|
Posted by
,
January 31, 2018 |
|
Twitter
@HarJournalist
|
|
Read this on your iPhone/iPad or Android device
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VANCOUVER, B.C. - Whitecaps FC skipper Kendall Waston is as focused as ever as he prepares for his fifth season with Vancouver. The 'Towering Tico' knows that expectations for the Caps will be high again this season, and he doesn't want it any other way.
Coach Carl Robinson and his staff have made a lot of roster changes leading up to first kick on Sunday, March 4 vs Montreal Impact. Kei Kamara, Efrain Juarez, Anthony Blondell, Myer Bevan, Doneil Henry, and David Norman Jr have all come in. Veterans Jordan Harvey, David Ousted, Andrew Jacobson, Fredy Montero, and Matias Laba have all found new clubs.
"Well, in football it always happens," Waston said, when asked about the changes. "Now in the present, I think with the new guys coming in, they're bringing a lot of courage, experience. I think that we have great, great quality this year. Hopefully we can get all the things that we are set to win."
When it does come down to winning, Vancouver will look to improve on a 2017 western conference semifinal playoff exit courtesy Seattle Sounders FC. The Caps have all the potential, skill, coaching, and player personnel available to reach new heights this year. That's one of the reasons why Waston has such lofty, ambitious goals.
"Get into the playoffs, however it takes, and from there, try to get to the final, and win it," Waston revealed.
The 30 year-old Waston won't be around for every Vancouver Whitecaps FC match this season. Waston will likely be named to Costa Rica's 2018 World Cup roster in the spring. While he knows he will be away for some portion, Waston is downplaying his absence.
"Yeah, but that's only going to happen until the World Cup, June, when it ends. It's not like so many games," said Waston.
Group E action will see Costa Rica take on Serbia (June 17), Brazil (June 22), and Switzerland (June 27). As of now, Waston isn't quite sure when he will depart to join the 27th FIFA ranked nation, and exactly how that will impact his availability with Vancouver.
"To be honest, I don't know," Waston admitted. "I know we have friendly games at the end of March, and after our camp before the World Cup that will be in May. Yes, it's going to be a few games that I'm going to miss."
One particular Whitecaps FC teammate Waston may see at the 2018 Russia World Cup is Peruvian attacking midfielder, Yordy Reyna. During the offseason, Reyna was frequently questioned regarding the death of Peruvian Volleyball star Alessandra Chocano. Local police have interviewed and since cleared Yordy Reyna.
"I spoke to him, I know what he went through is nothing easy," said Waston. "The media in those countries is difficult. They're always want to see what they can sell. Obviously they're looking for any little issue, any little thing to sell their news."
As a leader, a vocal voice, and someone who leads by example on and off the pitch, Waston is exactly the kind of individual who could help a struggling teammate. It may not be easy for Reyna to adapt and get back to comfortability and life with football.
"Well, Yordy is a big guy," said Waston. "This didn't affect him at all. Maybe in the moment, he was frustrated, obviously hearing the news and being in those situations, but it is over. He's back as the same Yordy as last year."
Whether he is on the pitch for Whitecaps FC or getting set to track Neymar at the World Cup, Kendall Waston is in for one exciting year. Vancouver and Costa Rican supporters will be hoping Waston is locked in and determined to help club and country win big.
|