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Posted by
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October 27, 2016 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - On a day where the Vancouver Whitecaps FC extended Coach Carl Robinson and his coaching assistants with a contract extension through 2020, the media circled at UBC to find out what went wrong, why, and where Vancouver goes forward next season after a disappointing 10-15-9 record.
Several players that fans have grown accustom to cheering and supporting won't be back in a Vancouver Whitecaps kit next season. The most noticeable will likely be..., skipper Pedro Morales. During his seven minute scrum with inquiring minds, you could sense that this was a goodbye from the Chilean maestro.
Morales quickly adapted and showed his strengths during his first season with Vancouver in 2014. He scored 10 goals and added 12 assists, and won MLS Newcomer of the Year in his inaugural season. His second season was hampered with several injuries, and 6 goals and 4 assists in 23 games. An up and down third season resulted in 9 goals and 6 assists while Morales constantly played through pain.
"I don't know, I don't know," said Morales when asked about his return next season. "It depends on what happens now after the last two months. Now my work is done, I have to see what with my manager what happens. I have a meeting with the club and make a resolution for me, and for the club. I don't know what's going to happen. I have a good conversation with Robbo (Carl Robinson), with Greg (Anderson). I'm really happy to play here, but I don't know what's going to happen now for the future."
The Caps playmaker showed flashes of skill and creativity in his 27 games this season. Six of his goals came before the end of May, followed by a four-month MLS goal-scoring drought. In Major League Soccer you need your Designated Players and top money earner producing game in, and game out. Morales wasn't able to do that and was often the scapegoat for the Whitecaps offensive problems. Despite the constant criticism and pressure, the Morales family is happy and enjoying living life in Vancouver.
"I really enjoy everyday here, my family is really happy," said Morales. "My son and wants me to play here. When I come here the first time and say maybe it's difficult, the weather is cold, the turf, but when you play, when you live here, I really enjoy it. I really say thank you for the staff here. My three years here is really happy, I enjoy the soccer. I just say thank you for the fans, for the support."
If the Morales clan is happy here, and Morales is willing to take a pay cut, should that be offered by the Whitecaps organization, does he even want to come back to Vancouver?
"I don't know, it no depend on me," said Morales. "I have to speak with my manager (agent) and see what happens for the next year, for my future."
Carl Robinson had nothing but positive things to say when discussing Morales and his future with the club. Robinson has enjoyed coaching Morales during his three seasons with Vancouver. If this is to be the end of the Morales era in Vancouver, you could say that it's fitting that his first, and possibly last match in a Whitecaps kit, both resulted in 4-1 victories and a goal for Morales.
"Pedro's been excellent," admitted Robinson. "I had a great conversation with Pedro, it's open with Pedro. Regardless of how Pedro's done here, from the first game he's come in from off the bench and set Kenny Miller up for two goals, I believe and scored himself in a 4-1 victory. If it is Pedro's last game, he scores a goal, and we win 4-1 again, I think it's quite fitting. Pedro since he's walked in, has been a constant professional. I've enjoyed working with him and we had a very very positive conversation. We'll just take our time and well see where both parties are, and then we'll move forward."
Whitecaps President Bobby Lenarduzzi wasn't about to tip his hand regarding the future of the captain or any other Caps player. Each player will, or has already had exit meetings with the Whitecaps organization. If an outcome has been decided, it will be sometime before the club announces any resolution. The Whitecaps will hold all the cards close to their chest as the long off-season commences.
"I think for now, there's no real urgency to make any concrete decisions," said Lenarduzzi. "I think in all players cases, if they aren't going to be here, they'd like to know. We have an opportunity to take a step back from it. Now that the exit meetings have concluded, in between now and the start of next season and probably less so in the next little while, their probably won't be any major decisions, but certainly the team will have a different look by the time we kickoff for our first CCL (CONCACAF Champions League) game."
Morales would like a quick decision on his future with the club. He did not turn down the possibility that he may, or may not take a pay cut to return to Vancouver. His pride could take a hit as well as his wallet, but it might just be better to say goodbye to Pedro Morales, especially after such a shocking season.
Notes: The Vancouver Whitecaps kickoff the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals knockout round against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. The return leg will take place at B.C. Place Stadium on Thursday, March 2, 2017.
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