Issue #15 - About Them Whitecaps
Injuries plague the Whitecaps FC as they gear up for a crucial match against San Diego FC.
Hello!
You’d hope that a week without Whitecaps FC matches the injured could get healthier and the healthy remain that way.
I guess hope doesn’t carry like it used to, eh?
The View
With the Whitecaps FC back in action tomorrow at home against San Diego FC, and the Gold Cup still underway, I knew the ‘Caps would remain a little hard-pressed. Sebastian Berhalter is having himself a Gold Cup with the US, Brian White is cheering him on from the bench, and Jayden Nelson, Ali Ahmed, and Sam Adekugbe are all with Canada.
Wait, what’s that? Sam, and now Ali, are both hurt? Sam is done for the season and longer with a ruptured Achilles?! And Ali might be gone for the Summer due to a high ankle sprain?!
Drat (I might have used a far naughtier word before typing that).
Thankfully Ryan Gauld should be back soon… right? Right?!
While nothing concrete has been shared on that front, Jesper Sørensen sure didn’t seem too optimistic about Ryan returning to the pitch anytime soon during his segment on Donnie and Dhali earlier today (at the 2:29 mark if you want to fast-forward).
We’ve witnessed this squad do amazing things with a depleted side a few times this season, so maybe this sense of alarm is misplaced, but it’s hard not to worry the ‘Caps could find themselves in a spot of tough play at a particularly busy time of the season.
The Good
The break to rest & recover. While the team will still find itself shorthanded, those who remain should benefit from the break.
The Not So Good
Injuries. Do I need to say more?
Around the Pitch
The Summer transfer window is wide open and with all the injuries, one has to think the Whitecaps FC will look to make a splash with a player who can make an impact now.
We’ve heard recent rumours of Petar Stanić potentially being a target. Luc De Fougerolles has been tied to the team, with some belief an offer was made to him while in Vancouver for Canada’s first Gold Cup match.
We’ve also heard about the possibility that Pedro Vite has played himself into the conversation of a potential sale elsewhere - if only big money could dress in the Starting XI.
If you were in Axel’s shoes, who might you try to target?
With Wednesday matches tough for me to get to (bag policy makes it near impossible), I’ll be watching tomorrow night’s match from the comfort of my home.
Hopefully I see y’all in my regular seat in a few weeks.
From my seat to your browser!
If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing on social media or forwarding it to someone that you think would love it just as much! ❤️
-Chris (@lyteforce.ca)