WHITECAPS FC IN THE NEWS:
It's exactly ‘three’ days until the season opener against Montreal Impact on March 10th at BC Place, so to add to the excitement we'll be doing a countdown themed ‘Caps Chronicle for each day leading up to First Kick. Let’s take a look at the number ‘three’.
The number ‘three’ is a significant one for Vancouver Whitecaps FC this year, particularly during preseason which saw standout performances by Bryce Alderson (36), Jordan Harvey (3), Greg Klazura (32), Michael Nanchoff (13), as well as goals by Camilo Sanvezzo (37), Long Tan (23) and Russell Teibert (31). The summer brings another brace of three's when 33 year old Whitecaps Designated Player Barry Robson joins the team.
It's Currently only 3°C outside, but the temperature won't matter in ‘three’ days time at 3pm PT when Vancouver Whitecaps FC host their 37th home opener at BC Place. It will be the ‘third’ time hosting a season opener at BC Place, with the club having previously done so in 1983 and 1984. Anticipation is high, with over 13,000 season tickets sold so far (starting at only $329). Coming off a tremendous preseason, including winning the Disney Pro Soccer Classic last week, the squad is, “Vowing to kick it up a notch,” according to one reporter. (Bruce Constantineau - Vancouver Sun)
What's 3 multiplied by 2? That would be 6, and that's where the 'Caps are stationed in the most recent MLSsoccer.com power rankings, up from the 12th spot. “This is a team that not only has skill, speed, toughness and flair in the attacking third,” they stated, “they're a group that's goal-hungry.” (MLSsoccer.com)
In addition to the powderkeg of attacking power on the roster, a completely transformed backline definitely spurred the jump in power rankings including a healthy DeMerit, a new Argentine centreback and ‘three’ time World Cup participant Young-Pyo Lee. TSN's Luke Wileman is also optimistic about the 'Caps this year. "Heading into the new year, there is a sense of confidence, optimism and expectation running throughout the club and its fans," he said before calling the 'Caps, "a team capable of challenging for a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs." (Luke Wileman - TSN)
Whitecaps FC continued to add depth to the squad with the announcement yesterday of the addition of Floyd Franks to the roster. The 27 year old midfielder previously played under head coach Martin Rennie, including scoring two goals and ‘three’ assists in 33 appearances in 2010. "He's different than a lot of players that we have," Rennie said in a statement. "He brings aggressiveness and he can play a number of different positions. He'll add great depth to the squad." (Canadian Press - The Tyee)
WHITECAPS FC PODCASTS & RADIO:
‘Whitecaps FC Daily’ with Peter Schaad is back in its usual 3:00 p.m. timeslot on TEAM 1410 sports radio! For those of you who may have missed past episodes, you can find them HERE!
The show airs every Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. PT on TEAM 1410.
You can always get your soccer fix every Sunday night from ‘9’ p.m. to 11 p.m. PT by tuning into ‘Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show’ with Tyler Green and Mike Martignago on TEAM 1040. HERE!
West Coast Soccer Weekly is a new podcast hosted by Canadian Soccer News writers Pierce Lang and Michael McColl. For all things soccer on the best coast, including up to date coverage of Whitecaps FC, Highlanders, Men's and Women's Canadian national teams, and local community clubs be sure to listen in HERE!
Have you heard about ‘The Soccer Show’ with Nigel Reed and Bob Iarusci? Make sure to listen HERE!
WHITECAPS FC IN THE HOUSE:
As the band Thin Lizzy once sang, "The boy's are back in town!" Which is exactly why Whitecaps’ videographer Paul Albi caught up with them during practice today, as they prepared for the big game. (Paul Albi - Whitecapsfc.com)
