Vancouver Whitecaps Bring Back Mauro Rosales

Searching for more creativity in the mid-field, the Vancouver Whitecaps have gone to a familiar face for help, bringing back midfielder Mauro Rosales. Rosales was previously with Vancouver from parts of 2014 to 2015, scoring 1 goal and 6 assists during that span. It’s the second time in recent memory we’ve heard from Rosales, as Carl Robinson revealed he had played a part in getting Fredy Montero in a Whitecaps kit.

With a fairly young attacking core, including Kekuta Manneh (22 yrs), Alphonso Davies (16), and Cristian Techera (24), the Whitecaps have decided to add the 36 year old Rosales to the mix. If the Whitecaps plan to use Mauro as a Robert Earnshaw-type deal, then I really like this move. Rosales is a well liked locker room guy, and can help provide leadership to the youngsters. Rosales may be older, but he still appeared in 23 games for FC Dallas last season, so he clearly enough gas left in the tank to be a useful substitute. It’s also likely going to be welcome news for Montero, as his former Seattle Sounder teammate should make the transition to a new club a little bit easier.

From the Whitecaps official news release:

Mauro is a senior player who brings tremendous leadership and commitment to our locker room, someone who can connect with players while still playing with them," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "We missed him last year both for what he brought on and off the field. We have some talented young attacking players, and along with our coaching staff, Mauro is one of the best ones to teach them. He brings professionalism, the right attitude, and demands the best from teammates. He is a welcome addition back to our club."

The release goes on to state that as a result of his participation in the 2016-17 CCL with FC Dallas, Rosales is ineligible to play for Whitecaps FC in the knockout stages.

Welcome back to the club, Mauro!