VANCOUVER, BC – Carl Robinson confirmed today that 15-year-old WFC2 midfielder Alphonso Davies “will be involved” in the upcoming Amway Canadian Championship semifinal.
The ‘Caps begin their defence of the Voyageurs Cup on Wednesday at Ottawa Fury FC (4:30 p.m. PT - TV: TSN1, Radio: TSN 1410), before returning to BC Place for the second leg on June 8. Robinson said that “a number of young players” will get an opportunity in the upcoming matches.
“It’s a game we’re going to try and win,” he said. “We’re going to take this game seriously. But there are a number of banged up players and a number of players missing.”
Davies, who joined the Whitecaps FC Residency program in August of last year, is in the midst of his first season as a professional. He has appeared in six matches with WFC2 and recently scored his first professional goal. Robinson also called Davies into first-team preseason, where he appeared in four of Vancouver’s six matches.
The Canadian youth international grew up in Liberia, a country on the West African coast, before fleeing the civil war and moving to Ghana with his family.
Eventually, Davies and his family settled in Edmonton.
ALL-STAR SNUB
MLS unveiled the fan ballot for the 2016 MLS All-Star Game on Thursday, featuring a total of 160 players (eight per team). One noticeable omission was Whitecaps FC left back Jordan Harvey – something Robinson was asked about after training.
“Jordan has been our best player from the start of the season, without a doubt,” Robinson told reporters. “Obviously I didn’t pick the ballot, because if I did he would be if not one, then definitely number two. He doesn’t get enough credit.”
Harvey has started all but one of Vancouver’s matches so far this season. No outfield player has played more minutes. The 32-year-old leads the ‘Caps with 841 touches (15th overall in the league) and is tied for the league lead in goals by a defender with two. Earlier this month, Harvey became Whitecaps FC's new all-time appearances leader in MLS.
INJURY UPDATE
Centre back Christian Dean, who has been sidelined with a fifth metatarsal fracture in his left foot since March, suffered a knee injury in training on Wednesday. Robinson said the ‘Caps are still waiting for scan results, but it will likely be “a few weeks minimum.”
Whitecaps FC host Houston Dynamo on Saturday afternoon at BC Place (3 p.m. PT on TSN1 – tickets still available).
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 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.
