Quality Time | Édier Ocampo, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC's latest signing Édier Ocampo shares his desire to move to Vancouver, his experiences in professional soccer so far, and his passion for music.

"The Whitecaps are a big club, they’re the best team in Canada. I’m very happy and can’t wait to help everyone here be better every day and give my grain of sand so we can become champions."

When did you find out about Vancouver’s interest in you?

It was about a month ago. My agent called me and told me of the interest, and yeah, I almost died of the excitement. He told me to handle [my business] calmly until everything would be finalized perfectly. So I waited and thanks to God everything was finalized this week.

What was most interesting to you about the idea of coming to Vancouver?

I’ve always liked the United States and now that I’m part of the Whitecaps and I’m in Canada, I know I’m going to be close to the United States. I know that the league is very competitive and overall, I’m very happy to be in it. I also know there’s some good players in the league right now. I was also very excited because I know Alphonso Davies came through Vancouver’s system and went to Bayern so yeah the Whitecaps are a big club, they’re the best team in Canada. I’m very happy and can’t wait to help everyone here be better every day and give my grain of sand so we can become champions.

Quality Time | Édier Ocampo, presented by GE Appliances

Have you seen the team play already? Were you familiar with any of the players before joining the club?

Yeah, I watched the game against Tijuana that we won, thanks to God, and I’ve also been keeping my eyes on the games here and there so yeah it’s been good. In terms of the players, I know of some of them, I’ve heard of Pedro [Vite] before because my town, San Andrés de Tumaco, is close to Ecuador so I’ve heard of him and some other players but yeah, I can’t wait to meet all the players as well.

What types of goals do you hope to achieve here during your time in Vancouver?

To make the team better every day and the simplest goal is to help the team become champions this season and form a family with all the teammates that I will be joining.

Before signing with the club, did you speak with other Colombians that are currently playing in MLS or were playing in the league before?

I didn’t speak to anyone before signing but I’ve been in contact in the past with a lot of players from the league like Andrés Gómez [from Real Salt Lake], Edwin Mosquera [from Atlanta United FC], Fernando Álvarez [from CF Montréal] as well. I watch them a lot and I see they’ve been doing well so I’ll be like ‘hey brother, how is everything over there.’ The ones I spoke to the most were Jorge Cabezas Hurtado [formerly of New York Red Bulls] but he’s at Watford now and Mosquera. I played at the U-23 national team with Mosquera, played the U-20 World Cup and the South American Games with Álvarez and Hurtado. I also played with Nelson Palacio [from Real Salt Lake] there.

Quality Time | Édier Ocampo, presented by GE Appliances

Do you have a favourite memory from your time with Atlético Nacional? If so, which one stands out?

I’d say when we became champions of the Colombian cup against Millonarios and also the goal I scored against Independiente Medellín, I guess. Those are my favourite moments that I’ll remember.

You haven’t seen a lot of the city yet but from what you’ve been able to see online and what you’ve heard, what excites you about living in this beautiful city?

I’ve spoken with a lot of people and they all tell me that it’s the best city in the world. Of course, the tough part is it gets cold over there but you can adapt to that but yeah, the city is beautiful. I’m excited and super anxious to get to know the city.