In 2012, the Whitecaps are hoping to live up to the high expectations they set for themselves in their first season in MLS. Similar to the 2011 season, the Caps are showing promise this preseason but this time there seems to be more substance to their success. In a very short time Martin Rennie has retransformed the club by revamping the roster, adding more depth and talent, and cultivating a better atmosphere on and off the pitch amongst the players. There are signs so far this preseason that the players are buying into the system and organization on the pitch that Rennie and his assistants have created.
IN- FW Sebestian Le Toux (Trade/PHI), FW Darren Mattocks (Superdraft), FW Etienne Barbara (Trade/MTL), MF Bryce Alderson (Homegrown), MF Jun Marques Davidson (Free), MF Matt Watson (Free), DF Lee Young-Pyo (Free), DF Martin Bonjour (Free), DF Greg Klazura (Supplemental draft), GK Brad Knighton (Free)
Out- FW Mustapha Jarju (Contract Terminated), MF Nizar Khalfan (Waived), MF Alex Morfaw (Waived), MF Peter Vagenas (Waived), MF Phillipe Davies (option declined), DF Jeb Brovsky (Expansion Draft), DF Bilal Duckett (Waived), DF Greg Janicki (option declined), DF Jonathan Leathers (option declined), GK Jay Nolly (Trade/CHI)
MVP- Rennie is hoping Sebestian Le Toux can duplicate his last two seasons in the MLS with the Philadelphia Union and if the French striker can, there is no doubt that he will be the best player on the pitch for the majority of matches. His combination of scoring, playmaking and tireless work rate will be the engine that runs the Whitecaps attack.
Key Addition- Other than the obvious addition of Le Toux and until Barry Robson joins in the summer, Lee Young-Pyo is the biggest get for the Caps this offseason. Depending on the player, the Caps either lacked talent or experience at the right back spot last season. In Lee, the Whitecaps now have both in the same player and considering how important the full backs are in Rennie’s system, this combination will prove valuable.
Key Loss- When a team finishes last in the table it is rare to find a player that would be considered to fit this category and Rennie was able to retain all of the players that impressed last season. One of the players that left in the offseason was fan favorite Jay Nolly, whose loss will not be felt on the pitch but will be amongst longtime supporters.
Comeback Player- The first player signed to the MLS by the Whitecaps, Jay DeMerit was brought in to provide leadership and stability to the backline. Unfortunately for the World Cup veteran, injuries played a significant part in what would be a disappointing first season in MLS. DeMerit was able to return to health and fitness near the end of the season and showed good form down the stretch which is a positive going into this year.
X-Factor- Very few people in the Whitecaps universe know what to expect when Davide Chiumiento takes the pitch. Because of inconsistent play, by the end of the 2011 season it looked as though the Swiss playmaker would be on his way out. So far this preseason it seems as though Rennie has re-energized Chiumiento which could be a major bonus for the Caps. If Rennie can squeeze out 75% of Chiumiento’s talent on a regular basis, the Caps will have one of the most dynamic player s in MLS.
Key Rookie- Going into this season the Whitecaps will be more of a veteran team as only three players on the roster will be on their first pro contract. Despite all of them impressing the staff during preseason, forward Darren Mattocks (Superdraft), midfielder Bryce Alderson (Homegrown) and defender Greg Klazura (Supplemental) may find it difficult to find minutes on the pitch. Of the three, Klazura is the highest on the depth chart when it comes to their specific position which will be an advantage for the Notre Dame grad.
Tactics & Formation- The Whitecaps played a majority of last season in a rigid 4-4-2 formation but this season under Rennie will look to be more flexible this season. The Scotsman has normally employed a 4-3-3 but has stated the formation for the Caps will change depending on factors like who is in possession, where the ball is on the pitch as well as others. For most of preseason Rennie has used a 4-2-3-1, then changing to a 4-2-4 when on the attack, moving to a 4-5-1 when defending deep in their third with a little 4-4-2 sprinkled in.
One of the biggest differences in the club’s plan of attack this season will be to employ their fullbacks in moving the ball forward and crossing with accuracy. On the defensive side the Whitecaps will rely on their two holding midfielders to clog the middle of the pitch slowing down the opposition’s attack. The Caps have shown in preseason more fight in winning the ball back and then making the most of their possession with meaningful attacks on net.
Projected Starting IX-
Three Positives-
1. HEALTH
The Whitecaps have made an effort to become more proactive in preventing injuries as there were a number of players that were being counted on to provide MLS experience on the pitch but spent the majority of their time on the disabled list. All five of their expansion pickups, especially Atiba Harris and John Thorrington, missed a significant portion of the season. The addition of Rick Cellebrini to the medical staff has already paid dividends to the Whitecaps health and fitness. If the medical staff can reduce injuries by fifty percent, that alone could add six to eight points to their totals.
2. BC PLACE
While there is no doubt Empire Field provided a great atmosphere for fans as a temporary stadium, there is also no doubt the Whitecaps are happy to start this season at BC Place. The players will benefit the most as the training facilities and locker rooms are ten times better at the downtown facility. The majority of the players live in or near downtown so the stadium offers less travel time on game days. There are also benefits playing in BC Place during the actual matches where the supporters are much closer to the pitch than they were at Empire.
3. ATMOSPHERE
A positive start to last season quickly changed when an unexpected coaching changed occurred that saw Tom Soehn take over. It was clear that he was unable to capture the locker room as most of the players seemed like they were walking on eggshells. Based on training in Vancouver and the preseason videos from Arizona and Orlando, Rennie and his staff have created a positive environment that makes it easier for the players to perform.
Not only have changes occurred on the pitch but also behind the scenes especially after it was announced that Paul Barber was resigning as CEO. There were rumblings last season that Barber micro-managed the entire operations of the football club which caused many issues with supporters groups in addition to the discomfort in the front office. Since the change up at top, there seems to be a relaxation in the relationship between the club and their fans which should provide a better season on and off the pitch.
Prediction- In the unpredictable MLS, the Whitecaps could, albeit unlikely, finish first in the conference or return to the bottom, also unlikely. I’m at 50-50 at this point for the Caps to make the playoffs in the very strong Western Conference. It could happen if a couple of clubs suffer through injury problems and the Whitecaps remain relatively healthy. 6th in the Western Conference
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