the course has helped Aja bounce back.
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