By Stephen Wright
Tyrell Burgess has vowed to exorcise the demons of his USL-D1 final defeat after reflecting on his promising debut season with Vancouver Whitecaps.
Burgess, 23, suffered heartbreak in the two-leg title decider against Montreal Impact with the defending champions going down 6-3 on aggregate.
But the speedy winger has refused to be overly downcast in the wake of the disappointing defeat and believes he can look back on a satisfying first season in professional football.
"The final was always going to be tough, going into the game a goal down after our home leg loss," said Burgess.
"It's always hard to lose a final because you'll never forget it, especially after the harsh calls we had.
"I'm definitely pleased with being part of such a good team that made it to the finals back-to-back.
"It was a great experience for me to be part of a team that knows what it takes to reach a final.
"Next year will be good as well because I want to take that experience of making it to a final and combine it with knowing what it feels like to be able to win a final," he added.
The former North Village man signed a two-year contract with the Canadian outfit at the start of the year after impressing their scouts while playing for PDL team, Reading Rage.
He played an increasingly influential attacking role in the Whitecaps' starting eleven as the season progressed, making an impressive 24 appearances and scoring one goal.
And he is hoping to join fellow professional Reggie Lambe in his country's colours when the Bermuda under-23s take on a Caribbean nation, believed to be either Trinidad or Jamaica, in a festive friendly over the Christmas period.
"I'm with the club for another season so I will be preparing myself for the next season," said Burgess.
"We have training until the end of November and I'm going to take a few weeks off then we have to be back for pre-season camp in mid January.
"I would like to be part of the Bermuda under-23s as they progress and of course I'll continue to support North Village."
Whitecaps will not be offering new contracts to free agents Vicente Arze, Charles Gbeke, and Lyle Martin.
The club have also announced that they will not exercise the 2010 contract options on goalkeeper Diego, defenders Michael Ndubuisi Onwatuegwu and Marco Reda, as well as striker Aaron Wheeler.
