Watching the ‘Caps for the first time this week? Or just need a little refresher heading into the new season? Then you’re in the right place. On the eve of Thursday’s Champions League quarterfinal vs. New York, we introduce your 2017 Whitecaps FC opening day roster. Kickoff for Thursday’s match is set for 7 p.m. PT at BC Place – tickets are still available.
#1: David Ousted (goalkeeper)
Passionate Danish goalkeeper who has become one of the best in MLS; stopped three straight PKs against New York; family man who penned a heartfelt letter about his late mother last year
#2: Jordan Harvey (left back)
Steady defender from SoCal with an adorable family who have truly embraced the city of Vancouver; 2016 Whitecaps FC Most Valuable Player
#3: Sam Adekugbe (left back)
Young, attacking-minded Canadian left back currently on loan with Brighton & Hove Albion FC, who are in line for promotion to the English Premier League
#4: Kendall Waston (centre back)
Hard-nosed Costa Rican defender who loves a good laugh; 2015 Whitecaps FC Most Valuable Player and 2016 MLS All-Star; 10th strongest player in FIFA 17
#6: David Edgar (centre back)
Experienced Canadian national teamer currently sidelined with a knee injury
#7: Christian Bolaños (attacking midfielder/winger)
Creative Costa Rican midfielder with FIFA World Cup experience
#8: Andrew Jacobson (central midfielder)
Experienced and reliable box-to-box midfielder who calls California home; previously a legal studies major; voted by his teammates as most likely to be president/prime minister
#11: Nicolas Mezquida (attacking midfielder)
Hard-working Uruguayan midfielder with an infectious personality
#12: Fredy Montero (forward)
New ‘Caps striker from Colombia with an impressive resume in MLS, Colombia, Portugal, and China; three time MLS all-star and all-time leading Seattle Sounders FC goalscorer in MLS
#13: Cristian Techera (winger)
Tricky attacker from Uruguay who “gets bums off seats;” nicknamed The Bug, or El Bicho, for his short stature
#14: Cole Seiler (centre back)
Young defender selected 16th overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft; stand-up guy with a dry sense of humour; native of Anderson, South Carolina
#15: Matias Laba (midfielder)
The best tackler in MLS; one of the biggest “clowns” on the team and a proud Argentinian
#17: Marcel de Jong (left back/winger)
Ontario-born, Netherlands-raised left back with experience playing in Europe and a lovely left foot
#18: Spencer Richey (goalkeeper)
Up-and-coming keeper from Seattle with a flair for the spectacular and a solid Twitter game
#19: Erik Hurtado (forward)
Pacey and powerful forward who holds the ball up well; recorded two goals and two assists in three Champions League appearances last year; native of Beaverton, Oregon
#20: Brek Shea (winger/forward)
Recently-acquired U.