Vancouver Whitecaps News and Notes

Even More Financial Transparency

Earlier this season we highlighted the efforts of Major League Soccer (MLS) to become more transparent in the finances of teams. This included informing fans of the amounts of General Allocation Money (GAM) and Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) exchanged between teams, how (much) GAM and TAM are initially acquired, and roster position allocation.

Subsequently, MLS has provided fans with information on who’s contracts are being subsidized by TAM. Currently, the Vancouver Whitecaps have three TAM players Cristian Techera, Christian Bolanos, and Jordy Reyna. Don’t be surprised if David Ousted joins that list when he next renews his contract. In general, it is great to know more details about team salary caps, as it makes endeavours such as this one more educated and less guestimated.

Voyageurs Cup (Canadian Championship)

The 2017 Canadian Championship kicks-off on May 3rd when Ottawa plays host to Edmonton. There were two interesting changes to this season’s tournament. First, each Starting XI must consist of at least three Canadians. For the Whitecaps this should not be a problem as Carl Robinson has typically started at least three in most matches. The second change is more of a potential condition. With the changes to the CONCACAF Champions League -the Canadian team will enter the tournament during stage 2 in the Spring- it would mean that the Voyageurs Cup champion would have to wait a year and a half to compete in the Champions League. To address this issue, if Toronto FC does not win the 2017 Canadian Championship, then they will face this year’s winner in a match at BMO Field on August 9th. This seems like a good compromise as it still provide Toronto FC with a significant advantage. To lose their position, they would have to lose the Voyageur Cup final and a one-off home match. The Vancouver Whitecaps will open up the Voyageurs Cup at home May 23rd, against Montreal Impact.

More Canada Soccer News

Speaking of soccer on a national scale, I am sure everyone already knows that Canada Soccer hired the new Head Coach of the Men’s National Team, Octavio Zambrano.

While not technically at the helm yet, the team played their first friendly against Scotland last week and came away with a 1-1 draw, while displaying a more attacking and aggressive style of play. Former Whitecaps Fraser Aird scored the goal for Canada, playing as a winger in his home land of Scotland. He dedicated the goal and man-of-the-match to his late father. In Zambrano’s first official match in-charge, over the weekend, the U-23 squad scored a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Some fans might be surprised to see that Alphonso Davies (did you hear? He is only 16-years-old!) was not a part of the U-23 squad. Nor has he been named to the U-17/ANYTHING. It is important to note that Davies is not a Canadian citizen yet, so he is not able to play in official competitions. Don’t fret though. Whitecaps reporter Farhan Devji let Canadians know that Davies does want to play for Canada

A Step Back Into History

86Forever follower @Whitecaps4Life reminded us of better scoring times last week by linking to videos of all the Whitecaps goals from previous seasons. They brought a smile to my face and reminded me that Hassli scored some nice goals, Koffie seemed to always chip in a few, and Camilo was good, scoring great goals, before he won the Golden Boot. Yet he was still benched, then moved out wide. Will never fully understand that decision!

In addition to 2012, we have Year 1 (2011)

and Year of Camilo (2013)

When we thought Erik Hurtado had Moves (2014)

I hope you enjoy these videos and they remind you of great goals rather than disappointment about the lack of them currently.