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Posted by
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May 12, 2016 |
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@HarJournalist
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Who knew that a mid-week encounter with the Chicago Fire could bring so many talking points and excitement, but that's exactly what occurred during the match, and following a Whitecaps 2-1 win over Chicago.
Masato Kudo was taken away alert and awake on a golf cart after a dangerous collision with Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson. Kudo spent the night at Vancouver General Hospital and remains there today. Kudo has not yet had surgery to repair his fractured jaw. A timeline for his return to play is not yet know, but could take several months before he is back on the pitch.
Carl Robinson provided an update on Kudo's injury before the team flew to Toronto earlier this afternoon.
"I went to the hospital last night to see him and his wife," said Robinson. "I didn't get to see him because he was under some injections, I saw his wife. I think he's done his jaw. I think he's fractured his jaw. I think he'll have surgery today or tomorrow when they can fit him in. He's ok which is good, he's got a smile on his face, but obviously he's going to be out for a couple of weeks."
The Vancouver Whitecaps also provided an official news release with a brief update on Masato Kudo's injury.
"Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Masato Kudo suffered a fractured jaw during an 11th minute collision in Wednesday's match against Chicago Fire and is scheduled to undergo surgery. There is no current timeline on his recovery. The club will continue to provide updates as he progresses. Masato would like thank all supporters, fans, family, friends, and members of the soccer community for their outpouring of support."
Support and well wishes from around Major League Soccer have come in on social media. Matt Lampson was quick to send his thoughts to Masato Kudo. Whitecaps FC players visited Kudo in the hospital last night and also provided positive thoughts.
On the other side of social media you have the complete firestorm that unfolded during the match when it was thought that an Octavio Rivero trade to Columbus was in the cards with Columbus Crew striker, Kei Kamara heading to Vancouver. This trade did not take place and Kamara was traded to the New England Revolution this morning for a considerable trade package.
Carl Robinson addressed the the transfer gossip that dominated MLS circles.
"I spoke to Octavio last night, and I got asked a question yesterday in my press conference (by Red Nation Online), the first question and it threw me. What I'll say, and I probably should of said it yesterday. With all the speculation people are trying to do their jobs and put out rumours. You need to make sure the rumours are right. Apparently it was done and both players were aware of it. The manager wasn't aware of it, my player wasn't aware of it. I think someone's been a little bit naughty, trying to unsettle something."
"I spoke to Octavio last night and I made it clear that it was news to me. We have three designated players and what I think was given up by New England to Columbus, shows that we weren't even in a position even if we wanted to do it, to do it. I think it was just someone being a little bit naughty. If we do that with every single good player that's within the league that wants to move, or a club needs to move, we'll be creating absolute carnage. For me as the coach of Vancouver and I don't want to create carnage for other teams, because the job is hard enough. I just think someone's been a bit mischievous there. I'll just brush it under the carpet because it doesn't concern me."
As you can clearly see, Rivero seemingly had his bags packed and was already in Columbus before the Whitecaps match was even finished. It also did not help that Kei Kamara was watching the Whitecaps vs Fire match and tweeting away his thoughts from the comforts of his Ohio residence. The trade winds were clearly blowing, but that old transfer horse was not fully out the stable.
If Vancouver Whitecaps fans want to watch Kei Kamara at BC Place this season, they will get that opportunity. Well, one opportunity. New England will visit Vancouver for a Saturday, June 18 match. Hopefully by that time the Rivero / Kamara swap that wasn't, will have died down.
Most importantly, we should have a much clearer picture on the road to recovery for Masato Kudo. Of all the talking points from last nights match should be taking a back seat with the main focus and objective being the health and support for Masato Kudo.
Notes: Octavio Rivero (Ankle), Masato Kudo (Jaw), Kendall Waston (Suspension) will not be available to play Toronto FC on Saturday at BMO Field.
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