ALI AHMED NEWS

Will be available Saturday Ahmed (not injury related) is back from international duty and should be an option for Saturday's game against Real Salt Lake, Har Johal of The Daily Hive reports.

Impact Ahmed has started in all but two of the games he's been available for since the beginning of April, but being available has been one of his biggest issues thus far, as he's missed six of Vancouver's last nine matches since the beginning of September. Ahmed has 46 crosses and 24 chances created in his 21 appearances (15 starts) this season, so his presence in the lineup could provide an interesting boost in the attacking end despite his role as a defender.

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Joins Canada NT Ahmed has been summoned to national team duty with Canada for their upcoming international friendlies and will not be an option for Sunday's match against LAFC.

Impact Ahmed made his return from injury against Minnesota, getting the start while playing 58 minutes. He's only played in three MLS matches since the break, having been dealing with a few injuries. This will open the opportunity for Sebastian Berhalter to get another start in the midfield for the clash with LAFC.

OCTOBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Starting versus Minnesota Ahmed (quadriceps) is in the starting lineup to face Minnesota United on Saturday.

Impact Ahmed is expected to feature on the right flank in his first appearance since Sept. 15, pushing Sebastian Berhalter to the bench. The Canadian was averaging 2.3 crosses (0.4 accurate) per game before suffering the injury, so he may now perform close to those numbers if given enough time on the field.

OCTOBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Not selected Saturday Ahmed (quadriceps) was not an option for Saturday's 1-1 draw to Portland.

Impact Ahmed returned midweek during the Canadian Cup final, however was not selected for Saturday's MLS clash with Portland. This will also leave him questionable for Wednesday's midweek match against Seattle, not having made a league appearance since Sep 15.

OCTOBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Plays first half of Canadian Final Ahmed (quadriceps) started and played 45 minutes during Wednesday's 0-0 win over Toronto during the Canadian Cup Final.

Impact Ahmed was fit to play the entire first half after missing the last two matches with a quad injury. This means that the midfielder will return to the starting XI for Vancouver against Portland, where he had started the last four MLS games played, logging in nine crosses (one accurate), six tackles, six clearances and four interceptions.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Training away from group Ahmed (quadriceps) was spotted training away from the group but could be an option to face the Galaxy on Saturday, according to Whitecaps reporter Sarita Patel.

Impact Ahmed missed the match against Houston on Wednesday and landed in LA on Thursday, though he'll need to pass a fitness test to determine whether he'll be available for this weekend's contest. Ahmed has been a regular starter when fit, featuring in the XI in all but two of his appearances dating back to the beginning of April.

SEPTEMBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Out Wednesday Ahmed (quadriceps) is out for Wednesday's trip to Houston, Har Johal of The Daily Hive reports.

Impact Ahmed is dealing with a quad contusion and won't be an option for Wednesday's match. The midfielder is expected to return before a Saturday trip to LA Galaxy, after completing his recovery in Vancouver.

SEPTEMBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Back with Canada NT Ahmed will link up with the Canadian national team for its upcoming friendlies and will miss Saturday's match versus FC Dallas.

Impact Ahmed will return to the Canadian national team following his time at Copa America. He had since started in three MLS matches, making six tackles, six clearances and four chances created. With a few other Vancouver players also leaving for national team duty, Giuseppe Bovalina is in a good position to get his first start since June in the midfield for the clash with FC Dallas.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Back with team Ahmed is back with Vancouver ahead of Wednesday's match against SKC.

Impact Ahmed made his returned to his club team after securing a fourth place finish with Canada at Copa America. He made one start in three appearances at the tournament, all of them coming during the knockout round. The midfielder is set to return focus to MLS play, where he has a goal and an assist in 16 games with the side.

JULY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Set to represet Canada Ahmed has been called up by the Canadian national team to serve in Copa America.

Impact Ahmed was originally only called up for Canada's camps in preparation for Copa America, but it is now confirmed he will be joining the team for the entirety of the tournament. This will leave the midfielder out until around the start of June and possibly longer if Canada makes a run. This will leave the club without a regular starter, with Ryan Raposo or Alessandro Schopf likely taking Ahmed's spot until he returns.

JUNE 15 • ROTOWIRE

Called to Copa America: Whitecaps wingback Ali Ahmed joins Canada as new era begins Vancouver Whitecaps wingback Ali Ahmed is a late call to camp for the men's national soccer team. First opponent: Lionel Messi and Argentina

JUNE 13 • THEPROVINCE.COM

Called up for Canada camp Ahmed has been called up for Canada's pre-tournament Copa America camp, the Whitecaps announced Thursday.

Impact Ahmed has been called up for the pre-tournament camp, although his involvement in the tournament is uncertain since the final squad won't be announced until Saturday. In any case, Ahmed will miss the match against New England on Saturday, and his availability for the Whitecaps will depend on whether he makes the Copa America roster for the Canucks or not.

JUNE 13 • ROTOWIRE

Creates three chances in win Ahmed recorded one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids.

Impact Ahmed created three chances Saturday, in addition to recording a secondary assist on Sebastian Berhalter's opener in the 46th minute. He also recorded five crosses for the third time this season. On the defensive end he won two tackles and made one clearance before he was subbed off in the 83rd minute for Giuseppe Bovalina.

JUNE 3 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in loss Ahmed registered six crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 loss versus Colorado Rapids.

Impact Ahmed was one of the more creative options out wide throughout Wednesday's clash. The wing-back did well to get involved in the attack though after the first half red card his chances to get forward were few and far between. Ahmed should have more chances in a variety of roles, with decent attacking upside, especially out wide.

MAY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Nets off bench Ahmed scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 win against San Jose Earthquakes.

Impact Ahmed was brought on for the final 30 minutes and made a difference nearly immediately. The midfielder got on the scoresheet with his only shot on goal after replacing Luis Martins on the left flank. Ahmed is still working his way back from injury but if he can stay fit he will likely move into the starting XI long-term.

MARCH 11 • ROTOWIRE

Alessandro Schöpf, Ali Ahmed score goals as Whitecaps beat Earthquakes 2-0 Alessandro Schöpf scored his first MLS goal in more than a year to help Vancouver beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0

MARCH 10 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Available off bench Ahmed (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with Charlotte.

Impact Ahmed was always targeting a return during the season opener, and now he makes his return. When fully fit Ahmed could compete for a spot in the starting XI, but he will open the season on the bench. Ahmed made 24 appearances in 2023, before injuries derailed his season.

MARCH 2 • ROTOWIRE

Could be option for opener Ahmed (groin) could be an option Saturday against Charlotte, according to head coach Vanni Sartini. "Ali is really really surprising us in how fast he is recovering. I think there'...

Impact It's a positive update on Ahmed, who has been training with the team after dealing with a sport hernia most of the preseason. When healthy, he's expected to find regular minutes in the side after appearing in 24 matches (13 starts) last season despite missing almost two months of the season due to a foot injury.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Starts training Ahmed (groin) was training with the team Tuesday, per Har Journalist of Equalizer Soccer.

Impact Ahmed has been dealing with sports hernia for the last few months, but has been making great progress in his recovery. He is still not expected to be an option for Saturday's home opener, though is set to be just a depth option once fit with 13 starts in 24 appearances in 2023.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Out Wednesday Ahmed (groin) is out for Wednesday's clash with Tigres in the Champions League, Sarita Patel reports.

Impact Ahmed is unavailable for Vancouver's opener against Tigres, as he continues to struggle with a sports hernia. The midfielder will be hoping to get back on the pitch before a March 2 clash with Charlotte, the MLS regular season opener.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with sports hernia Ahmed underwent a procedure to repair a sports hernia on Friday and is expected to return to training in four to six weeks, the club announced.

Impact Ahmed made 24 appearances (13 starts) in 2023, but it's worth noting his play improved as the season advanced. However, this injury means he'll probably miss the regular season opener, and it wouldn't be shocking if he starts the campaign as a bench alternative since he won't have any sort of activity in the preseason.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in defeat Ahmed generated two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Los Angeles Football Club.

Impact Ahmed was trusted when it mattered most in the final match of the MLS playoffs for Vancouver. He had another solid showing, creating a pair of chances and nearly earning an assist. Ahmed will now head into the offseason with eyes on earning a full time role in the starting XI after making 24 appearances (13 starts) in 2023.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores with lone shot Ahmed scored a goal with his lone shot while crossing once inaccurately and making two interceptions during Saturday's 1-1 draw with LAFC.

Impact Ahmed found the back of the net in the 58th minute scoring with his lone shot while leading Vancouver with two interceptions. Ahmed ends the regular season with two goals and an assist in 22 appearances while making 20 interceptions and 37 tackles.

OCTOBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Creates single chance Ahmed recorded one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Chicago Fire.

Impact Ahmed created one chances in his second start in a row, though this time he played just 60 minutes. The attacking midfielder is back from a long-term injury and seems set to take a substantial role in attacking midfield. Ahmed could see rotation with Pedro Vite and Alessandro Schopf both options in the same role.

AUGUST 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available off bench Ahmed (foot) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with LA Galaxy.

Impact Ahmed returns to the bench Saturday after a foot injury landed him on the injury report. The defender made a full return to team training earlier in the week and suffered no set-backs as he made his way back onto the bench.

JULY 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE