Roster disruptions haven't soured the spirit of the players uncertain about their future
By Bruce Constantineau
Call them the Vancouver Whitecaps survivors -- players still with the club who watch nervously these days as new players come in and try to take their jobs.
The MLS-bound Whitecaps have jettisoned four players and signed six new ones in the past three weeks, including a remarkable four new signings this week on Acquisition Tuesday.
A couple more roster moves are expected before the international transfer deadline closes on Saturday.
"You have to realize it's the nature of the game and take it in stride," said 23-year-old defender/midfielder Wes Knight. "You have to get used to it and focus on what you have to do because in the end, that's all you can control."
The South Carolina native has had a solid year in his second season with the club, getting lots of time on a back line that has surrendered the fewest goals in USSF D-2 play.
Knight had eight assists in 29 games last season but has just one assist in 21 games this year in a more defensive role.
Knight said he has no idea if he is in Vancouver's MLS plans for next year.
"In a perfect world, MLS will be an option but you can't count on it," he said. "I want that to be an option so I can take a look at a couple of different things and weigh what will be best for me."
Knight said he would consider playing in Europe next season if a Vancouver MLS opportunity doesn't present itself.
"I want to make the best argument for myself with the U.S. national team," he said. "It's a slow process but Europe is a good way to get seen and put yourself on the map. But that's not to discount MLS. It's a rising league and getting bigger and better and I would love to be here."
Versatile Vancouver defender/midfielder Zurab Tsiskaridze said it has been difficult to see friends and teammates leave the club recently but understands it was inevitable with a Whitecaps team preparing to play at a higher level.
He said the volume of roster changes can affect team chemistry but notes the club has still played well under the circumstances, posting a win and two draws on the road in its last three games.
Tsiskaridze's steady play at left back has earned him a tremendous amount of playing time in his first season with Vancouver but, like Knight, he's uncertain about his status for next year.
"I have no idea if I'm in their plans," said the 23-year-old Georgian-American. "As long as I train hard and try my best, I have a chance."
Whitecaps captain Martin Nash -- a probable Vancouver MLS player next year -- said the roster changes have been a "bit of a distraction" but players were warned about possible transfer-window moves and have handled the situation well.
"Everyone has to be professional about it and do their best," Nash said. "If you don't embrace [the new players] as teammates and friends, it would just ruin the team ... Trust in your abilities as a player to be able to win your spot."
SIDE KICKS: Four of the newest Whitecaps are among the 20 players who flew to Minnesota Wednesday for a two-game road trip -midfielders Terry Dunfield and Kyle Porter and forwards Ridge Mobulu and Jonathan McDonald. Recent acquisition Alexandre Morfaw stays home to nurse an injury while the international paperwork has not yet been completed for newly acquired U.S. teenage striker Omar Salgado.
bconstantineau@vancouversun.com © Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
