With the Whitecaps MLS season almost upon us in another two months, I thought it would be great to review all the new signing to this team since the end of last season. We all know that the Whitecaps didn't have the greatest debut year in MLS and have decided to go with another direction. Whitecaps Rachel Lewis, COO (Chief Operating Officer) of Whitecaps, will be taking over when Paul Barber steps down. Former Head Coach of the Carolina Railhawks, Martin Rennie will be taking over as the Whitecaps Head Coach for the mens team. He's already looked at the Whitecaps team and decided what changes he's like to make. Signing players that he thinks will help win games for this team in areas where we showed weakness. There has been so many new faces added to this team that I thought it would be great to introduce some of them to you. As I will also be working for the Whitecaps again come March, this will also help me to get to know the new faces myself and learn something about them cause I know as fans you will be asking me when you see me there.
So let's start with the SuperDraft held today, January 12, 2012. It was held in Kansas City, Missouri. A contingent of Bob Lenarduzzi and Head Coach Martin Rennie and et al were there. Montreal had the 1st overall pick and the Whitecaps had the 2nd overall pick. Montreal Impact picked Andrew Wenger which led Whitecaps to pick Darren Mattocks, who they had wanted all along.
DARREN MATTOCKS - STRIKER
Darren Mattocks is a 21 year old Jamaican born soccer player who went on to play for the University of Akron. Akron is in Ohio for those who are wondering. He specifically chose to play in Akron so he could get climatized to playing in America's cooler weather which worked out for him as he's now coming to Vancouver, Canada. He's used to playing in 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (27-33 degrees Celsius) in Jamaica. Smart kid. He's a speedy Striker who can get behind the opposition and score goals. He scored 21 goals in 22 games for Akron last season. He's what you call a natural goal-scorer. Something the Whitecaps need badly. He seems very happy to be drafted to Vancouver and score goals for the great fan base he heard we had.
“This will be my first time coming to Canada, so I’m very excited,” said Mattocks. “It’s always going to be a challenge coming to a new environment, but hopefully, I can adjust quickly and show my stuff.” - Mattocks
Sounds like a good kid. I hope to get to know him better and I wish him well here.
Position: Striker
Height: 6-00
Weight: 155
Born: September 2, 1990, in Portmore, Jamaica
Hometown: Portmore, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Last Club: University of Akron (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I)
How Acquired: Selected second overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 12, 2012
CHRIS ESTRIDGE - DEFENDER
The second player to get drafted by the Whitecaps is Chris Estridge. He played as a Defender (centre-back) for Indiana University. He was drafted 21st overall. Obviously one area the Whitecaps needed some depth in was the defensive core. He was chosen because he can play well on both feet on either sides and Rennie believes this versatility will help in the future.
Get to know Chris a little better.
He likes Entourage and True Blood...I'm a fan of True Blood. I like him already. He's also excited about his move to Vancouver. He's also heard of our fanbase here and is impressed for the passion that Vancouverites have for soccer.
“Everything that I’ve heard about Vancouver makes me extremely excited,” said Estridge. “I can’t wait to be coming to a team that has the whole city behind it. I’m really looking forward to a great year.”He's never been to Vancouver but he has ventured into Toronto. Boy, is he gonna be in for a shock. I'm sure he'll love his time here and the fans will love him too.
Chris Estridge
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Born: September 21, 1989, in Brownsburg, Indiana
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Citizenship: United States
Twitter: @Chris_Estridge
Last Club: Indiana University (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I)
How Acquired: Selected 21st overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Whitecaps FC on January 12, 2012
MARTIN BONJOUR - DEFENDER (CENTRE-BACK)
On January 4, 2012, Whitecaps signed on Defender Martin Bonjour, an Argentinian who according to the Whitecaps is a "powerful, aggressive central defender who is good in the air and comfortable on the ball" also "He adds additional quality to our defensive side and brings plenty of South American top-flight experience.”
With this kind of description, I'm very eager to find out how he fits into this team. I'm very excited. Sounds like a great choice. However, his signing is also pending on receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa. Lets cross our fingers and hope it goes thru. Also he's very excited to come to Vancouver.
"I am delighted to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC and embark on this new and exciting stage of my career in North America,” said Bonjour. “I have heard many good things about Whitecaps FC and Major League Soccer, and plan to make an important contribution to my new club this season. I’m also looking forward to my new life in Canada and the beautiful city of Vancouver.”
Looking forward to your arrival in Vancouver, Martin Bonjour.
More info on Martin Bonjour.
Martín Bonjour
Position: Defender
Height: 6-03
Weight: 190
Born: April 9, 1985, in Carhué, Argentina
Hometown: Carhué, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina
Last Club: Rampla Juniors FC (Uruguayan Primera División)
How Acquired: Free agent signing by Whitecaps FC on January 4, 2012
MATT WATSON - MIDFIELDER
Meet Matt Watson. He is a former Carolina Railhawks midfielder. He was signed to Whitecaps on December 16, 2011. His contract is also pending on his International Transfer Certificate. Lets hope it goes thru as well.
He's coming to a team where the only person he knows with any familiarity is the Head Coach. Usually when a coach comes to a new team, he'll try to bring someone from his former team because he believes they can bring something new to his current team. Obviously, Coach Rennie has faith is Watson to improve our team. Apparently he had several different offers in the MLS and chose to come to Vancouver to play for his former Head Coach. This is what he had to say.
"I’m thrilled to be playing for Martin again, and now at the highest level of professional soccer in North America,” said Watson. “Vancouver have a great fan base and an excellent organization. I can’t wait to get the season underway.”He's not a big goal scorer, with only 3 goals and 2 assists in his last season with the Railhawks, but if Rennie believes in him, so will we. Lets be sure to welcome Matt warmly to our team and show him how much we love our Whitecaps.
More info on Matt Watson.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-00
Weight: 180
Born: January 1, 1985 in Bromsgrove, England
Hometown: Redditch, England
Last Club: Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
Citizenship: England
How Acquired: Signed on December 16, 2011
LEE NGUYEN - MIDFIELDER/STRIKER
Lee Nguyen was acquired thru the MLS weighted lottery on December 15, 2011. Nguyen has a dual American/Vietnamese Citizenship and became the first American to play in the Vietnamese V-league for the Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC in the 2009 season and then for Becamex Binh Duong FC for the 2010 season. He scored 14 goals in 29 appearances for the league. Here's what he had to say about coming to Vancouver.
Here is a sample of his play. Enjoy.
“I’m really excited to be joining Whitecaps FC and to help this club push forward,” said Nguyen. “I can’t wait to get the season started.” and “I’m excited,” Nguyen said. “I don’t know anyone that has played for Vancouver, but I’ve heard it’s a great city, a great atmosphere and a great club. They didn’t perform too well in the league this year, but they’re bringing in new players and have a new coach, so hopefully we can turn things around next season.”
More info on Lee Nguyen.
Position: Midfielder/striker
Height: 5-08
Weight: 150
Born: October 7, 1986, in McKinney, Texas
Hometown: Richardson, Texas
Last Club: Becamex Binh Duong FC (V-League)
Citizenship: United States/Vietnam
How Acquired: via weighted Lottery on December 15, 2011
YOUNG-PYO LEE - DEFENDER
On December 7, 2011, the Whitecaps signed on legendary South Korean "football" player, Young-Pyo Lee. If you haven't heard of him, then you've apparently been living under a rock, like I have. I had to Google and YouTube him to find out why the South Korean population in Vancouver were going nuts over his signing. After I watched a video of his play, I totally understood. He is amazing to watch. He's a strong, quick and creative player. I'm most excited about seeing Mr. Lee play. He's also got an amazing resume with his former clubs.
According to Whitecaps, "Lee is a quality individual and leader - both on and off the pitch - that has excelled at all levels of the game and we are thrilled he will be joining our club," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "He has played midfield, as well as fullback during his distinguished career and the addition of Lee as a right back to our side will help strengthen our defensive backline."
I won't go thru all his past clubs or experiences because there is just too many. However, I am going to post this video from youtube for you to watch of Mr.Lee's skills. You will be amazed. Trust me. But first his Press Conference.
YP Lee's Press Conference.
The Vancouver South Korean Community reaction to Lee.
Watch Lee in action.
Here is additional info on Y.P. Lee.
Position: Defender
Height: 5-09
Weight: 150
Born: April 23, 1977, in Hongcheon-gun, Korea Republic
Hometown: Hongcheon-gun, Korea Republic
Last Club: Al-Hilal (Saudi Professional League)
Citizenship: Korea Republic
How Acquired: Free agent signing by Whitecaps FC on December 1, 2011
BRYCE ALDERSON - MIDFIELDER
Bryce recently signed an MLS deal with the Whitecaps after having a very successful year in 2010 and 2011 on the U-18 Residency team. He has been signed on as the Adidas Home Grown Generation player. Here is what the Whitecaps have to say about him.
"Bryce is an intelligent, gifted player that has already played at a very high level in his young career," said Whitecaps FC head coach Martin Rennie. "He captained Canada at last summer's U-17 World Cup, and has continued his development in our Residency program and by training with our first team. We're excited to add another young Canadian talent to our MLS squad."Look forward to seeing Bryce on the squad.
For more info on Bryce Alderson
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Born: February 5, 1994, in Kitchener, Ontario
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Last Team: Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency
How Acquired: Signed to a MLS Generation adidas contract by Whitecaps FC on November 17, 2011
So, those are your new boys on the roster in a nutshell. For more information on them, click on their names and it will take you to the Whitecaps page or for more information on how the team is looking, go to the Whitecaps FC Mens Roster.
No comments:
Post a Comment