REDNATION SPEAKS WITH MARCUS HABER OF THE VANCOUVER WHITECAPS Interview - Feature | Posted on Oct 30/09 by Steven Bottjer

Rednation Online recently had the opportunity to speak with Marcus Haber, a young Canadian striker who plays with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1). Haber has represented Canada at the U-17, U-20 and U-23, playing as both a striker and a central defender. 2009 was a breakout year for the young Canadian as he was named United Soccer Leagues First Division Rookie of the Year for the 2009 season, as well as picking up the Newcomer of the Year and Fan Favourite awards with the Whitecaps.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Marcus Haber grew up in grew up in the Dunbar neighbourhood of Vancouver and became proficient at soccer, baseball and basketball as a youth. He was a student at Lord Kitchener Elementary School and Lordy Byng Secondary and played soccer for Dunbar SA from 1994 to 2002. In 2006, Haber lead his local cub the Vancouver Selects to a National Championship.

In July 2006, Haber made the move to Europe when as a 17 year old he joined the youth set-up of Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen. Playing as a striker with the club’s U-19 A1 team, he scored two goals in 20 appearances. Haber also made two appearances with Groningen’s reserve team in his first year with the club. In the 2007-2008 campaign, the striker had more productive 2nd season with the Dutch side, scoring seven times in 20 appearances with the U-19 A1 team and making four appearances with Groningen’s reserve side. After being released by FC Groningen at the end of the 2007-08 season, Haber trialled with English sides Leeds United, Hartlepool United and Gillingham FC, but did not sign a contract with any of the clubs.

Haber returned to Canada in early 2009 and signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps on February 11, 2009. He made his USL-1 debut in a season-opening scoreless draw against the Charleston Battery on April 11, 2009 and scored his first goal for the club during a 2-1 away defeat to Puerto Rico Islanders. That goal earned Haber a spot in the USL-1 Team of the Week for Week Two. It was the first of many awards and recognitions that would come the way of the young striker in his first season with the Whitecaps. On May 20th, 2009, Haber scored the winning goal in the Whitecaps 2-0 away win over Montreal Impact in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Haber again made the USL-1 Team of the Week (for Week 14) after producing a goal and an assist in a 4-0 home win over Minnesota Thunder on July 9, 2009. After a successful regular season in which he scored 8 goals, he then scored in both legs of the playoff semifinal series against Portland Timbers, helping the Whitecaps advance to the USL-1 Championship Series with a 5-4 aggregate victory. In the first leg of the USL-1 Championship Series, Haber scored one of his best goals of the season during a 3-2 home defeat to Canadian rivals Montreal Impact on Oct. 10. After a highly successful debut season, he was named as Rookie of the Year in the USL First Division, as well as claiming the Whitecaps Newcomer of the Year and Fan Favourite awards.

At the International level, Haber has represented Canada at various youth international levels, having made his debut for his country's U-15 Development side during a 1-1 friendly draw with the United States on Dec. 29, 2004. He has also represented Canada at the U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He played as a centerback in all three of Canada’s matches at the U-20 World Cup and made three Pre-Olympic Qualifying appearances in Canada’s unsuccessful campaign to reach the 2008 Men's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, China.

With a very successful first season with the Whitecaps under his belt and experience playing with Canada at various levels, the youthful 20 year old striker is a player to watch and one that Canadian fans hope will continue to develop as a top class striker for club and country.

Whitecaps Marcus Haber, USL-1 Rookie of the Year: