Big number of Vancouver Whitecaps players got sick in Mexico

The Vancouver Whitecaps had to be wary before heading to Mexico City for the Concacaf Champions Cup Final.

After all, the last MLS team to play in a continental championship game in Mexico got food poisoning.

Coincidentally, I’m sure.

The Whitecaps did take precautions on their trip, sending two staff members to Mexico in advance to help avoid things like food tampering.

“We’re very confident that our setup is good,” Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster told Offside before the final.

But it doesn’t appear to have worked.

The Whitecaps cancelled training at UBC on Wednesday, as a “significant” number of players and staff are sick with what the team is calling “gastrointestinal symptoms.” It appears everyone became ill after returning home.

“Following the team’s return from Mexico, a significant number of Whitecaps FC players and staff reported gastrointestinal symptoms,” the Whitecaps said in a team-released statement. “As a precautionary measure, and in consultation with the club’s medical team, as well as the local infectious disease consultant and Vancouver Coastal Health, the club cancelled training on Wednesday and held a modified individual closed session for cleared players today.”

Even before getting sick, the Whitecaps had a terrible time in Mexico City, as they were blown out 5-0 by Cruz Azul in what was arguably the biggest match in Vancouver’s club history.

As they return to MLS play this Sunday, the Whitecaps will be up against it when they face the Seattle Sounders at BC Place. The Whitecaps were already going to be missing a significant number of players due to international duty. Now it seems that those who remain with the squad will be at less than ideal fitness, given the stomach illness.

“The health and well-being of our players and staff remain our top priority,” the Whitecaps statement added. “Each player has been provided with an individualized program by the medical and performance staff to support their continued preparation and recovery. We are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

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