New Players, Same Old Story

Caps Tie! Caps Tie!

On a day where the air was filled with anticipation, for the first home game featuring all the Whitecaps new signings the home fans we're left with a bit of a bittersweet taste in their mouths. Cornelius Stewart scored a goal on a perfectly placed shot to take the lead in the '16. On the goal Martin Nash was given his league leading 7th assist of the season.

In the dying seconds of the first half Austin scored of a series of headers after Yohance Marshall finally nodded the ball past the Whitecaps line.

Ridge Mobulu potted a beauty of a goal in his home debut. Showing great patience he came down the left side of the box down to the touch line and waited for the defenders to pass him by. He then shot the ball from a tight angle into the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead.

Youngster Ethan Gage was subbed into the game in his first game back since his recent engagement with the U-21 National Team. Not to place the blame on him but moments after his insertion for team captian Martin Nash, Austin were able to capitalize on a set piece.

The Dynamic Duo of Cornelius Stewart and Ridge Mobulu gave Austin fits. Stewart had a multitude of chances in the first half and Mobulu had a couple opportunities that went just wide of the Austin goal. While newcomers Cody Arnoux, Ridge Mobulu, Willis Forko, and Terry Dunfield, all made appearances, Mobulu was certainly the most note worthy of the new players on the day.

The Aztecs who are in second place on in the USL Division started the game without five of their regular starters on the pitch. Jay Needleham and Lawence Olum were injured. Forwards Eddie Johnson and Max Griffin sat out until Johnson came on to score the equalizer. Yordany Alvarez didn't even make it out on the Aztec's 2 game West Coast swing.

Jay Nolly had a great game as per usual and made several great saves in the dying minutes.

Clash of The Titans

As the season winds down we get a chance to check out Austin's potent offence while Jay Nolly tries to earn another clean sheet at home. With all the buzz about the new signings added to the Whitecap's most people probably don't realize that several of our players are in the Top 10 in most of the leagues statistical columns. Martin Nash leads the Deuce in assists with 7 including the one he got as I am writing this post and Cornelius Stewart has 4 putting him in a tie for 5th. Nelson Akwari although currently injured is 8th on the chart for Minutes Played while Jay Nolly sits in 3rd. Coquitlam standout Luca Bellisomo has commited the league high in fouls with 56, that's 9 ahead of Austin's Edward Johnson. Greg Janicki rounds out the foul table in 10th with 34.

Stay tuned for a post game update as the Whitecaps currently lead the Aztec's 1-0 on a Cornelius Stewart goal in the 16'

also look out for a podcast that I will be putting together in the coming weeks.

Omar Salgado's trial comes to an end.

The teenage American sensation (16 years old!) will not be continuing his Loan to the Vancouver Whitecaps as the club was unable to secure his registration papers to complete the agreement made with the MLS. It's just as well since the kid seems to have his heart set on continuing his training in the US after his joining the U-20 National Program recently and thus being forced to leave Chivas Guadalajara who only sign players who are eligible to play for the Mexican National side. It sounds like this kid had quite the upside to him fast and strong (6'4 ) but maybe the club saw enough from him to select him in the MLS superdraft this spring...

New Whitecaps Striker Jonathan McDonald

Whitecaps FC add Swiss pair - Highlights

Tommy Soehn has been Workin' Hard

It seemed inevitable more international players were on their way into the Whitecaps dressing room with the departures of Justin Moose, Johnny Steele, Ricardo Sanchez, Devor Orgill, and Marlon James. Facts are facts and if you are taking up an international roster spot and can't crack the starting line up you are going to be let go. Every game from here on out is going to be viewed as a trial for next season. Over the last 2 weeks the signings have come fast and furious. Alain Rochat (D), *Willis Forko (D/M), Kyle Porter (M), Terry Dunfield (M), *Alexandre Morfaw (M), *Davide Chiumiento (M), *Ridge Mobulu (F/M), *Cody Arnoux (F) and Costa Rican sensation *Jonathan McDonald (F).

*denotes an international

While the 'Caps have continued their strong play in the deuce it is going to be very interesting to see how all these moves affect the team chemistry. Alain Rochat and Davide Chiumento look fantastic in their video that has been posted on the clubs page and Jonathan McDonald appears to have blazing speed upfront. With Malould Akloul still sidelined with his ankle injury his status is still up in the air but it definitely sounds like the competition is heating up as the 'Caps fight for a championship in their final season before making the jump to MLS.

The one thing I appreciate the most is the Canadian representation in the signings, I am especially excited to see Alain Rochat who brings so quality experience in UEFA Champions League games, and can't wait to see these new additions perform against Austin on August 29th at Swangard.