VANCOUVER, BC – After a solid six points from four straight matches on the road, the ‘Caps finally return to BC Place on Saturday to face a Sporting Kansas City team that has started the season very strong - kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT on TSN and TSN 1040 radio.
Here are some news and notes from training.
AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE
The ‘Caps made a surprise move right at the close of the MLS Primary Transfer Window, reinforcing their attacking options with the addition of Australian international striker/winger Bernie Ibini.
The big Aussie has now arrived in Vancouver and made his first appearance at training on Tuesday. So far he likes what he’s seen from his new home.
“I like the city a lot, it’s very similar to Sydney. I’m looking forward to exploring more and getting used to the city.”
As for what he brings to the team, expect a player that loves to attack.
“I’m definitely going to try to bring a lot of excitement. I’m a player that likes to try to take players on and create goalscoring opportunities and score goals myself. So that’s what I’m going to try to bring to the team.”
After a stop-start last few years going to China and Belgium, then breaking his leg and returning to play on loan in Australia, Ibini is now looking for stability and a kickstart to showcase his talent.
“I’d definitely like to build my career here, and I think I can definitely do that here… MLS is definitely a good league that I can improve as a player.”
He won’t be in the lineup just yet. It’ll be a couple of weeks before he gets into game action as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered prior to the recent A-League Grand Final.
BACK AT BC PLACE
Carl Robinson and his team haven’t been at BC Place for quite a while. They can thank U2 for that, as the world-renowned band was using the venue to practice ahead of the start of their tour.
“They’re lucky they’re good,” quipped Robbo.
Despite being on the road for so long, the 'Caps have played well and seem to be growing in confidence. Robinson has been pleased with the attitude he’s seen from the group.
“I’ve asked them and challenged them to be good every day and put that into play in games, and they’ve done that. Sometimes results come, and sometimes they don’t. But we’ll focus on what we can do and getting players healthier coming back. So hopefully competition for places will increase as well.”
FROM USL ACTION TO THE BATTLE OF THE NORTH?
WFC2 are on a bye week with no USL action for the group this coming weekend. Their next match is at Langley’s McLeod Athletic Park next Sunday, May 28 as fans are invited to bring their dogs as part of Mutts at McLeod.
But it’s no time to rest for the ‘Caps young prospects. It’s the opposite, in fact, as they look to impress ahead of the upcoming Battle of the North in the Canadian Championship versus Montreal Impact.
Training for the USL group has shifted from Burnaby Lake out to UBC, where they will be seen all week under the watchful eyes of the first team staff.
A number of players on the MLS roster are already chomping at the bit for minutes. Can any players from the USL roster jump into the fold?
Stay tuned.
