Whitecaps Training Notes - March 23

Whitecaps got back to training today with the full squad, minus some key players. More on that in a moment. The Whitecaps head to Philly tomorrow. As for today, they closed practice for the final half hour in order for some privacy as they get set for the Philadelphia Union. So things we did learn from the practice or post practice is:

Russell Teibert is expected to travel away with the team, and play (potentialy up to 65 minutes) then join up with the U20 Canada squad as they prepare for the CONCACAF U20 Championships. Canada is looking to qualify for the U20 World Cup this summer. Teibert could be a big part of that squad and if he is a regular with the 'caps, a huge plus for that Canadian squad. Teibert says he's feeling good. HIs comments can be heard by clicking here.
Shea Salinas will not travel with the team. Head coach Teitur Thordarson told the media it is highly unlikely he'd be included on the trip. His post training comments can be heard by clicking here.

Davide Chiumiento could travel. Teitur was not specific but said he could take 1 or 2 extra guys on the trip just in case. (TG note: I would keep Davide in Vancouver to fully recover. The season is early on and no use in risking one of your top players to an extended stay on the injured list)

Jay DeMerit will likely make the US squad, which is announced tomorrow (Thursday), but if he doesn't, DeMerit will meet the team in Philly and would likely slot in on Saturday. Greg Janicki will start at the CB position with either Alain Rochat, Bilal Duckett or DeMerit or some other random possibility.

Terry Dunfield will captain the side with the absense of both DeMerit and other alternate captain John Thorrington. Dunfield is honoured and he will be a part of the Captains Comments on TEAM 1410 during the pre-match show on Saturday. That starts at 11am, while kickoff is at 1pm.

Check out Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show on the TEAM 1040 on Sunday at 9pm for a full recap of the Whitecaps v Union match on Saturday. You can also subscribe to the Full-Time podcast by clicking here.

Whitecaps FC Training Notes - March 21, 2011

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC were back at training this afternoon as they prepare for the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. The 'Caps called up a few residency players to train with the group today. Those players along with some veterens will head to San Jose for the reserve game match tomorrow. Among the vets going, Joe Cannon will start in goal as he is trying to get back to fitness and will play on the same pitch that he broke his ankle at last season. Cannon speaks about the match tomorrow here. Kevin Harmse is on trial and will get a good look from the Whitecaps as the 'caps look to solidify a few positions and get guys some action. Harmse could potentially be a guy the Whitecaps look at to fill their need at centre back this weekend. Harmse is a versatile player that could fill a number of roles.

With the main squad, the Whitecaps will go against Philly on Saturday without the services of Jay DeMerit and Michael Boxall. DeMerit is with the US National Team while Boxall is headed to play for New Zealand against China. Boxall spoke about his bittersweet call-up here.The 'Caps now have one healthy centre back (Greg Janicki) in the line-up against Philly. They could move Alain Rochat to the middle and slide Blake Wagner onto that left side. Or the Whitecaps could sign Kevin Harmse and sit him at centre back with Janicki. Audio in the on-air folder of head coach Teitur Thordarson, who said they have some decisions to make. Hear Thorardson's comments by clicking here.

The Whitecaps could also be without their starting outside midfielders, Russell Teibert and Davide Chiumiento, both left Saturday's match with right hamstring injuries. Teibert is receiving treatment and will remain with the club for a few days. The 'Caps will decide what is best for him. He could play in the match on Saturday before reporting to Canada's under 20 squad. Chiumiento is also revieving treatment and depending on how he recovers could see action on Saturday aswell.

Injury boost as Shea Salinas, who today said he'll be 100% by weeks end as really wants to play against Philly, the team that put him in the expansion draft. He said he felt let down by the way the Union left him unprotected after telling him they were definitely protecting him. So he wants a little revenge. He could slot in the right side if Chiumiento can't go.

Tomorrow, the 'Caps will hold another training session at Empire Field.

Full-Time Preview - Sunday, February 20th, 2011

On Sunday, February 20^that 9pm on TEAM1040, Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show will go in-depth with full coverage of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC as they continue their pre-season training camp in Phoenix, Arizona. Mike Martignago will hold down the fort at the TEAM1040 studios in Vancouver, while Tyler Green will be co-hosting from Arizona where he is covering the ‘Caps. Tyler and Mike will have a full recap of the weekend events, including matches against Chivas USA, the US U-18 National Team and the LA Galaxy, plus interviews with Whitecaps centre back Jay DeMerit, Forward Omar Salgado and head coach Teitur Thordarson.
The Galaxy’s Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel will also make special appearances on the show.

Also joining the broadcast on Sunday night will be Paul Dolan, Goalkeeping coach of the Canadian Men’s National Team to discuss Canada’s last friendly against Greece and the emergence of Milan Borjan as the next ‘great’ Canadian ‘keeper. Marc Rizzardo of Metrotown Physio will also stop by to discuss all the latest injury news from around the world of soccer.

Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show can be heard every Sunday night on TEAM1040 Radio in Vancouver from 9-11pm.

Missed a show? Subscribe to the Full-Time podcast by clicking here.

Whitecaps Draw US Under 18 National Squad 2 - 2

The Vancouver Whitecaps drew the Under 18 U.S. National team 2 - 2 this morning following a 1 - 0 loss to Chivas USA on Friday. Conditions for the match were anything but stellar as 40 Mile per hour winds and driving rain hampered play. Head coach Teitur Thordarson knows all about the driving rain and wind from his time in Iceland.

Today's Starting XI
GK - Sylvestre
D (starting L-R) Wagner, Boxall, Duckett, Knight
M (starting L-R) Gashi, Davies, Brovsky, Stewart
F - Salgado, Tan

Bright Spots

The fact that the Whitecaps scored two goals is cause for a bright spot. Long Tan and Brazilian trialist Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo each scored. Tan in the first half of play (when it was dry and cloudy) and da Silva during the rain and wind.

Low Spots

The defense look rough at times (Knight, Boxall, Duckett, Wagner started) on set pieces (where a goal was scored) and on threw balls when speed played a factor. The motivation to start the game (which Teitur alluded to in his comments) was also a low spot. The roster today was built on potential signees and reserve/bench players. Not getting motivated to turn some heads and win a starting role is something of a curiousity to me.

Up Next

The Whitecaps turn their attention back to the MLS tomorrow as they face the LA Galaxy. They will play the Galaxy twice in the next three day. Expect to see Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel get an least a start in those matches. The line-up should look roughly the same as it did yesterday against Chivas. See the potential starters below:

GK - Nolly
D (starting L-R) Rochat, DeMerit, Janicki, Leathers
M (starting L-R) Tiebert, Thorrington, Dunfield, Shea Salinas
F - Harris, Chiumiento

*Cannon should see some action at some point over the next two matches. Whether that's starting on Sunday or Tuesday remains to be seen.

Whitecaps Lose 1 - 0 to Chivas USA in Casa Grande, Arizona

The Whitecaps evened their pre-season record to 2-2 when they lost 1 - 0 to Chivas USA on a late goal from Jesus Padilla. The 'Caps looked dangerous throughout the game with two glorious chances from Russell Tiebert and Brazillian trialist Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo.

The scoreline is indicative of what many fans are worried about during the regular season, losses because of a lack of scoring. It is something that is not lost of head coach Teitur Thordarson. During his post match comments I asked him whether or not he is worried about the lack of finish. You can hear that interview here.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Whitecaps look extremely sharp. They are a loud and boisterous crew on the back led by Jay DeMerit and have veteren experience with Jonathan Leathers and Alain Rochat. Greg Janicki fills out the backline and is coming off a great finish to his 2010 USSF-D2 season. This foursome looks to be a lock as the opening day back-line.

Jay DeMerit started his first match and played his first ever 45 minutes with the 'Caps and thinks that despite the loss, it's still a team progressing to the great goal of being championship material. Hear his comments here.

Greg Janicki played a full 90 minutes despite a cold/sickness and discussed that after the match. Hear the interview with Janicki here.

Terry Dunfield was probably the best Whitecap of the field today making his presence known on both sides of the ball. He spoke about the match here.

Overall, Vancouver looks to be on of the most hard-working teams on the field this season in MLS. Jonathan Leathers and Shea Salinas look good together on the right side of the field. Dunfield is enjoying the challenge of stepping up to the next level and despite being their first match together, Janicki and DeMerit look extremely comfortable together as the centre-backs.

On the negative... of all the good things we have heard and seen from Davide Chiumiento in recent weeks was all for not today. He looked very average and out of place on the field in the loss to Chivas. Atiba Harris did not look like a man that can take the mantle as "the goalscorer" for the 'Caps and for everything that guys like Chiumiento, Harris, Tan and Sanvezzo have done or going for them, goal scoring is still something that isn't happening and that remains the key to the forward position.

Tomorrow, the Whitecaps look to rebound by playing the U.S. U-18 National Team. Omar Salgado will likely start up top. Boxall and Duckett will likely pair on the backline with Wes Knight and Blake Wagner at right and left back with Gershon Koffie, Philippe Davies, Alex Morfaw, Bedri Gashi mixing through the rest of the line-up as Brian Sylvestre will start in net. Start time for that game is 10am in Vancouver, 11am in Phoenix.

So the question remains... who will score the goals for the Vancouver Whitecaps? Who will be in the starting XI? and How come the Whitecaps Adidas blue and white track suits (Which look extremely smart) don't match the Adidas red, white and grey running shoes?

Retro Teitur

This photo was Tweeted by Marcus Haber earlier today. Too hard to pass-up to post it on our website.

Where and when this photo is from, I couldn't tell you . But it's solid!

Whitecaps win 2 - 1 over Real Salt Lake

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC beat Real Salt Late 2-1 today in their first training match.

Full-Time caught up head coach Teitur Thordarson and midfielder Terry Dunfield. You can listen to those interviews by clicking on the links below.

To hear the Teitur Thordarson interview click here.
To hear the Terry Dunfield interview click here.

Whitecaps Match Report courtesy of Simon Fudge @ Whitecapsfc.com

Playing their first-ever preseason training match as a Major League Soccer club on Tuesday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated 2009 MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake 2-1 at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Goals by the Canadian duo of Russell Teibert and Terry Dunfield have Teitur Thordarson's side a positive start to their schedule of preseason training games, with Vancouver just over a week into their preparations for their inaugural MLS season. El Salvador international Arturo Alvarez scored a consolation goal for the Utah-based outfit. Victory was also the second preseason result versus RSL at Grande Sports World. On February 20, 2010, Vancouver claimed a similar 2-1 result over Salt Lake as a USSF D-2 Pro League side.
"The win gives us a good starting point," Dunfield told whitecapsfc.com after Tuesday's game. "For the most part, I thought we competed very well, and there were a lot of positives to take from today's game. Real Salt Lake have some quick and clever players, so if you switch off at any point, they have the ability to hurt you, which is what they did for their goal. This season will be a big step up for most of us, but based on today's performance, it looks like we have a squad that can compete well in MLS."

With both sides keen to look at the many players they have in camp at present, the 'Caps and RSL agreed to a 135-minute match that was played in three periods of 45 minutes each. This allowed 25 members of the Blue and White squad some valuable game action versus an established MLS opponent. Goalkeeper Joe Cannon, centre back Jay DeMerit, midfielder John Thorrington, and trialist Ryan O'Leary all missed Tuesday's friendly contest through injury.

Vancouver strikers Atiba Harris and Davide Chiumiento had the honour of taking Whitecaps FC's first-ever kickoff as an MLS club, with Chiumiento soon having a role in the game's first goal. On 17 minutes, a nice pass from the Swiss international gave youngster Teibert the chance to find the back of the net, as he slipped his shot passed RSL goalkeeper Tim Melia for a 1-0 Vancouver lead.

The goal brought a spell of Whitecaps FC pressure, with former Rochester Rhinos keeper Melia needing to make saves from Teibert and Shea Salinas, while Atiba Harris was off-target with an effort before the end of the first 45-minute period.

Salt Lake then equalized four minutes after the first break. Alvarez combined with midfielder Ned Grabavoy before eluding the attentions of a 'Caps defender and beating goalkeeper Jay Nolly to make it 1-1.
However, that scoreline lasted until the 57th minute, as Dunfield scored the match winner when he converted Teibert's corner from inside RSL's six-yard box to make it 2-1.

Dunfield and RSL's Argentine striker Fabian Espindola traded further chances before the midway point of this extended match, with Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis changing is entire 'Red Team' line-up to his 'Blue Team' selection. Just before the second break, Brazilian striker Pablo Campos forced a clearance off the 'Caps goalline after rising to connect with a close-range header.

Having made several changes through the first 90 minutes of the game, the third 45-minute period saw Thordarson play the remainder of his substitutions, including United States U-20 international keeper Brian Sylvestre and 2011 MLS SuperDraft top pick Omar Salgado.

Despite their best efforts to level matters before the end, RSL's Collen Warner could only see his long-range shot sail high and over the Vancouver goal, while Campos forced a good save from Sylvestre with his turn and shot in the Whitecaps FC box on 112 minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a first win in preseason for the MLS new boys, with Thordarson's squad to continue with their current Arizona training camp until the middle of next week. This will include a training match versus MLS rivals Columbus Crew in Phoenix next Tuesday.
RSL, meanwhile, make their way home to Utah this evening and continue their preparations for their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal clash versus the Crew later this month.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
18.Jay Nolly (24.Brian Sylvestre 90'); 4.Alain Rochat (19.Blake Wagner 45'), 34.Bilal Duckett (23.Long Tan 90'), 14.Greg Janicki (33.Michael Boxall 86'), 8.Wes Knight (25.Jonathan Leathers 68'); 12.Russell Teibert (36.Santiago Bedoya 68', 35.Joe Anderson 110'), 26.Gershon Koffie (32.Jeb Brovsky 68'), 7.Terry Dunfield (15.Philippe Davies 81'), 22.Shea Salinas (39.Cornelius Stewart 45', 17.Omar Salgado 104'); 28.Davide Chiumiento (29.Nizar Khalfan 68'), 9.Atiba Harris (3.Kyle Porter 52', 13.Lenny Hartmann 115')

Real Salt Lake
Red Team (1st - 68th minute): Tim Melia; Robbie Russell, Jamie Cunningham (Drew Cost 45'), Nat Borchers, John Gilkerson; Jean Alexandre, Luis Gil (Nick Love 45'), Ned Grabavoy, Javier Morales; Arturo Alvarez, Fabian Espindola
Blue Team (68th - 135th minute): Nick Rimando; Tony Beltran, Jamison Olave, Rauwshan McKenzie, Chris Wingert; Kyle Beckerman, Collen Warner, Will Johnson, Andy Williams; Pablo Campos, Paulo Araujo Jr.

Whitecaps FC Week 1 of Training Camp

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC wrapped up week 1 of training on Thursday and are headed to Casa Grande in Arizona on Friday as they continue training and play in a pair of exhibition matches against Major League Soccer competition. With week 1 from Vancouver wrapped, we at Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show, offer you a variety of interviews from Whitecaps players and coaches.

First up is, what Full-Time believes to be the likely team captain in, Jay DeMerit, who is returning to competiton after 8 months off after his season ended last year in England. Who says he is easing back into training.

Greg Janicki was the defender of the year in USSF-D2 or "League Deuce" in 2010. He is looking to establish himself with the Whitecaps in MLS and says he is feeling good so far in camp.

Another holdover from last season and "League Deuces" Goalkeeper of the Year of 2010, Jay Nolly, says the 1st week of training has been good.

Wes Knight is coming off shoulder surgery in the off-season and thinks that overall, training has gone well for most in camp.

The Whitecaps have also brought in new players, whether through the expansion draft, SuperDraft or Supplementary Draft. Those players are also in camp and for Shea Salinas, it's a nice opportunity to see the construction of BC Place, training at Empire Field and meeting a lot of new faces in camp.

Michael Nanchoff was the 8th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft and 2nd pick for the Whitecaps. He's coming off a minor injury but is enjoying training and getting to know the city of Vancouver.

Michael Boxall was a supplementary draft player and had no idea he woul be selected by Vancouver, but excited about the chance.

Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson rounds out our audio for the week and says he likes what he's seen so far from the 1st week of training.

The Whitecaps will now spend the next ten days in Arizona before returning to Vancouver, where it is likely that the 'Caps will make some more signings of the current players in camp.

WHITECAPS FC SIGN DEFENDER ALAIN ROCHAT + Interviews

With preseason training set to begin next week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of Canadian-born defender Alain Rochat to the club's Major League Soccer roster - pending his international transfer certificate. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Full-Time producer Corey Basso caught up with Alain Rochat to discuss the new signing. Listen here. Corey also managed to get a few words from coach Teitur Thordarsson on how Alain will fit into the Whitecaps' system. Listen here.

"We're delighted to add Alain to our MLS squad," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "He brings a wealth of experience and has won titles in a top-flight European league and has played in prestigious European club competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup."

Initially acquired from FC Zürich by Whitecaps FC during the 2010 USSF D-2 Pro League season on August 17, the 27-year-old spent the remainder of last year on loan at the Swiss Super League outfit. The 6-foot, 170-pound defender - who can play left fullback as well as centre back - started all 14 appearances during his loan spell with FC Zürich.

"I'm excited by this new challenge to play in North America and in Major League Soccer,” said Rochat. “Vancouver is a beautiful city, and Whitecaps FC have been very welcoming to me and my family, since I made the decision to first sign with the club last summer."

The native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, first joined FC Zürich on loan during the 2006-07 season from Stade Rennais FC of France’s Ligue 1 before making his move permanent the following season. In four-and-a-half seasons with FC Zürich, Rochat made 154 appearances, scoring nine goals, and recording 10 assists. During this time, Rochat helped FC Zürich to Swiss Super League championship titles during the 2006-07 and 2008-09 campaigns. In the 2009-10 season, Rochat helped FC Zürich reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, where they faced Spanish giants Real Madrid, Italian powerhouse AC Milan, and France's Olympique de Marseille in Group C.

Prior to his recent spell with FC Zürich, Rochat joined Stade Rennais FC at the start of the 2005-06 French Ligue 1 season and appeared in 11 matches for the Brittany-based club. From 2001 to 2005, the defender played four seasons with Switzerland's Berner Sport Club (BSC) Young Boys. Rochat started his professional career in 1999 with Yverdon Sport FC, who were then members of the Swiss Super League.

Rochat, who moved from Canada to Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, when he was two, appeared for Switzerland at the youth international level before making his senior international debut on June 4, 2005, as Switzerland claimed a 3-1 away victory over the Faroe Islands in Group Four of European qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Whitecaps FC Confirm MLS Coaching Staff

Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue to shape their inaugural season in Major League Soccer, as the club announced today that Denis Hamlett has joined Teitur Thordarson's coaching staff as one of his assistants - subject to obtaining necessary Canadian work permit. The club also confirmed that assistant coach Colin Miller and goalkeeping coach Mike Salmon will remain part of Thordarson's coaching staff when the club begins play as the 17th MLS team in March. Per club policy, terms of their contracts were not disclosed.

Hamlett, 41, joins Whitecaps FC after serving 12 years in the coaching staff at MLS club Chicago Fire. This included two seasons as head coach of the Illinois-based outfit, with Hamlett leading the Fire to the MLS Eastern Conference Championship Final in 2008 and 2009, as well as the 2009 SuperLiga final. From 1998 to 2007, Hamlett served as Chicago's assistant coach, where he first coached then worked alongside Whitecaps FC director of soccer operations Tom Soehn. As assistant coach, Hamlett helped the Fire claim a memorable double of MLS Cup and Lamar Hunt US Open Cup titles in the club's first year of existence in 1998. He also helped Chicago win further US Open Cup titles in 2000, 2003, and 2006. Prior to arriving in Vancouver, Hamlett coached the men's team at Chicago's Illinois Institute of Technology this past autumn. Hamlett holds a United States Soccer Federation 'A' Coaching License.

Born in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, the native of Chicago, Illinois, was a college standout at George Mason University before embarking on his professional playing career with Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the old American Professional Soccer League in 1992. A defender, Hamlett also played professional indoor soccer for Harrisburg Heat and Anaheim Splash before finishing his playing career during the inaugural MLS season of 1996 after being selected 12th overall in the league's inaugural draft by Colorado Rapids. His efforts for Colorado that season earned him the BIC Tough Defender of the Year Award.

Miller, 46, played a pivotal role in helping the Whitecaps FC men's team concede a league low 22 goals and set a single-season club record of 18 shutouts during his first season with the Blue and White in 2010. Those coaching efforts, particularly on the defensive side, helped the 'Caps to a second-place finish in the NASL Conference of the United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) and a semifinal berth in the playoffs.

Born in Law, Scotland, the former Canadian men's national team captain has over a decade of experience as a professional coach in Canada and the United Kingdom. This included roles with Scotland's Hamilton Academical, England's Derby County FC, and the Canadian men's and women's national teams. More recently, the native of East Vancouver served as head coach with the Abbotsford Soccer Association and United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League outfit Victoria Highlanders FC. Miller’s credentials include a Canadian Soccer Association 'A' License, as well as 'A' and 'B' Coaching Licenses from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Before embarking on a career in coaching, Miller enjoyed a long and distinguished playing career that spanned two decades in Canada, England, and Scotland.

Salmon, 46, will begin his fourth season with Whitecaps FC in 2011. The native of Leyland, England, was been instrumental in the career development of men's team goalkeeper Jay Nolly. Under Salmon, Nolly was named USSF D-2 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2010 and Whitecaps FC Most Valuable Player in 2009 and 2010. Salmon has also played a key role in the development of the club's keepers in both the first team and the Residency program since 2008.

Before taking on his current role at Whitecaps FC, Salmon served as the academy goalkeeper coach at English Premier League giants Arsenal FC and first-team goalkeeping coach at England's Gillingham FC. As a professional goalkeeper in his native England, Salmon spent over two decades at various league clubs. His most notable spell came with Charlton Athletic FC, where he made close to 150 appearances for The Addicks between 1989 and 1999. Salmon's credentials include an English Football Association Goalkeeping 'A' License and a UEFA 'A' Coaching License.