Earlier this week, MLS commissioner Don Garber discussed the various ideas the league is considering regarding playing out the season, including studio games without fans, and a tournament format.
Whitecaps FC players Jake Nerwinski and Andy Rose tackled these topics and more in this week’s ‘Caps media roundtable.
STUDIO GAMES
"Everyone needs to make sure they're safe, first. It's a hard decision to make to have games behind closed doors but it's going to be the best decision, probably," said Nerwinski.
“Football is very different without fans. If that's the situation, the only way to think about is positively. If it gets us out there earlier, fans can watch on TV," added Rose.
Nerwinski had an idea for have the fans represented in the stadium, if the league does decide to play matches behind closed doors.
"I would like to see a huge tifo going around the stadium of pictures of the fans. That would be pretty cool, it would almost look like it's filled."
THE HUNGER GAMES
Garber suggested the possibility of playing out a tournament in a handful of locations, if not all markets across MLS are cleared to host large gatherings.
And what if the league just decides to hold The Hunger Games to crown a champion this season?
Nerwinski was certain who he would volunteer as the club's tribute.
"Russell Teibert. He’s very fit, he’s smart. He’s been around, he’s got the experience."
Rose picked Lucas Cavallini, whom he described as "a beast."
"Jasser (Khmiri) would probably end up making friends with everyone," quipped Rose.
NEW HOBBIES
"We have this workout challenge that has been consuming all the players. Our strength coach put it on to see who could log on the most workout hours. I'm priding myself in at least getting top five," said Nerwinski.
But it's not all gym time for Nerwinski, he's also spent a lot of time on his keyboard.
"Some days, I go for an hour, and I'm doing pretty well. Other days, it's 15 minutes and I want to throw the thing away. I do want to learn for my wedding in December, that would be a pretty cool thing to do."
Rose, on the other hand, has been hitting the books.
"I’m finishing up my UEFA A licence coaching badge at the moment, there’s quite a few online modules to get sent in before the deadline. I’m also starting up to get a masters degree in sport management (through MLS' partnership with Southern New Hampshire University)."
That's when he's not busy being a dad to his two-year old, Jack.
"Jack is a huge Spike fan. I’ve had to dig up YouTube videos of Spike from previous years just to keep him occupied. 8:30 a.m. every morning, we sit down and watch 'Caps Clubhouse, he loves it. He understands now that to get him to sit still to read a book, I tell him it’s for Spike, it’s for the Whitecaps and suddenly, he’s all ears. It’s been a lot of fun."
