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www.theotherpress.ca
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19
Edited Text
www.theotherpress.ca
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19
Third time's the charm
Whitecaps 2013
season preview
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
fter last season’s miserable
finish, the Vancouver
Whitecaps are looking to build
off of their first two years in
the league and finally get it
together. While getting their
first playoff appearance under
their belt looks good on paper,
anyone who followed the
team was perfectly aware of
how little that achievement
really meant. The club was
downright awful, but there’s
definitely hope for this year.
Starting from the back,
the Caps are set at keeper.
With Brad Knighton as the
starter and the experienced
Joe Cannon backing him up,
the team shouldn’t have any
issues. While many criticize
Knighton for struggling down
the stretch in the playoff push,
it has to be noted that he didn’t
really have much support.
Leave someone hanging out to
dry and they generally do just
that. Knighton’s no star, but
he’s a capable starter.
On the back line, the
Whitecaps’ most important
move in the offseason was
convincing Lee Young-Pyo to
return. The talented right back
is a reliable defender and on
the attack, he shows a poise
unlike any other player on the
pitch. The Caps are set at left
back as well, with the solid
Jordan Harvey manning the
spot. It’s a little more suspect
in the middle. I’ve never had
complete confidence in Jay
Demerit; he’s a tough central
defender who can get stuck in,
but he’s often horribly out of
position. Past clubs he’s played
on have always provided him
with the necessary support to
allow him to be himself, but in
Vancouver he’s been expected
to be the guy. Andy O’Brien
looks to be the other centre
back to start the year, but don’t
be surprised if newly-acquired
Brad Rusin and Johnny
Leveron force their way into
the lineup at some point.
Now, onto the midfield:
with the cancerous Barry
Robson removed from the
squad, there’s finally hope for
there to be some continuity
where it’s needed most.
Replacing him in the middle
of the park are two exciting
signings: Nigel Reo-Coker
and Daigo Kobayashi. Reo-
Coker brings a wealth of
English Premier League
experience to the team, but
questions have been raised
about which Reo-Coker the
Whitecaps are getting. Will
it be the uninspired one who
was consistently blamed for
team failings or will it be the
player who’s shown he truly
has quality as evidenced by his
captaining the England U-21’s.
One has to think it’s the latter.
With Jurgen Klinsmann hinting
Photo courtesy of William Stewart/ The Georgia Straight
at the possibility of Reo-Coker
playing for the USA’s National
Team, he’s got every reason to
give it his all.
Kobayashi is the attacking
threat from the middle that the
Whitecaps have been sorely
lacking in the past. The former
J-League player can pick out a
pass and can finish his chances;
that’s just what they need.
Kobayashi is expected to sit in
the hole behind the striker to
start the year. The other central
spot is supposedly Alain
Rochat’s to lose. On the wings,
the Whitecaps have Camilo
and Paulo Jr. to start, but draft
picks Kekuta Manneh, Omar
Salgado, and Erik Hurtado
could find their way onto the
pitch if they falter. Depth is
good this year, with Gershon
Koffie, Juan Marques Davidson,
Matt Watson, and Russell
Teibert also available for
selection.
Up front, the Whitecaps
have the dynamic Darren
Mattocks as the lone striker.
The Jamaican showed flashes
of brilliance last year whenever
he managed to avoid throwing
himself theatrically to the
ground at the slightest breeze.
He has the potential to be the
best player in the league one
day, but he has to find some
consistency. Sitting behind
him on the depth chart, most
notably, is Scottish Designated
Player Kenny Miller. Miller
was horribly disappointing in
the few games he featured in
and I can’t say [have much
faith in his abilities at this
stage. He’s well over-the-hill
but will at least provide some
experience. Sitting behind
Mattocks and Miller are fresh
faces Tom Heinemann and
Corey Hertzog.
The 2013 Vancouver
Whitecaps have the chance
to go deep into the playoffs
this year if everything goes
right. They’ve got talent,
depth, and an enthusiastic fan
base. If nothing else, itll be
entertaining .
19