The Whitecaps have announced that they have traded Swiss defender Alain Rochat to Eastern Conference side DC United. In return, the Caps will receive a second round pick in the 2015 MLS Superdraft and a 2016 conditional draft pick.
Alain Rochat joined the Whitecaps in 2010 when they played in the USL but was immediately loaned back to FC Zurich for the remainder of the season. He rejoined the Caps in their inaugural 2011 MLS season and became a fan favourite right off the bat. Rochat has been one of the most reliable and dependable defenders that Vancouver has ever had since joining the league. Rarely has he been held back by injury or endured any lengthy drops of form.
This transfer can be a little confusing a difficult to wrap ones mind around and that's because it is uncommon form clubs to get rid of players so reliable.
Many will recall the transfer of Davide Chiumiento last season around this time of the year. That move potentially was the turning point of the Caps season as their form immediately dipped and remained that way until playoff time. The major issue that should worry fans is that poor form repeating itself again following a big player trade. Another problem that has come up is what the Caps got in return for Rochat, surely the Whitecaps' front office and management will have a new player signing in the works very soon.
One of the positives that has come out of this transfer is the opening of salary cap space for a future signing. In 2013, Vancouver paid Alain Rochat a salary of $190,000 and opening that up will surely result in the acquisition of a new player some time in the future. Also, many know that the Whitecaps have had some great success with their draft picks in the past. With the likes of Salgado, Mattocks, Manneh and Hurtado, the Caps have signed many talented players via the Superdraft and will be able to continue that in the future.
A great deal of pressure will now be placed on the shoulders of Jordan Harvey who will likely fill in for Rochat on the outside left of defence. Harvey has been playing some of his best football of his career with the Caps of late and now he will be given an even greater chance to shine.
Next Up
The Whitecaps will be headed down to Seattle to take on the Sounders at CenturyLink Field. Kickoff will be at 7:30pm PST on Saturday, June 8 and will be broadcasted on TSN and MLS Live.
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