As we get set to kick off the 2018 MLS season this Sunday, March 4 at BC Place (3 p.m. PT), today we look at four players ready to take their game to new heights. Tickets remain available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.
What Robbo says: “He’s crazy, all goalkeepers are crazy. He’s not afraid to throw himself into any situation, and he puts demands on himself and holds himself accountable. He came in last year, settled in very quickly, and made himself a key part of the team. It’s slightly reversed now for Stef with Brian chasing him, but I want competition for places.”
The skinny: Marinović came from the third division in Germany midway through the 2017 season to provide competition for David Ousted in net. By the end of the year, the 26-year-old quietly earned the starting role, and on several occasions he made spectacular saves that he brushed off as “just part of the job”.
But it wasn’t just at club level where he excelled. He came up with big save after big save for New Zealand on the international stage too, earning praise despite the All Whites falling to Peru at the final hurdle for qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The stats: The Kiwi posted a 2-2-1 overall record in his five regular season matches, including a seven save performance in the ‘Caps first ever win at Sporting KC, 1-0 on September 30. Notably, he posted 236 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal to begin his first foray into the MLS Cup Playoffs last year.
