VANCOUVER — Who can forget March 19, 2011 at Empire Field?
The sun shining against the snow capped mountains, fans singing and cheering on their team, and the result spoke for itself — a dominating 4-2 decision for the Whitecaps over Toronto FC in their MLS debut.
History might repeat itself on Saturday when the Whitecaps open their third MLS season at home against TFC.
Here we are two years later with a completely different looking Vancouver team. Jay DeMerit, Alain Rochat, Gershon Koffie, Russell Teibert, Camilo and Joe Cannon are the only remaining players from the 18 that were on the opening day roster in 2011.
One notable roster addition is Darren Mattocks. The 22-year-old Jamaican is entering his second campaign with the Whitecaps with all the confidence in the world. This year he is looking to build off his finish last season where he led the team in scoring with seven goals.
Mattocks spent a lot of his off-season watching videos of great players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Xavi to try and help him make his game better.
With his blazing speed and the additions of great players around him, Darren expects to score between 15 and 20 goals “no problem.”
Who’s in and who’s out
Who is gone: Brian Sylvestre (option declined), Tiago Ulisses (option declined), Etienne Barbara (option declined), John Thorrington (option declined), Atiba Harris (traded to Colorado), Barry Robson (contract terminated), Martín Bonjour (waived), Michael Nanchoff (trade to Portland).
The newcomers: Paulo Jr. (Re-Entry Draft Stage 2), Brad Rusin (transfer from HB Køge), Kekuta Manneh (SuperDraft), Erik Hurtado (SuperDraft), Corey Hertzog (free), Tommy Heinemann (free), Daigo Kobayashi (free), Johnny Leveron (free), Nigel Reo-Coker (free).
Who to watch
Other than Mattocks and YP Lee, who are always fun and exciting to watch, Kenny Miller will be someone fans want to keep an eye on.
Miller was under a lot of fire last season for the way he played, mainly because of his $1.2 million salary.
This year Miller came back with a clear head and was ready to work from the opening of training camp. He’s one of the most veteran players on the team and will be leaned on by coach Martin Rennie and his staff to help guide and teach the younger players around him.
“Joe Luongo” or “Brad Schneider”
Yes, in Vancouver we are all too familiar with goalie controversies and how they work.
The Whitecaps’ situation is really no different than the one hounding the Vancouver Canucks. The ‘Caps have two great goalkeepers: one with a wealth of experience and the other is a young proven kid who was given a shot last year and made the most of it.
Joe Cannon has always been a great team player, and has looked very sharp throughout pre-season. But at 38, time may be catching up on him.
Brad Knighton, a full 10 years younger than Cannon, has been very patient throughout his time with the Whitecaps, and when he was given a shot last year he made some incredible saves and won the number one job.
My starting XI
Who will start in goal for the ‘Caps might be the biggest question heading into Saturday’s match, and something that Rennie won’t leave up to a toss of the coin.
Joe Cannon, GK – The veteran shot stopper is still proving that he has something left in the tank. He had an outstanding pre-season.
YP Lee, D – Arguably the Whitecaps’ best player and one of the best in MLS. The best word to describe Lee is class.
Jay DeMerit, D – DeMerit will be heading into his third season with the ‘Caps wearing the captain’s armband. He’s had health concerns, which is why the team signed Brad Rusin and Johnny Leveron for cover. He’ll be fine for opening day, but needs to remain healthy.
Andy O’Brien, D – Since he came to Vancouver, he has done everything the team has asked of him and this year will be no different.
Alain Rochat, D – Consistency. Night in and night out, that’s what you will get from the Swiss-Canadian.
Nigel Reo-Coker, M – Recently signed by the Whitecaps, he brings experience and leadership to the squad. He’s a natural leader and wants the ball at his feet.
Gershon Koffie, M -If he can stay consistent this year, Koffie has the ability to take over games and dominate the midfield.
Kekuta Menneh, M – At just 18, he has done everything right in pre-season to be given the chance to start on Saturday. His speed is his best asset but he is a pure finisher as well.
Daigo Kobayashi, M – A bit of a surprise signing by the ‘Caps. Daigo is an attacking midfielder who is not afraid to shoot.
Kenny Miller, F – The Scotsman will be looking to prove all his doubters wrong and make a big impact this year. He’s been with the club for a full pre-season, which is a bonus.
Darren Mattocks, F – There really is no other choice. If he can stay disciplined the team will go as far as he will take them. He said he’d score between 15 and 20 goals this year.