VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps FC roster is rounding into shape as opening weekend is one month away. The Caps will host the Montreal Impact on Sunday, March 4 at B.C. Place. It's been quite a busy offseason for the organization with multiple players coming and going. Vancouver looks to have plenty of youth and potential this season.
Kei Kamara, Efrain Juarez, Anthony Blondell, Doneil Henry, Myer Bevan, David Norman Jr, and Brian Rowe are the new faces you've heard about, but there could be more. Coach Carl Robinson and his staff of scouts are circling the globe for new talent.
"It's quiet at the moment," said Robinson. "Transfer windows, you play a waiting game. Once the big teams do their business it filters on down. Over here in North America, we're always waiting on certain things. We're still looking at three or four different players in certain positions. Obviously we would need to make one or two moves out as well, which we're looking to do. We're constantly looking."
It's no secret that the Caps gaffer is looking to Mexico for his next acquisition. At the minute, that's on hold. Vancouver is said to be interested in adding another attacking midfield option, central midfielder, versatile defender, and a third keeper.
Right-back Mark Bloom could be a someone who emerges and makes a name for himself during preseason. The 30 year-old is training with Vancouver as they continue preseason in Hawaii. Bloom will no doubt get an opportunity to show what he can bring and how he could potentially fit with Whitecaps FC.
"His agent asked whether he could come in and train," said Robinson. "So, I allowed him to do that. I like players that have got something to prove, and that's what makes him hungry. Obviously, Bloomy's got that. All the reports from the guys in Toronto were very complimentary of him. He's obviously had adversity with setbacks, of injuries. He was at Atlanta last year, he didn't play too much. We'll see how it works out in preseason. There may be one or two more joining us in Hawaii, so be prepared."
Someone who will not be joining Vancouver in Hawaii is free agent midfielder, Davide Chiumiento. Out of contract, Chiumiento trained with Vancouver last fall. There has been talk that a return to Whitecaps FC could be in the cards. The Caps fan favourite is another candidate to sign in Vancouver. It's not happening yet, but it certainly could.
"I haven't spoken to Davide in the last week," Robinson revealed. "The door is not closed at all. Obviously we've got another trip coming up, when we come back. You'll see four or five different faces around the place so that'll confuse you even more, which will be good."
You don't need to be a math wizard to know that with addition comes subtraction. Any player that comes in is going to need a roster spot, and there's only so many each MLS team has. Brek Shea, Bernie Ibini, Tony Tchani, and Aaron Maund are the most likely Caps players who could depart for greener pitches a new.
The Caps all-time leader in playoff assists is happy to play wherever he is asked. Brek Shea wants to be on the pitch and contributing to the team. If there is a midfield roster crunch, the player that can excel, and adapt in another spot will be most valuable.
"There's a lot of guys that can play multiple positions," said Shea. "I've played many many positions in my career. I'm comfortable doing whatever I need to do on that day."
The silly season is not nearly over and you just know Robinson will be looking to solidify the Caps roster before they take on Montreal. The jury is still out on whether or not Vancouver are a better team on paper than at this time last year. Shea doesn't worry about what's being said. It all comes down to what happens on the pitch.
"I don't believe in things on paper," Shea admitted. "You can look at any team, and be like 'wow, that team looks good on paper, but maybe they don't play good together.' I think there's a lot of potential there, there's a lot of good players, a lot of proven players, and a lot of young players that want to improve. I think it's a good mixture of that."
Whitecaps FC have a solid foundation, a bright future, and a core group of talented players. It's about finding a few complimentary additions to make sure Vancouver is in a position to start the campaign in the best possible prepared, and ideal frame.
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