VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has exercised the 2023 Major League Soccer contract options on four players bringing the first team roster to 22 players for next year.
Vancouver exercised the 2023 contract options on Sebastian Berhalter, Isaac Boehmer, Julian Gressel and Ryan Raposo.
“Over the last couple transfer windows, we have built a solid foundation and know where we need to improve to take the next step,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “We will use this offseason to further strengthen our team and have the majority of our roster set for the start an important preseason camp in January. Everyone at the club is working towards 2023 as we prepare for the MLS regular season, Concacaf Champions League, inaugural Leagues Cup and defence of the Canadian Championship."
The club is continuing discussions with the following players on an option in Lucas Cavallini, Derek Cornelius (away on loan through December 2022 with Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC), Cody Cropper, Marcus Godinho, Jake Nerwinski, Leonard Owusu and Tosaint Ricketts. The club's deadline for options to be exercised is November 14 at 9 a.m. PT.
The 'Caps are also in talks with Florian Jungwirth, who will be eligible for MLS Free Agency.
Finally, Vancouver confirmed that four players will not be returning in 2023 as the club did not exercise contract options on Janio Bikel, David Egbo and Evan Newton, while Michael Baldisimo is out of contract and will be eligible for MLS Re-Entry Draft.
“We are thankful to Janio, David and Evan, and wish them the best,” added Schuster. "I would also like to give a special thank you to Michael, who started in our Academy and has been at our club for over a decade. Although it didn't work out for him at this point, we will continue to support him as needed and also wish him all the very best."
Players under contract for 2023 and currently not on loan, as well as Cavallini - who received clearance from the MLS Players Association - are training at the Whitecaps FC National Soccer Development Centre for the next two weeks.
First team players under contract for 2023:
Goalkeepers (3): Max Anchor, Isaac Boehmer, Thomas Hasal
Defenders (7): Tristan Blackmon, Javain Brown, Matteo Campagna, Julian Gressel, Cristián Gutiérrez, Luís Martins, Ranko Veselinović
Midfielders (8): Caio Alexandre*, Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Ryan Gauld, Ryan Raposo, Alessandro Schöpf, Russell Teibert, Pedro Vite
Forwards (4): Déiber Caicedo, Cristian Dájome, Kamron Habibullah*, Brian White
*Away on loan:
Caio Alexandre - Brazilian Série A side Fortaleza EC, through December 2022
Kamron Habibullah - Canadian Premier League side Pacific FC, through December 2022
Following the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, the offseason calendar begins with a 48-hour trade window opening on November 7 at 9 a.m. PT, followed by the MLS Expansion Draft on November 11. MLS Free Agency opens on November 16. For more information on the MLS offseason visit whitecapsfc.com.
Beginning in 2023, as part of the multiyear partnership between MLS and Apple, fans around the world will be able to watch all MLS and Leagues Cup games on the Apple TV app. As an exclusive benefit, Whitecaps FC 2023 Season Members will receive a subscription to the MLS Streaming Service on Apple TV, as well as a significant savings over single match tickets. For more information on Whitecaps FC season memberships visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
