VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday the club’s roster for the upcoming MLS is Back Tournament. Whitecaps FC arrived in Orlando, Florida on Monday night and open their tournament against San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, July 15 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. All ‘Caps games will be broadcast live on TSN and TSN 1040.
The following 23 Whitecaps FC players are with the team in Florida for the MLS is Back Tournament:
Goalkeepers (3): Maxime Crepeau, Thomas Hasal, Bryan Meredith
Centre Backs (4): Derek Cornelius, Érik Godoy, Jasser Khmiri, Ranko Veselinović
Fullbacks (3): Ali Adnan, Cristián Gutiérrez, Jake Nerwinski
Central Midfielders (8): Michael Baldisimo, Janio Bikel, Simon Colyn, Inbeom Hwang, Patrick Metcalfe, Leonard Owusu, Damiano Pecile, Russell Teibert
Forwards (5): Theo Bair, Cristian Dájome, David Milinković, Ryan Raposo, Yordy Reyna
The club also confirmed that Lucas Cavallini, Fredy Montero, Georges Mukumbilwa, Tosaint Ricketts and Andy Rose will not be participating in the MLS is Back Tournament.
“Tos pushed hard to go. He will continue to train in Vancouver and if all goes well he will be ready for when the team returns,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer and sporting director. “Andy also made every effort to go but when the first match was moved to a later date it made sense for him to stay with his family in Vancouver.”
“Lucas and Fredy have valid, personal and unique reasons for not being available for the MLS is Back Tournament,” added Schuster. “We have connected as a group and they have our complete support. No question, it will be challenging to not have our full roster available during the tournament but the guys are prepared and ready.”
Statement from Lucas Cavallini:
“This was an extremely difficult decision for me. I would love to be out on the field with my teammates fighting with everything I have to play for this club and community in Orlando. Unfortunately COVID-19 has had a very big impact, taking away two beloved members of my family. I feel that it is best that I remain home to support my loved ones at this challenging time.”
Statement from Fredy Montero:
Montero posted a statement to Instagram on Monday:
Statement from Georges Mukumbilwa:
“I am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to travel with the team and play in the tournament. I know that my teammates will represent the club well and I’m excited to get back playing with them as soon as they return.”
Mukumbilwa, a Canadian permanent resident, is not cleared to travel outside of Canada at this time.
Statement from Tosaint Ricketts:
Earlier today Tosaint Ricketts also posted a statement expressing his disappointment in not being able to attend the tournament.
Statement from Andy Rose:
Rose posted a statement on Instagram on Tuesday:
