VANCOUVER, BC – The boys are back.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC reported to preseason on Friday for a day of media (click here to see all the interviews), photo shoots, video shoots, and more at the club’s UBC Training Centre.
And, as expected, the boys were buzzing. As I’ve said before, there’s never a dull moment with this group. And there certainly wasn’t on Friday.
Pa-Modou Kah does a good job capturing that (see below) in what we’re now referring to as the “Kah-Cam.” His GoPro shenanigans are becoming a preseason tradition.
As part of the media portion of Friday’s event, new striker Masato Kudo spoke to local media for the first time, David Ousted provided an update on his contract situation, and Carl Robinson discussed a wide-range of topics (spoiler: he said the ‘Caps are “getting closer” to acquiring a new right back from outside of Major League Soccer).
Russell Teibert and Kekuta Manneh also provided updates on their respective injuries. Although he will be sitting out the upcoming Canadian national team camp, Teibert said he feels “almost back to normal”after undergoing ankle surgery in December. Manneh, meanwhile, is still dealing with the ankle injury he picked up in Vancouver’s final match of the 2015 season.
“He’s not managed to shake that off, so there is a little concern with him,” Robinson said. “He’s a big player for us, so we’ll look after him. It’s not about what he does now. It’s about what he does come March 6 … we certainly won’t take any risks with him.”
Also on Friday, all the players got to wear the new (yet to be released) 2016 Whitecaps FC jersey for some marketing material. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
Next up for the ‘Caps is entry medicals on Saturday and fitness testing on Monday before on-field training begins on Tuesday.
“It was a bit of a fun today, relaxing day with the media,” Robinson said. “So they have smiles on their faces. Monday will be hard work. There won’t be many smiles on their faces then, because that’s when we’ll really get down to business.”
Stay tuned for complete coverage on whitecapsfc.com. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat for exclusive, behind-the-scenes coverage in real time!
For more on Friday’s Media Day, check out the social media posts below.
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Click here to find out how you can cheer on the ‘Caps, in person, at the 2016 Major League Soccer Preseason in Tucson.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
