As the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season gets underway, let's look at the roster for Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2). In addition to the players signed to WFC2, expect additions from the MLS roster as well as the academy throughout the season.
GOALKEEPER
- Max Anchor (MLS)
- Trystan Read (Academy)
There are no goalkeepers directly signed to WFC2, but expect 19-year-old first team goalkeeper Max Anchor to get a great number of starts as he continues his development. In addition to Anchor, the squad will likely see opportunities for goalkeepers from the academy, including 16-year-old Trystan Read as back-up for the opening match.
DEFENDERS
Four players return from last season with academy products Mihail Gherasimencov at wingback, and Finn Linder and Joshué Ndakala at centre back, while midseason-signing Darko Ilic enters his first full season at wingback. Gambian centre back Dembo Saidykhan will look to make his debut after a summer transfer, while 2023 MLS SuperDraft Buster Sjöberg joins at centre back from Syracuse University. From the academy, 18-year-old Immanuel Mathe has joined the group for the first match.
MIDFIELDERS
The midfield group sees the return of dynamic Canadian Antoine Coupland, while fellow Canadian Malcolm Simmons enters his first full season after joining in the summer. Jeevan Badwal, now on a pro contract, will look to build on his experience in MLS NEXT Pro from 2023, as will fellow academy product Liam Mackenzie. Eliot Goldthorp will add attacking punch after being an NCAA standout at the University of Hofstra and then getting selected by the 'Caps in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Tunisian Malek Mehri joined last summer and will look for his first minutes after arriving in December.
FORWARDS
The forward group will be led by returnees Jay Herdman, a New Zealand U-20 international who is returning from a season cut short by injury, as well as Canadian Lowell Wright who will look to build on his four-goal season a year ago. Newcomers include Tanzanian Cyprian Kachwele who arrived in December after a summer transfer, as well as 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau.
