Not only are the Vancouver Whitecaps are the top team in Major League Soccer, they’ve done it despite missing several key players due to injury.
Their 7-1-0 record has been achieved without Ryan Gauld, Sam Adekugbe, and Ranko Veselinovic playing a single minute. All three have been out with long-term injuries dating back to last season.
Andres Cubas, Ralph Priso, Belal Halbouni, and Sebastian Schonlau have also missed time.
Why are the Whitecaps cursed with injuries?
In an exclusive interview with Daily Hive, Whitecaps director of therapy Chris Franks discussed a number of topics relating to this.Â
The Whitecaps played in three competitions last year for a total of 53 matches. In addition to their MLS schedule, they’ll play matches in the Canadian Championship, Concacaf Champions League, and Leagues Cup.
How much do more matches, training sessions, and travel add to increased injuries?Â
“I donât know if it has,” Franks told Daily Hive. “I would say last year we had more longer term injuries than we had in a long time. I donât know whether it was to do with the increase in the number of games that we had to play… The number of games is increasing, and whether or not that has any barring on that, we shall see. This year weâre still sort of dealing with some of the ones from last year.”
Is BC Place turf to blame?
How much blame should be directed at the BC Place turf when it comes to injuries? Adekugbe and Veselinovicâs injuries both occurred on grass surfaces, while Gauldâs did not.Â
“[Turf] wonât ever be as close to grass as the players would like,” Franks admitted. “[But] recent research would suggest there isnât a lot more injuries on the new turfs. I can tell you players would much prefer playing on grass.”
Whitecaps leading goal-scorer Brian White has heard all the chatter about turf surfaces.Â
“Obviously anytime an issue happens on turf, weâre all blaming the turf,” White said. “That being said, I donât think the turf is always the greatest. I think the ball sticks up on it, it bounces weird. Maybe it is a little bit harder on the body, itâs a hard surface.”
“Save the Caps”
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As concern continues to grow over the future of the Whitecaps in Vancouver, the Southsiders supporters group is calling on fans to join them in a march to the match on Saturday, starting at Dublin Calling on Granville Street at 6:30 pm.Â
“We need as MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE to show out. If there’s one march you’re going to attend this year, make it this one,” the Southsiders announced via Instagram.
Supporters are encouraged to bring banners, signs, and flags to show how much the team means to them.
“The ‘Caps are Vancouver’s club and they’re here to stay. Our team needs our support, it’s time to get busy… ALL ARE WELCOME. You do not need to be a member to march with us. Tell all your friends.”
Huge crowd expected this weekend
This should make Thomas MĂźller happy.
The Whitecaps are expecting another big crowd on Saturday, as over 23,000 tickets have already been sold, marking the 19th consecutive MLS home match at BC Place with a crowd of more than 20,000.
Through seven MLS home matches this season, Vancouver’s average attendance is 23,703.Â
Saturday will be the final home match at BC Place for the Whitecaps until after the FIFA World Cup. Their next home match after this weekend is Aug. 1.Â