It’s been a pretty big year for Marco Carducci. The young Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper officially joined the club’s MLS roster in March, made his senior debut against Toronto FC in the Amway Canadian Championship in May, won the club’s Most Promising Player award in October and impressed in a string of appearances for the Canadian men’s U-20 team in November.
Not bad at the tender age of 18.
But while 2014 has been memorable, Carducci is hoping that next year will be even better. The Calgary native is expected to be one of the players who will benefit most from the arrival of Whitecaps FC 2, the new USL PRO team that will allow the club’s Homegrown talent to continue their development against quality competition.
So, to help you to get to know the young shot-stopper, we asked Marco to answer fans’ questions on social media. From training to matchday transport, here’s what he had to say in our exclusive Q&A.
Nick Bourgeois: What off-field drills/activity do you recommend for a U11 goalie to develop ball distribution and agility?
“For the agility, a big part of that is a lot of footwork drills, which obviously we do a lot of both on and off the field. With U-11s, you can start really young, doing a lot of footwork drills with cones. That definitely helps get the footwork going at a young age and that’s something that is absolutely one of the most important parts of a goalkeeper’s game. Being able to do stuff off the field, with cones and working on fast feet, would definitely help too.
Ball distribution is a bit tougher because most of the stuff you can do for that is on the field. I think the big thing would be just to work on it a lot in training and be confident in playing with your feet because it’s becoming more and more important in the game that a keeper be as good with his feet as an outfield player.”
Patrick Angkiriwang: How do you get mentally prepared before a game?
“There are a ton of techniques and we’re lucky to have the support staff at the Whitecaps to help us. But for me personally, I just really tend to zone myself into the moment and just focus on what’s ahead. I’ll have my own music playing before the game, but when it’s coming down to the last few minutes before kickoff or before we head out for warmup, I really like to just calm myself down, do a lot of visualization, start thinking about the game, picturing myself playing, picturing myself doing good things and just getting ready for the match.”
Leon A Bosse: What are your goals for this next season? Other than stopping them!
“I like to set the goals for myself at the beginning of the season and of course with USL PRO coming in, I’m really excited for that opportunity. I guess a general goal for me would be to have a successful year in USL PRO and just continue my development while getting closer and closer to a spot with the first team. However, a big thing for me has always been to just take it day-by-day and to take every moment I can to make myself better.”
Jay Mayede: You've played at almost every level (Residency, Reserve, Whitecaps FC first team and U-20 national team) in the past few years and yet you remain quite humble and grounded about everything. Is that reflective of how you were raised or is that a by-product of the coaching you've gotten?
“First and foremost, I’d say it’s from how I was raised. I come from a family where, for as long as I can remember, that is something that was instilled in me from my parents. That’s a big part of it but the coaching has been great. The staff that I’ve been able to work with over my time in Vancouver have helped me continue to grow and develop and reach these goals. At the end of the day though, it’s about continuing to work hard and they’ve helped me keep my feet on the ground and keep pushing on to the next level. It’s a bit of both, I guess – my parents and my coaches.”
Jacob Ydenberg: Do you take the skytrain to Whitecaps FC games?
“I did for the majority of the season last year, up until September when I got my first car, which has been really nice. So recently, I’ve been able to drive myself to games. But I did take the train quite a bit before. I would get some looks when I was wearing my Whitecaps jersey, which was pretty funny actually.”
Brandon Gilberto Chacon: Who are your idol goalkeepers?
“The biggest idol I have would have to be Gianluigi Buffon. He has been my favourite goalkeeper since I started playing. I mean, there are a lot of really great goalkeepers and I try to watch them all and pick up things from everyone, but he’s my number one. As long as I can remember. he’s been the one I’ve looked up to.”
Zach Heipel: What team did you support growing up? And what made you want to become a keeper when you were young?
“The team I supported growing up was Lazio in Italy. That came down just from family tradition – my dad supported the team and his dad supported the team, so I was kind of brainwashed from a young age - but I’ve been supporting Lazio for as long as I can remember. A big inspiration for me to start playing goal was actually my dad. When I was younger, obviously I was kicking a ball around almost as soon as I could walk and he kind of pushed towards that direction. I always really liked the position and I always wanted to play it when I was younger so my dad pushed me there, then I started to play it full time and the rest is history.”
Flávio Fernandes: What is the biggest goal you want to achieve in your soccer career?
“It’s hard to quantify that. For me, the biggest thing is just to reach the highest level I can possibly reach and I guess that’s all you can do. Obviously though, I’d love to play for Canada at the senior World Cup.”
Hugo Morales: What does it feel to be living your dream everyday when you are on the pitch?
“Honestly, it’s still surreal for me. Now that I’ve signed with the first team it’s become my job and what more could you ask for? Every day I get to go into training and play the sport I love. It’s a huge honour and privilege and I know how lucky I am to have the opportunities that I have and I’m just grateful for it.”
Daebren Jade: Who is your favourite player on Whtitecaps FC?
“I’m not going to play favourites. I can’t single anybody out because then the other guys will be all over me for it. To give somewhat of an answer to the question, I’m obviously really close with the goalkeeping group, so Paolo and Dave. I mean, I train with them every day of the year. I wouldn’t say they’re my favourites, but we get along well. I like everyone equally, there you go. I’m playing it safe.”
For more information and news about WFC2, visit the official website at whitecapsfc2.com and follow the team on Facebook.
Whitecaps FC 2 matches will be a unique, affordable experience for soccer fans, families, students, and supporters. The club is now accepting $50 deposits on Season Tickets, which start at $118 plus applicable fees – just $8 per match – for current MLS Season Ticket Holders and the UBC campus community including residents, students, staff, and faculty. A limited supply of family packs are also available, starting at $199. For more information on all ticket options go to whitecapsfc2.com or call 604.669.9283 ext.1.
