As the end of the year approaches, and you start to worry about what you need on the final to pass, let me help you procrastinate, just one last time…
The Whitecaps, who’s season was ended a few weeks ago by the Portland Timbers, had without a doubt, their best season. Ever. Finishing as second best in the Western Conference is quite impressive for a team that last year, ended fifth. This season has had a lot of positives, and I’ve chosen to highlight a few, in no particular order.
David Ousted
One of the biggest Whitecaps accomplishments this season has to be finishing the season as second best in the western conference. This was done largely in thanks to the defence, and especially, the ‘Caps keeper, David Ousted. After this season, Ousted has no doubt, established himself among the best of the league. He finished the year with 13 clean sheets, and even managed to win MLS’ save of the week four times.
Canadian Champs
Back at the end of August, when we were excited about being at BCIT, meeting new friends, getting one step closer to that diploma, the Whitecaps won the Amway Championship. By beating out the Montreal Impact with an aggregate score of 4-2, the ‘Caps were crowned Canadian champions.
The ‘Caps also made their Champion league debut, which saw them being paired against the Seattle Sounders, and Honduran club, Olimpia.
WFC2
It was also the first year of WFC2. The team who competes in the USL, are the Whitecaps affiliate team. Despite finishing second last in their conference, there were still some positives. More than anything, these USL games gave the younger Whitecaps players and prospects an opportunity to gain valuable matchday experience, and to develop as players.
Keep your eyes out on: attacking midfielder Marcos Bustos, centre back Christian Dean and midfielder Ben McKendry.
BC Place
In terms of atmosphere, I’m sure ‘Caps supporters won’t be forgetting when they got see legends Pirlo, Lampard and Villa grace the turf at BC Place. Even though the result was unfavourable for the Whitecaps, it really shows how far the MLS has grown recently, and the number of fans that a household name could attract to Vancouver.
Recently, popular soccer magazine FourFourTwo, named BC Place in their list of top grounds around the world. It was even ranked ahead of Chelsea’s iconic Stamford Bridge.
What to Expect during the Off-Season
This off-season is sure to be one with a few changes. You can guarantee that Carl Robinson will be bringing in a new forward who’s a proven goal scorer. This will help the ‘Caps solve one of their main issues this season, scoring goals. Letting go of a few players, like Mattocks, or Koffie, will definitely give Carl Robinson the room to play around with his salary cap. With more big names being added to MLS rosters each season, and a handful of players (especially, Klose!) expressing their interest to join the league, could the ‘Caps secure a big signing?