Pedro Vite: En Fuego

VANCOUVER, BC – The Whitecaps and Sounders renewed hostilities in the first of three matches this season as the two Cascadia rivals met at BC Place on Saturday night. It was an intense fixture with the Vancouver coming out on top with a 2-0 victory. A crowd of 19,108 was on hand at BC Place as supporters from both teams created a raucous environment.

For the second consecutive home match against Seattle and the second consecutive Whitecaps match, Pedro Vite came up big opening the scoring for Vancouver in the first half.

What is it about the Sounders that bring out the best in Vite?

“Yeah the fans always give us the extra push,” Vite explained. “I love it when we get loads of people here to watch us, to witness the football that we put on a show here. In terms of scoring against Seattle, thanks to God, I was able to score last year and this year. The most important thing overall was that we were able to get the three points and the win.”

44' | Pedro Vite battles it out and just gets his foot in there to open our scoring! @Pedro_Vite45#VWFC 1-0 #Sounders

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) May 21, 2023

Sounders keeper Stefan Frei was credited with an own goal in the second half that made it 2-0. 

Yohei Takaoka wasn’t busy as he finished with one save to earn his fifth clean sheet of the season.

Four of Takaoka’s clean sheets have come at BC Place this season. 

This is the first time the Caps have beat the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders at BC Place during the MLS regular season. 

1 – @WhitecapsFC have recorded home wins over both the Sounders and Timbers in a single regular season for the first time in the club's MLS history. Peak. pic.twitter.com/bnb6UY7qBj

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) May 21, 2023

Whitecaps improve to 4-4-5 (17 points) and the Sounders drop to 7-5-2 (23 points) 

Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini was full of excitement when he spoke to the reporters postgame. 

“Fantastic performance,” Sartini said. “Fantastic victory. We smashed the best team in the western conference, with LAFC. It reminded us how good we are when we are doing the things we are supposed to do. I think the two goals is even generous for them, because we could have had even more. I’m very happy because we played really, really, really well.”

Vite was able to score his fourth career MLS goal after he out muscled Sounders midfielder Alex Roldan to a loose ball.

The 21-year-old Vite was able to poke the ball past Frei to give the Caps the advantage. 

“Yeah Ali (Ahmed) was very active in the pressure down the wing,” Vite told reporters following the match. “He saw me in the box and I made a diagonal run. I saw the space in the box and he put in a good ball. My first touch wasn’t the best, but I was able to wriggle free and get a good touch on it.”

Vite’s hustle and determination to get to the ball led to the first shot on target of the match for both teams. Prior to that, both teams had played a disjointed opening forty-five with few scoring chances. 

The Caps held a 52% – 48% possession advantage at the half. 

Ryan Gauld looked to have opened his MLS account with his first goal of the season in the 58th minute.

Luis Martins setup Gauld who fired a low shot inside and off the Sounders post. Frei was able to get a hand to the ball but it wasn’t enough to keep the ball out.

OG’s force OG’s 😤
 
Midfielder Ryan Gauld is your @GE_Appliances Player of Quality for #VANvSEA #VWFC pic.twitter.com/hiIMNkrA3M

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) May 21, 2023

Upon further review the goal was awarded as an own goal against the Sounders keeper.

This is the second time this season Gauld has had a goal taken away from him and credited as an own goal.

The Whitecaps have been the recipient of three own goals this season.

After scoring the lone Sounders goal on Wednesday night vs Austin FC, Fredy Montero earned the start and went the distance against his former club.

The Colombian striker and his Sounders teammates were unable to generate much offence against the Caps. Montero shared his thoughts on the match when he spoke to Har Journalist postgame. 

“It wasn’t the result that we wanted,” Montero said. “I’ve been in MLS long enough and I know that sometimes you have this moment in the season where you have bad results, but the season is long. We are in second place and hopefully we go back home and we have one more week to think about what we didn’t do well and hopefully we can get the next result.”

The Sounders will return home for the first of three MLS matches at Lumen Field when they take on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, May 27.

The Whitecaps will hit the road for a pair of matches starting on Wednesday, May 24 when they battle Pacific FC in the semifinals of the Canadian Championship tournament. Vancouver will also travel to Missouri to play St. Louis City SC on Saturday, May 27.

Has Fredy Montero played his last match with Vancouver Whitecaps FC?

Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Fredy Montero at the NSDC at UBC on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Photo: Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, B.C – The future of Whitecaps FC striker Fredy Montero has been thrown into doubt as he was noticeably left behind last week when Vancouver departed for a three-match road trip against Canadian rivals, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact.

Montero, is healthy, and available for selection, but was a surprise omission from Vancouver’s traveling roster of 23 players. The club has cited a “technical decision” for the reason why Montero did not make the trip.

Montero is a proven scorer on a Whitecaps FC club that has trouble scoring goals. It doesn’t make sense for a goal starved team void of creating offence to leave someone with Montero’s resume at home on his couch sipping Santo Coffee.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos offered the following when pressed by Har Journalist. 

“We’re focusing on the three games we have now,” Dos Santos explained to reporters on a conference call last week. “We decided for this trip, and based on what’s going on with the season, and the many unknowns of the season. We decided to come to this trip and give the opportunities to young players that play in similar roles as Fredy Montero, an example, Ryan Raposo or Theo Bair.

I made it clear with Fredy that this trip was a technical decision that we wanted to take invest a little bit more in these young players when we’re looking at the full picture of everything. I’m very clear with that and you guys can see the numbers. I want to give chances to young Canadian players and we want to do that in small stages. I think if you want to grow you have to be involved in big stages. Having guys like Theo coming in against Toronto FC or Ryan Raposo or Guti (Cristián Gutiérrez) slowing having opportunities to grow and show there qualities. For us it’s important as a club and that’s why the option of having Fredy Montero out.

I’ll remind you this, we scored in LA and Fredy didn’t play. We scored against Kansas City and Fredy didn’t play. We scored three goals against San Jose, and two goals against Chicago. Fredy is an option to also help with goal scoring opportunities, but other players are also able to help and that’s all.”

MDS dodges a question about the decision to leave Fredy behind, saying that he wants to give young players a chance. #VWFC pic.twitter.com/UbCjrniwhN

— 𝕲𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖘𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@GlassCityFC) August 20, 2020

Vancouver is currently mired in goalless stretch of 289 minutes without bulging the old onion bag. Whitecaps FC last scored on July 23, when Cristian Dájome scored in the second half against Chicago in a 2-0 Vancouver win.

In a pair of losses against Toronto FC last week, the invisible Whitecaps FC offence managed to combine for two shots on target. Lucas Cavallini was on an island with no service. Yordy Reyna was sat in the stands on Friday for breaking team rules. 

In his availability ahead of Vancouver’s match against Montreal on Tuesday night at Saputo Stadium. Dos Santos offered a curious comment when asked about being hard on the 26 year-old (Reyna), who has been a pro for a few years now.

“I have to be hard,” Dos Santos said. “There’s guys 32, 33, that are kids unfortunately sometimes.”

Just in case anyone was wondering… #VWFC pic.twitter.com/UvJ7QcL2FL

— J.J. Adams (@TheRealJJAdams) August 24, 2020

 

The 33 year-old Montero was Whitecaps FC 2019 leading goal-scorer earning $968,000 a season ago, but seemed to fall out of favour during the latter stages of the season. Montero often found himself entering matches as a second half substitution.

He earned one start in the final six matches of the season, and scored twice.

Could there be contract buyout or transfer in the works for Montero?

Sources close to Montero had this to say regarding such matters.

“I do not give that type of information as it should be given by the club, I am very respectful.”

Vancouver Whitecaps FC CEO & Sporting Director Axel Schuster offered the following statement.

“Fredy Montero is under contract until the end of 2020. At the right time, we will sit down with Fredy and his agent to discuss his future.”

While officials on both sides seem keen to pour oil on troubled waters, the temperature has been rising on social media.

Montero’s wife, Alexis Montero looks to have a pair of passports in her grasp.

Fredy’s wife, picking up Portuguese passports. 👀 #VWFC pic.twitter.com/Elt3hAivZ4

— 𝕲𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖘𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@GlassCityFC) August 19, 2020

Where there is smoke, there’s often fire. It’s August and there’s enough brush fire around to question Montero’s future.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Fredy Montero hones in on his baking and math skills

Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Fredy Montero at the NSDC at UBC on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Photo: Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, B.C – As the world waits for the return of sports, many athletes are keeping busy, and spending time with their loved ones who they wouldn’t necessarily see during a hectic season. Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker, Fredy Montero is making the most of his new found time with his family.

Montero’s career has taken him all over the world, and that has cut into quality time with his wife, Alexis and his two daughters, Vivienne, and Ruby. Self isolation and social distancing has resulted in Montero learning new chores at home.

“We’re chilling,” Montero explained to Har Journalist earlier this week. “You know my life, and my career, we’ve travelled a lot. It’s fun to be spending time together.

She’s (Alexis) showing me how to clean the house and under the bed. It’s difficult for my back. I’m learning how to bake, my kids are loving it. I bake muffins and cupcakes.”

When Montero isn’t working on his latest recipe, he has found a challenge that most parents can relate to.

“I honestly have been focused on home schooling,” Montero said. “Just keeping my girls entertained, that’s hard sometimes. I’m an okay teacher. Sometimes I reach my patience limit. I help my oldest daughter with math class. I can read some books, the easy ones. I’m an okay teacher, nothing crazy.”

Earlier this week, Whitecaps FC players were able to return to the National Soccer Development Centre for individual player workouts. May 12, was the first time Montero was able to kick a ball since the COVID-19 pandemic suspended MLS.

Slowly coming back … ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/YPU3gxFhcj

— Fredy Montero (@fredymontero_) May 12, 2020

The first Whitecaps FC individual workout featured 16 players in separate groups.

Yordy Reyna and Jasser Khmiri did not participate.

Both players are in a 14 self isolation after breaking social distancing rules on May 5.

“I mean they know what they’re doing and I have no comment,” Montero said. “The action has consequences and they have to follow what the league and team told them to do.”

Montero is optimistic that MLS will return. In what capacity that is, that remains to be seen. A hub city in Orlando, Florida could potentially be a short term solution, but that faces plenty of hurdles before the beautiful game can kick off.

“Yeah, I think we have plenty of time,” Montero said. “Every single industry in North America is adapting to this pandemic. I believe MLS is going to do the same. It’s not going to be a long tournament as we’re use to, but we’re going to go back to the real games for sure.”

The feel of live matches is what fans are longing to see. The Bundesliga is set to return on Saturday without any fans in stadiums. The possibility of MLS players playing football in an empty stadium is a foreign concept to fans, but it’s not all that rare for players.

“Yes, I had the opportunity in 2013,” Montero revealed. “It was an official match on TV for three points on the line. It was something that didn’t look one hundred percent normal. The fact that the fans aren’t there, we need to adapt. That’s what we need to do to be safe. The people can watch the games at home. That’s what we need to do. We need to follow every other league in the world.”

Montero’s Seattle based Santo Coffee Co, has had to find a way to generate business during what has been an unprecedented time. While customers can no longer come in, sit down, and relax with a coffee, they can still order a cuppa to go.

“It’s hard honestly,” Montero said. “We are open only Saturday and Sunday (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) you can only takeaway. We are working with an app, and you can order ahead, just show up and get what you ordered. I would say I think we have loyal customers that have been supporting us through these hard times. For any small company it’s tough.”

It’s been a tough few months for all of us, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s certainly a long tunnel, but sports are slowly returning, and brighter days are ahead.

Where does Fredy Montero fit in with Vancouver Whitecaps FC?

VANCOUVER, B.C – Please visit Pro Soccer USA for my story on Whitecaps FC striker Fredy Montero.

https://bit.ly/2GgPjEE

Gracias

Which Whitecaps FC players are likely to return next season and who isn’t?

VANCOUVER, B.C – Please visit Daily Hive for my story on who is expected to return next season for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and who’s likely to headed in another direction.

https://bit.ly/2M6o0Rq

Thanks

Whitecaps FC’s Fredy Montero crushes the playoff hopes of Columbus Crew SC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Colombus Crew SC at B.C. Place on September 21, 2019. Photo: Har Journalist.

VANCOUVER, B.C – Fredy Montero broke the hearts of Columbus Crew SC with an equalizer deep into second half stoppage time that helped Vancouver earn a 1-1 draw vs Columbus. In a chase to make the playoffs, Crew SC were mere seconds away from earning all three points on the road, but they just could not see the game out.

Coach Caleb Porter didn’t not hold back in his post-match assessment.

“Yeah, really disappointing,” Porter started off. “The season was on the line, we’re up 1-0, ten seconds to go. Put the ball in the stands. These are simple things that you have to do to win games. We did the wrong things, and it cost us the season.”

FREDY FRICKIN' MONTERO! 🔥

VAN 1-1 CLB | #VWFC pic.twitter.com/t41lDUFI7t

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) September 21, 2019

“Honestly, if we could see a game out this year, we would be in the playoffs,” Porter said.

Needing to run the table in order to have any hope of making the playoffs, Columbus made sure they started off on the right foot with a timely first half tally. The Ohio visitors, were a determined and aggressive team from the opening whistle.

“It’s in extra time (stoppage time), and we just have to kill the game off,” Gyasi Zardes told Har Journalist post-match. “Maybe kick the ball in the corner, or kick it out. We just have to try and waste a little bit of more time, because the game is over.”

A B.C. Place crowd of 16,683, watched Crew SC drop to 9-15-8 on the season with 35 points. Columbus sit five points back of 7th and final eastern conference playoff spot. Whitecaps FC sit last in the western conference with a 7-15-10 record, and 31 points.

“We should have seen the game out at the end,” Porter continued with is post-match address. “The game was done. The referee is waiting to blow the whistle. We have to put the ball in the stands, foul, put pressure on the cross, pick up one of the most lethal strikers in the league. We don’t do any of those things.”

The 28-year-old, Zardes, summed up the mood in the locker room.

“Although we tied, and got a result on the road, it feels loss. We we’re up one-nil the whole game.”

Colombus opened the scoring in the 18th minute as they caught Vancouver on the counter 3v3. Zac MacMath made a point blank save off of Luis Diaz, but he was unable to control the rebound. In the process, he tripped up winger, Pedro Santos.

Referee Alex Chilowicz, pointed to the spot immediately, and also gave MacMath a yellow card. Zardes stepped up and converted his team leading 13th goal of the season.

Confidence 💯 pic.twitter.com/5HPidm4JIQ

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 21, 2019

The Columbus penalty, was the eighth penalty kick goal Whitecaps FC have allowed this season. Vancouver trails only Toronto FC who have allowed nine converted penalties.

Columbus kept the pressure on Vancouver as they looked to double their lead. Crew SC had several scoring opportunities. Whitecaps FC’s defenders were running around in their own half. MacMath made a trio terrific saves to keep Vancouver in the match.

Columbus caught a lucky break in the 55th minute when Theo Bair sent in a cross that deflected off a Crew SC defender and stuck the far post. The ball sailed past an on-coming Tosaint Rickets and into the arms of Columbus keeper, Eloy Room.

Eyes on the ball, always pic.twitter.com/GHnml4KlI5

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 21, 2019

Looking to inject some offence into his Whitecaps FC squad. Dos Santos brought on a pair of offensive substitutions in the second half. Fredy Montero, and Michaell Chirinos entered the match, Bair, and Ricketts made way.

Just as he did against the Houston Dynamo, Fredy Montero came off the bench and provided the heroics. Ali Adnan whipped in a cross, and Montero rose above his defender to smash home, an unmarked header for his 8th goal of the season.

B.C. Place erupted with excitement, while Columbus saw their playoff dreams dashed away. Crew SC will need to beat Philadelphia at home, and Toronto FC on the road if they have any chances of a miracle.

Yes, Columbus has a chance, but it’s slim to none.

“Things really have to go our way,” Zardes said.” At the same time, we really have to keep the faith. We have to work extremely hard. Our fans deserve a win at home, just because we haven’t been good at home lately, and it’s our last home game. We just have to give it our all.”

Whitecaps FC will now head out on the road for their final trip of the season, when they take on the LA Galaxy on Sunday, September 29. Vancouver will close out the campain on Sunday, October 6, vs Real Salt Lake.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Starting XI: Zac MacMath; Ali Adnan, Derek Cornelius, Doneil Henry(C), Scott Sutter, 82 (Jake Nerwinski); Russell Teibert, Andy Rose, Hwang In-Beom; Theo Bair, 63 (Michaell Chirinos), Tosaint Ricketts, 61 (Fredy Montero), Yordy Reyna. 4-3-3

Columbus Crew SC Starting XI: Eloy Room; Connor Maloney, Aboubacar Keita, Jonathan Mensah(C), Harrison Afful; David Guzman, 57 (Wil Trapp), Artur; Youness Mokhtar, 75 (Luis Arudo), Pedro Santos, Luis Diaz; Gyasi Zardes. 4-2-3-1

 

 

 

Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Fredy Montero balances football and Santo Coffee Co.

Image: Courtesy Santo Coffee Co. 

VANCOUVER, B.C – It’s been an up and down season for Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Fredy Montero. In 28 games this season, Montero has scored 6 goals, and added 2 assists. It’s a far cry from the 13 goals he scored with Vancouver in 2017. While Montero has struggled to find consistency on the pitch, he has found success away from the pitch.

Santo Coffee Co. opened it’s doors on Sunday, August 11, 2019 in Seattle’s, Roosevelt neighbourhood. Montero, his wife Alexis, are co-owners, along with Mikhail, and Jessica Ghyvoronsky.

“The grand opening, we had a lot of people,” Montero explained to Har Journalist following training in Vancouver. “We have social media, and thank god, I have good follower base in Seattle. They came up to check it out, from all over Washington,  Olympia, Bellingham, and they love it. New customers are showing up everyday, and we continue to serve coffee to the people that are coming daily. It’s a pleasure for us to serve them.”

As a native of Colombia, Montero and coffee go hand, in hand. He has always been a coffee enthusiast, but it wasn’t until his first tenure with Vancouver, that he and his wife had an inkling that opening up a coffee shop was what they wanted to do.

“We started going to different coffee shops,” Montero explained. “That’s where we got the idea. My wife and I have been coffee lovers since we were in Seattle. It’s been part of our lives having a break away from the kids at a coffee shop, and enjoying a good coffee.”

As someone who has spent his entire life, eating, sleeping, and breathing football all over the world, Montero needed to get an expert on board. Once the idea was born, he needed to find someone to help make his dream a reality.

“I don’t know everything, but that’s part of the thing,” Montero explained. “The manager (Mikhail Ghyvoronsky), is the barista, and our part owner. He was the one that was in town, searching for places, and trying to get a good deal. Financially we had the opportunity to get other people that came with my wife and I. It was a good way to start our first business. Sometimes you need people that know the path. We’re following those mentors. Thank god that everything is going well.”

👀 pic.twitter.com/bKfLwJpuCR

— Fredy Montero (@fredymontero_) September 3, 2019

The 32-year-old, Montero needed to find the best coffee beans. His background in his home country helped him find the best coffee beans on the planet. Colombian coffee roaster, Devoción was exactly what he was looking for.

“We are blessed enough to have mountains in Colombia, a different climate, and weather where the coffee can taste different. Yes, our coffee is one-hundred percent Colombian. We’re trying to get the best harvest in town. We’re working with one of the best roasters in the U.S.A – It takes ten days from the farmers to the roastery. They roast it, and within a week it’s in the coffee shop.

It’s the freshest coffee that you can find in the U.S.A.” Montero proudly said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fredy Montero (@iamfredymontero)

The hottest drink on the menu at Santo Coffee Co. coincides with the summer season.

“At the moment ice coffee, because of the weather,” Montero revealed. “We’re also selling a lot of panela latte, which is our signature latte. It’s originally from Colombia, it’s like a sugar cane. It’s like a brick, and then you melt it or grind it. It’s really sweet, it’s a different flavour. We are happy that people are accepting this new latte.”

The grind of traveling back and forth from Seattle during Whitecaps FC off-days hasn’t taken a toll on Montero. Santo Coffee Co. isn’t the only reason why Montero has been making the three-hour journey down Interstate-5.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Santo Coffee Co. (@santocoffeeco)

“I try to be a professional and travel when I can,” Montero explained. “My wife has been a huge help, sometimes she has to go. Also, the main reason we go a lot to Seattle is to attend our church. Our church is in Seattle, and we have a good relationship with all our friends there. We are always trying to make it, because for five years we were away in Portugal. It’s our responsibility that we have as Christians.”

As you might expect, Montero made sure to include the most important part of any coffee shop.

“Yeah, wifi. We have wifi.” Montero laughed.

Can Vancouver Whitecaps FC build confidence before it’s too late!!

VANCOUVER, B.C – It’s been trying times for Vancouver Whitecaps FC as they sit at the bottom of the MLS western conference with 20 points from a 4-10-8 record this season. Winless in their last eight matches across all competitions, Vancouver will try to snap a four-match MLS losing skid when they face the San Jose Earthquakes (9-7-4) at B.C. Place on Saturday night.

Whitecaps FC have been outscored 14-1 in losses to Seattle, Los Angeles FC, Kansas City, and New England. Vancouver looks like a lost team that has no chemistry, confidence, or sense of direction. The simplest passes go a miss, crosses aren’t connecting, and defensive miscues have left goalkeepers Max Crepeau, and Zac MacMath out to dry.

Does the team have the quality within themselves to snap out of the funk they’re in?

“I think we do, I think we do,” Montero told Har Journalist following training. “I’m here everyday with the guys. I know how important it is to build the confidence in training, and then showing that in the games. I know that it’s been a tough time. Especially to create chances, and score goals. I believe that this is the process, and we have to believe. At the end of the day, it’s about winning games. It’s more important to score one goal, it doesn’t matter who.”

Montero has been in and out of the starting lineup. Vancouver’s leading scorer, hasn’t found the form that he showed in 2017, when he scored 13 goals for Whitecaps FC. Montero has scored 6 goals this season, four from the penalty spot.

“Creating chances is step number one,” Montero explained. “When we have opportunities, bury them. We need to win, it doesn’t matter who scores the goals.”

The 31-year-old has played a combined 53 minutes in the last three MLS matches. He has just one attempt on target for a team that’s often starved to create offensive scoring chances.

Despite his reduction in minutes, Montero remains positive, and as focused as ever.

“A technical decision with all the coaching staff,” Montero said of his role from the bench. “All the travelling, and the amount of games we have in one month. I’m here to help, whenever I’m required to. When I’m called into the starting eleven, I will. If I’m sat on the bench, I will support my teammates. I know that we have a long way to go still.”

Far too often we’ve watched Whitecaps FC crumble under adversity. If an early goal is conceded or a decision doesn’t go Vancouver’s way, the kitchen sink falls in. Whitecaps FC are a fragile team, that’s void of confidence.

The Colombian international knows how challenging it has been to build team confidence.

“It can happen,” Montero said. “We have young players. As I said before, I’ve been through many good teams, teams that are playing for relegation, which is a lot of pressure. It doesn’t happen here. I’m telling you, one way or another. We’re going to take the next step, and win a game.”

RUDE. #VANvSJ https://t.co/LEQMhdu7AD

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) July 19, 2019

If you are expecting Whitecaps FC to make a move on the transfer market, don’t hold your breath. Vancouver had some expensive irons in the fire, that fell through. Nothing looks to be imminent now.

Head Coach Marc Dos Santos is prepared to take the criticism now, for the future, and long term development of the club.

“There are decisions that are good to make now, and others that we just have to take the bullets. Be strong knowing that people get upset with results. I have to stick with the plan of improving this club. getting the best players possible into this club. If that means that I have to suffer today. It’s good, I’m made for that. There’s no problem.” Dos Santos said.

The MLS transfer window will remains open until August 8, but Whitecaps FC are firing blanks.

“Closer? Right now, no.” Dos Santos revealed.

If Whitecaps FC are going to right the ship, it will have to come from the squad of players already assembled.

“We are professional soccer players,” Montero said. “We have to pull our heads up. We know that we need to bring all the energy. This game is the most important, we need to win.”

We The North: Whitecaps FC and Toronto FC play to a lacklustre draw!!

VANCOUVER, B.C – Please visit Pro Soccer USA for my Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC report.

https://bit.ly/2WBygqK

Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC at B.C. Place in Vancouver on May 31, 2019. Photo: Har Journalist 

What do Whitecaps FC players do on long flights, and who likes the middle seat?

Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Russell Teibert. Photo: Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Whitecaps FC are back on the road, as the team gets set for a pair of matches away from B.C. Place. Vancouver will take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, May 18, and then it’s a battle against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, May 22.

Vancouver is coming off a 1-0 loss to Atlanta United FC on Wednesday night at B.C. Place. At the minute, Whitecaps FC sit 8th in the western conference with a record of 3-6-3, 12-points. Sporting Kansas City remain in 11th position with a 10-points, from a 2-4-4 record. The home side will be looking to snap an eight-match winless streak.

https://twitter.com/MaxCrepeau/status/1129091566004367360

Whitecaps FC are no strangers to long distance travel. Playing on the west coast often means long road trips across the continent. Vancouver has already had three trips into the central and eastern time zones, traveling to Houston, Chicago, and Orlando. That often requires flying commercial with a layover before reaching the final designation.

Over the years, players have developed a flying routine. Some players prefer the window seat, over the aisle, and almost no player wants to be stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

“I love the aisle, so I can get up and go to the bathroom when I feel like it.” Fredy Montero explained.

“I’m an aisle guy,” Jake Nerwinski said. “I like to be able to get out. I like to lean my legs out into the aisle a little bit.”

“If it’s a long trip, I like the aisle,” Russell Teibert revealed. “If it’s quick trip, which we rarely have here in Vancouver, I like the window.”

“My favourite situation is a nice aisle seat, and I sleep as much as possible,” Andy Rose revealed. “Our last plane trip, we were on United, and we had a couple of Premier League games on, which was great. That’s probably the ideal situation. A good sleep, good book, and time to relax.”

“I’m always window seat,” Doneil Henry admitted. “I don’t like to be bothered, I don’t like to be bumped by carts when I’m in the aisle seat. Put me by the window, and I just sleep.”

“Middle, love the middle,” Scott Sutter joked. “I love being crammed in. No, no. Aisle all day, I prefer the aisle, I like to stretch my legs a little bit.”

There are a variety of choices to pass the time away on a long flights. You can try and get some kip, read a book, play cards, listen to music, watch a movie, or talk to your seat mate. Athletes usually like to rest up, relax, and watch a movie.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC players are no different.

“Watch movies, that I can’t watch at home with my kids,” Felipe told reporters at Vancouver International Airport. “I like to be quiet, watch movies, and enjoy myself. Anything on iTunes, and Netflix.”

“Mostly watch films, and see what new films are out,” Sutter said. “I’ve got my iPad, and a good book at the moment.”

“Soccer books, at the moment I’m reading a great book about Barcelona,” Rose explained. “That’s incredibly interesting. I read a lot about different coaches, managers, player autobiographies, all those sorts of things.”

“I try to sleep,” Nerwinski added. “I try to rest as much as I can. When I get a little stiff, I usually do a little walking down the aisle, until a flight attendant will yell at me to sit down. I watch Netflix. Right now I’m watching Designated Survivor, it’s pretty good.”

“Sleep, I like to sleep,” Henry said. “I don’t do anything other than sleep. Sometimes I download a couple of Netflix. I’ve been watching Imposters. I’m on the second season.”

“I don’t sleep, that’s for sure,” Montero revealed. “I get nervous when the plane is shaking, for those two seconds, five seconds. I’m praying about it, because I honestly don’t like it. Most of the time, I watch movies, read books, and talk to my teammates.”

There’s always one individual who is persistent in chatting up his teammates while they’re doing their own thing. If there’s a lengthy travel day ahead for Whitecaps FC, there’s one player that teammates would prefer they don’t sit beside.

“Ali (Adnan), Ali’s annoying.” Henry said.

“Normally I sleep, but Ali (Adnan) has been bothering me on the flights,” Teibert explained. “He likes to take pictures of me. I’ve kind of got to sleep with one eye open, now.”

“Joaquin (Ardaiz).” Nerwinski revealed. “I’ve sat next to him two or three times. He loves the middle (seat), which is a very odd thing. He likes to talk to everybody. If you sit next to him, you’re not going to get much sleep.”

“Yeah, Fredy Montero. He just does not shut-up on the flights,” Sutter laughed. “It’s crazy, he just wants to speak about everything. No, no, he’s great. If I can choose anyone, it would be next to Fredy.”

“Fortunately, we’re all sort of spread out on the plane,” Rose revealed. “I think we do a great job of trying to get away from the middle seats. Usually you’re sat by yourself. A few guys like to play cards together, and what not. For the most part, so far, I haven’t been hassled.”

Whitecaps FC will look to re-group in the friendly skies as they prepare for a week on the road. Vancouver will stay and train in Kansas City following Saturday’s match at Children’s Mercy Park. Vancouver will fly home on Thursday, May 23.