This Sunday Whitecaps FC kick off their 2018 MLS season against Canadian rivals Montreal Impact at BC Place (3 p.m. PT). Tickets remain available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.
Today we look at three key team leaders for the coming season.
What Robbo says: “Effy is a natural leader. It is born and bred in him. He wants to lead, and he does lead. He sets examples with everything he does as a true professional.”
The skinny: Juarez brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, having played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and in the UEFA Champions League, and having won the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups.
He’s already been seen mentoring and speaking to other players on the team, and will be key to continuing to cultivate a winning culture.
The stats: The 29-year-old comes to the ‘Caps with 274 professional club appearances and 39 senior caps with the Mexican national team. With Monterrey in the 2015-16 season, he started 32 matches in league and cup play, and scored two goals.
What Robbo says: “Kendall leads by example, obviously with his presence. He loves the responsibility to be called upon and depended upon, and he has really taken pride in being our captain. He certainly has the respect of the players.”
The skinny: The 6-foot-5 centre back has come a very long way since first joining the team in 2014. Today, as he enjoys life in Vancouver with his wife and son, he is bonafide star – both in MLS and for the Costa Rican national team. He will always have legendary status for the Ticos after scoring the goal that qualified his country for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He has also had a number of memorable moments with the ‘Caps, and will be looking to add even more as team captain.
The stats: The biggest stat for Waston in 2017 may well have been zero. The big man, who led by example in his first season as captain, did not receive a single red card during the season, and missed only one match from caution accumulation.
He was also utterly dominant on set pieces by the end of the season, scoring a career high five goals (including playoffs), along with two assists.
What Robbo says: “Kei is very charismatic. He is brilliant to have on the team. We obviously know that on the pitch he brings a tall, physical presence. Off the pitch he is a genuine guy, and he is able to connect well with the young players. He’s a family man, he’s humble. At the end of the day he does his talking on the football pitch and he holds people accountable. We need that as a group.”
The skinny: 2K3, if you follow him on Instagram – which you should. Kamara has not only gotten the job done as a top striker in MLS over his career, but he’s had fun while doing it.
As one of the top goalscorers in the league, the ‘Caps were delighted to acquire him from New England Revolution in December. He appears to be a perfect fit to get on the end of crosses into the box and set the smoke cannons off at BC Place.
The stats: The 6-foot-3 striker has more headed goals (19) than any other player in MLS since returning to the league in 2015. He is second among active players in career scoring with 98 goals, behind only Chris Wondolowski. The man scores goals – and he often brings out some great celebrations when he does.
