Whitecaps FC held a preseason intrasquad at the NSDC on Saturday. 13 first team players were missing due to international duty, injury, or travel restrictions and paperwork. That paved the way for 10 players from the Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy to step in, as well as one academy trialist.
Here are four observations from the match.
Cava the workhorse
It might have been a preseason intrasquad, but Lucas Cavallini played as he always does - with the intensity of a cup final.
With so many players missing, there were bound to be challenges to find rhythm and chemistry. But Cavallini was relentless throughout, showing his signature hustle and battle.
The big striker also showed off his skill set, with a number of class first touches, dribbles, and composure to scan the field. He of course rippled the mesh on a penalty kick goal, but more impressive may have been his vision on the second half tally.
Guti good
Cristián Gutiérrez had a noticeable impact from his left back position, both defending well against the young competition when called upon, and springing into the attack when the opportunity presented.
It was his final pass that led to the penalty kick for the opening goal.
Guti recently earned his first call-up to the Canadian men's national team in January. Might he get another call to the roster for World Cup qualifying this month?
Teibert the winger
Speaking of the left flank, Russell Teibert looked like he turned the page back to his early days in a 'Caps uniform.
We saw Rusty playing on the left wing at times in 2020, bringing his incredible work rate and midfield know-how to allow the fullbacks to overlap. On Saturday, he showed some of his attacking traits, with a burst of speed and service through what has always been a very strong left-footed cross.
This comes a day after Friday's 10-year anniversary of the club's first ever MLS match - one where he started at that same left wing position.
Might we see more? We will have to wait to find out.
A good day for the academy
Saturday was a great opportunity for a good number of Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy players, and all-in-all they showed well in front of head coach Marc Dos Santos and his staff.
There were times where you could see the difference in physicality and experience from the MLS talent, but the young players were never deterred or overwhelmed. Before, during, and after the match, Andy Rose could be spotted mentoring players.
They had their moments too, and with continued development there could be more promise in the pipeline for the coming years.
