Gets new deal from club, but still could roam
By Marc Weber
The Vancouver Whitecaps hold the option, but the choice is really Marcus Haber's. And it's a difficult one.
"Right now is a crucial part of my career," said Haber, the 20-year-old Vancouverite with tantalizing pace and poise.
"I'm happy with the Whitecaps, but it's about looking at what would be the best move for me from a development standpoint."
Haber was a revelation for the Caps in 2009.
He came in as a graduated Canada under-20, surly from a sour end to his first European experience, expected to play a supporting role at forward behind Marlon James and Charles Gbeke.
Instead, with an early foot in the door due to injuries, he played every league game, starting 20 of 30 matches. He finished seventh in USL-1 scoring with eight goals and four assists, and netted three more in six playoff games -- all starts.
He was applauded by his opponents, winning the league's rookie of the year award, and embraced by his hometown, earning the club's fan favourite nod and newcomer of the year.
But while the Whitecaps signed Haber to a one-year deal plus a club option for 2010, it doesn't sound like they'll stand in his way if he chooses to test Europe once again.
"I don't like to have players who don't want to be with me," said head coach Teitur Thordarson. "Our main focus is on keeping Marcus here, but if it comes to that [Haber wanting to leave], it will be time for the club to sit down and find out what we want to do about it."
Haber played with the U-19 side of Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen from 2006-08.
When they released him in the summer of '08, he came within hours of catching on with English League One side Leeds United. A last-minute Argentinian trialist scuttled that offer.
Haber sniffed around Europe some more before returning to Vancouver, signing in February of this year.
Thordarson said the club has offered Haber a new contract, not simply a renewal of last season's deal, but he added they can't compete with European salaries.
The coach, though, was adamant that another year with the Whitecaps would be good for Haber's growth.
"I will say, as I've said to Marcus, it will be good for him to play another season on this level and continue to develop," said Thordarson. "I don't think if he goes overseas they'll have the same type of focus on him personally."
Haber, who is currently training with the team, said he had no timeline for a decision yet.
Thordarson said he "cannot wait the whole winter to prepare the squad."
Vancouver moves to North America's premier loop, Major League Soccer, in 2011. Haber said that's not factoring into his decision.
"MLS is an appealing option, but that's still a year and a half away," he said. "I'm just looking at the near future."
mweber@theprovince.com © Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
