VANCOUVER, B.C. - The MLS Gold Cup break is upon us and many footballers are enjoying some much deserved time off at the beach. Whitecaps FC have ditched their sandals for boots as they returned to training this week at the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC. At 7-7-3, with 24 points, Vancouver sit tied for the sixth, for the final MLS western conference playoff spot, with Seattle Sounders FC.
'Caps players are using this week of practice as an opportunity to build stamina, endurance, and boost playing conditions with the second half of the MLS campaign ahead. Goalkeeper, David Ousted wants to see the Caps work rate, and improvement continue while realizing what's going to come after the break.
"This week is about building a little bit of hard work out here to build for this tough summer schedule we're coming into. Long sessions, and a lot of running for the guys. We're trying to build so we get into these games in peak physical condition," said Ousted.
The MLS secondary transfer window opened on Monday, July 10 and will remain open until Wednesday, August 9. Vancouver could decide to do some tinkering if need be. Manager, Carl Robinson is currently away for MLS meetings and was unavailable to speak on about the silly season. Vice-Captain, David Ousted offered his two cents.
"That's above my pay grade," said Ousted. "We'll see what the club thinks. Carl (Robinson), and the guys upstairs have an idea of what they want to do with this team. We'll see if they feel the need to bring in additional guys in this summer. It's only going to strengthen the team and make competition for places. It's going to make everybody better."
Whitecaps FC have been hit hard with injuries throughout the season, and only now appear to be at full fitness. The return of Yordy Reyna proved to be the difference in a 3-2 win over New York City FC. Bernie Ibini, Eric Hurtado, Nicolas Mezquida, Christian Bolanos, Kendall Waston, Christian Dean, are now all fit, and available for selection.
Vancouver doesn't need to make a big acquisition during the transfer window. Getting healthy, and seeing a players returning, and making a difference is almost comparable to making a big transfer move.
"It's nice being healthy," said Ousted. "It's nice having that competition for spots. It only make the depth a lot better on this team. We've seen recent games, guys coming off the bench, having a big impact on the game, and hopefully that continues."
Vancouver announced a pair of roster moves on Tuesday with USL side FC Cincinnati. The club has loaned striker Kyle Greig through to December 31, 2017, and Whitecaps FC 2 centre back, Sem de Wit has been permanently transferred to the Alan Koch led side. Deybi Flores has once again been loaned back to Honduras, joining CD Motagua until June 30, 2018.
There could also be further loan movement to come. Whitecaps FC's Marco Bustos, Sam Adekugbe, and Ben McKendry are all candidates who could go on a loan spell to get some minutes.
It's going to be an exciting second half for Vancouver, and it all starts with another high-profile club. Whitecaps FC will take on (6-8-4) LA Galaxy on Wednesday, July 19 in Carson, California. The stars could be aligned for another monumental Vancouver win.
"They're an up and down team," said Ousted. "We know how dangerous they can be, especially their front guys. They're still scoring goals. I think we definitely have a chance to get at them. Their defence hasn't looked as solid as in earlier years. I think we have a good chance of getting after them."
The MLS Gold Cup break comes at an interesting time. It's great to get everyone healthy, work on tactics, and build team bonding. On the other hand, you know the club would love to be back on the pitch after a fantastic thrilling victory over New York City FC.
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