VANCOUVER, B.C. - As Vancouverites brace for a cold snap next week, Whitecaps FC are heading south to Las Vegas and Los Angeles today to continue with preseason preparations. Vancouver will take on Las Vegas Lights FC (February 17), Los Angeles FC (February 18), and Los Angeles Galaxy (February 24), before returning to Vancouver.
Yohan Mollo won't be joining Vancouver to continuing with the club. The 28 year-old had his 10 day trial come to an end after joining Whitecaps FC during preseason in Hawaii. The Caps certainly had considerable interest in the Frenchman, but that's sometimes not enough to move forward. As Robinson explains, at that time, it just wasn't in the cards.
"We had a look, and obviously we've got no space in the attacking areas at the moment, so I told him. He was a winger, a wide player for Fulham. I said to him a couple of weeks ago, 'It was a case of if anything moved, then, he's one that we would consider', Obviously, we haven't changed anything yet. I'm quite happy with my wingers as we stand, and we see he's moved on."
Although Whitecaps FC may have moved on from Yohan Mollo. Has the former Saint-Étienne man said au-revoir to Vancouver.... according to his Instagram, not exactly.
Davide Chiumiento is another footballer who Whitecaps FC have interest in, but again there hasn't been a green light to bring back the former Vancouver fan favourite. Robinson has suggested that Chiumiento could join Vancouver during preseason. That didn't happen in Hawaii, and it's unclear if the creative midfielder will be joining Whitecaps FC in Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
"Davide, I've got to reach out to Davide," Robinson said, earlier this week. "I spoke to Rusty (Russell Teibert) and there's a possibility he might come and join us in preseason, but I've said that from day one. Obviously, I know he's trying to look for a club at the moment as well. I've got other areas that I need to strengthen as well, first. We're looking at trying to bring players in, as well as moving players out."
Vancouver does not have to look far to find David Edgar. The Canadian international is working his rear-end off to find his form, and re-gain his full fitness. The training camp invite is without a contract and hoping to earn one after missing all of the 2017 season with a major knee injury. It's a wait and see process with Edgar. The Caps want to make sure they're getting someone who can step in and contribute. As such, Edgar is being evaluated.
"He's been fourteen months out," Robinson said. "He's playing in a game. We'll have a look at him today (Wednesday). He's an option for us, obviously he was in two years ago with us. He had a bad injury, and wasn't able to shake it off. We'll get some more minutes under his belt, and we'll just assess him as we go along."
As well as Edgar, right-back Sean Franklin continues to trial with Whitecaps FC. He joined the Caps in Hawaii looking to make a positive impression. The same can't be said for fellow defender, Mark Bloom. His trial with Vancouver has come to an end.
The transfer window is wide open and Carl Robinson isn't afraid to make a move if he thinks it will upgrade his club. He's not one to make a rash move for the sake of it. Mutch of the silly season rumours don't end up coming to fruition after all the hoopla.
"It's like with all players. There's lot of talk and speculation about who's staying, who's going, and that lot. The group that I've got, that I work with. I'm very happy with," said Robinson.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC kick off the 2018 MLS season on Sunday, March 4 vs Montreal Impact at B.C. Place If Robinson does decide to make a few moves, he's got 16 days.
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