VANCOUVER, BC – And so it begins.
After undergoing their physicals on Saturday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC hit the pitch for a series of fitness tests on Monday, officially kicking off their 2015 preseason.
Here are some news and notes from the day.
KEEPING THE CORE
A big talking point on Monday was the continuity of the squad heading in to the 2015 season. There are some new faces, but Whitecaps FC are returning 22 players to the start of preseason – the most in their MLS history. Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson is also returning on the heels of a multi-year contract extension for he and his staff.
So can we expect the team to have the same kind of spirit that we heard a lot about in 2014?
“Absolutely,” said experienced fullback Jordan Harvey. “Robbo, first and foremost, looks at guys’ character. That’s huge in a locker room. That really pushes you forward during the lows. You saw it last season, we really pushed through those last five games to make the playoffs.”
LAST MEN STANDING
The ‘Caps underwent the dreaded Yo-Yo Intermittent Test (a variation of the Beep Test) on Monday. Nicolas Mezquida was the last man standing in the first group, which consisted of most of the veteran players and some of the younger returning ones, followed by Steven Beitashour and Harvey.
In the second group, consisting of the younger players, Residency graduate Mitch Piraux took home the honours, followed by Sam Adekugbe and Jackson Farmer. Piraux reached level 23.1.
It should be noted that favourite Russell Teibert did not take part as he's day-to-day with a foot strain.
TURNING HEADS
Another player who stood out in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test was Kekuta Manneh. The 20-year-old finished fourth in the first group, which clearly impressed some of his teammates.
“We give him a lot of grief, but Kekuta showed today that he’s ready for the season,” said David Ousted. “Erik was lightning fast as well. Those guys caught my eye.”
“Kekuta came in and was one of the top five in fitness and he’s never been close to that,” Harvey said. “That’s a huge accomplishment for him and that just speaks to his offseason.”
Last season, the young Gambian missed a big chunk of preseason due to a back injury and it took him a while to catch up from a fitness perspective. He also suffered a hip injury late in the season. The hope is that the work he put in this offseason (part of which he spent with Whitecaps FC part-owner and Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash) will help minimize the chances of that happening again and better prepare him for the demands off a full MLS season.
“It’s a credit to him today,” Robinson said. “You all know about his ability. That’s not in question, but his fitness levels to last from minute one to minute 90 needed to be better. He’s showed the hard work that he’s done in the offseason. And you can see what it meant to the group as well. You could see the spirit and camaraderie when he was the last few in the testing … it’s a good start for him.”
BROTHERS
Last week, new Whitecaps FC centre back Pa-Modou Kahreferred to Manneh as his “little brother.” Kah also said that he’s going to push Manneh hard because he wants to help unlock his “natural talent.” We saw a glimpse of that on Monday.
Towards the end of the yo-yo test, it looked like Manneh was about to fall to the ground but Kah stepped in and caught him before challenging him to keep going.
“Those are the key elements that probably a lot of people don’t see,” Robinson said of Kah. “That where the leadership that he brings to table is going to be very important to us.”
HIKING, BIKING AND MORE
We learned on Monday that Erik Hurtado came to camp 10 pounds lighter than he was last season. Like Manneh, he looks fit and ready to go.
So what did he do in the offseason to keep fit?
“Everything really,” Hurtado said. “Biking, hiking, swimming, some core exercises, some cross fit … everything.”
NO GOALS
After a season in which he topped MLS with 13 clean sheets and posted two of the three longest shutout streaks among all goalkeepers, Ousted was asked on Monday what his goals are for the upcoming season.
“I try not to set goals,” Ousted responded. “I guess my goal is to go out there and perform to the best of my abilities. And if I do that every time, I know I’ll have a good year again. But I think it’s dangerous going out and setting goals because what if you’re halfway through the season and not meeting them?”
A goalkeeper not wanting anything to do with goals? Surprise, surprise.
HOMETOWN BOY
Whitecaps FC announced the signing of Vancouver native Ben McKendry on Monday, bringing the club's total to a league-high eight Homegrown players.
Here's what McKendry had to say about signing with his boyhood team.
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
