SAM ADEKUGBE NEWS

Training with team after NT duty Adekugbe (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 Adekugbe has been limited to just seven starts this season, but with four of those coming across the Whitecaps' last six games and with the defender going the full 90 in the last two, it wouldn't be surprising if he returns to the XI right away to take on RSL. Over that six-game period, Adekugbe has racked up four shots, six chances created, 18 crosses and eight clearances.

OCTOBER 17 • ROTOWIRE

Leaving for NT duty Adekugbe has been selected to the Canadian national team for its upcoming international friendlies and will not be an option for Sunday's match against LAFC.

Impact Adekugbe had started the last two matches for just four starts in his last seven matches. In that span, the midfielder has one goal with four shots (three on target), 21 crosses (six accurate) and eight clearances.

OCTOBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

Two shots on target in loss Adekugbe registered two shots (two on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 loss versus Minnesota United.

Impact Adekugbe led the Vancouver attack Saturday with two shots (two on target), but he was unable to convert his opportunities as Vancouver fell 1 - 0 to Minnesota. In addition to his offensive production, the veteran midfielder added one clearance, block and interception each to the team's defensive effort. Adekugbe continues to be a rotational option for Vancouver, having started in two of his last four appearances and in just seven of his 15 MLS appearances overall in 2024.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Goal following demotion Adekugbe scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 defeat against Los Angeles Galaxy.

Impact After being dropped from Canada's national team due to an injury, Adekugbe was part of Vancouver's starting XI before he was dropped from that Saturday. Still, he took advantage of a limited chance, logging his first goal in what has been a turbulent 2024 season for him.

SEPTEMBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Dropped by Canada Adekugbe has been dropped from the Canadian national team for its upcoming friendlies due to an injury.

Impact Adekugbe was not an option for the win against Austin due to an injury. He continues to deal with injury struggles, resulting in just eight MLS appearances on the campaign, starting three times with two assists and 17 crosses (five accurate).

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Provides rare assist Adekugbe had an assist with his lone chance created while crossing five times (two accurate) during Saturday's 4-3 loss to Houston.

Impact Adekugbe entered the match in the 30th minute and set up Fafa Picault in the 66th to assist Vancouver's third goal while leading his side with five crosses. The assist was the first since April for Adekugbe who has made just two appearances since May due to a calf injury.

JULY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Appears off bench Adekugbe registered one cross (one accurate) and one clearance in Saturday's 4-1 victory versus St. Louis City SC.

Impact Adekugbe was able to get some minutes on the pitch after missing the last two months with a calf injury. He is set to work his way back to being an option to start in the attack with three starts in six appearances prior to his injury.

JULY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Out Saturday Adekugbe (calf) is out for Saturday's clash with St. Louis, Har Journalist reports.

Impact Adekugbe won't be an option for Saturday's clash as he continues to recover from a calf issue. The wing-back was running in individual training earlier in the week so his recovery is progressing. His next chance to return will be a July 3 clash with Minnesota.

JUNE 27 • ROTOWIRE

Running Tuesday Adekugbe (calf) took part in light training Tuesday, per Har Journalist.

Impact Adekugbe was working individually in running training Tuesday, as he works back from a calf injury. The defender is likely still weeks away from returning, with any sort of match action still requiring a full return to team training. Sebastian Berhalter got the start last time out.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Starting to train Adekugbe (calf) is back in training, according to manager Vanni Sartini, per Har Johal of Equalizer Soccer. "We don't know. I can tell you tomorrow he's on the pitch, from two mont...

Impact Adekugbe has been out for around the past month due to a calf injury. However, he is set to begin training Wednesday, bringing confidence that he could be on the mend and is set to resume play soon. The club will continue to monitor his fitness, although we likely won't see him back in play for another one to two weeks after just starting to train.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Adekugbe (calf) is out for Saturday's game against New England, Har Johal of The Daily Hive Vancouver reports.

Impact Adekugbe hasn't played since May 5, and while he's getting closer to a return, he's not ready yet. His next chance to play will come against the Timbers on June 22, though it wouldn't be surprising if he's not ready by that date, either.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out to face LAFC Adekugbe (calf) won't be available to face LAFC on Saturday, Har Johal of The Daily Hive Vancouver reports.

Impact Adekugbe was doing exercises in the gym and didn't train with the rest of the group during Thursday's session, which effectively will rule him out of playing over the weekend. The injury comes at a bad time for him, as he had started each of Colorado's last three games. Adekugbe's next chance to play will come against Colorado on May 15.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves with calf injury Adekugbe was forced off in the first half of Saturday's match against Austin due to a calf injury.

Impact Adekugbe left the match in the 43rd minute being replaced by Ryan Raposo. The extent of Adekugbe's injury should be determined ahead of next week's match with LAFC.

MAY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Assists opener Adekugbe assisted once to go with four crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC.

Impact Adekugbe set up Ryan Gauld for the opening goal during Saturday's win. The full-back was excellent going forward, though he could have had a bit better end product on a couple occasions. Adekugbe remains a strong attacking option, especially in a Vancouver side that is doing brilliantly in the early stages of 2024.

APRIL 22 • ROTOWIRE

Set for return on bench Adekugbe (knee) is expected to be on the team sheet Saturday against Portland, earning a spot on the bench, per Har Journalist of Daily Hive Vancouver.

Impact Adekugbe looked to be in doubt for Saturday's match at the start of the week due to soreness, but after an assessment Friday, he has now been deemed fit to make the team sheet. However, it appears the club is taking his return cautiously, as he is only slated to be on the bench to start the match. He most likely will continue in that role, as he only saw six starts in 12 appearances last season, mainly serving in a rotational role while seeing minutes here and there.

MARCH 29 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes minor setback Adekugbe (knee) was supposed to return Saturday, but per manager Michael D'Agostino, "He just had a little bit of soreness in the knee. We're making sure that little thing doesn't...

Impact Adekugbe will have to restart with an extra week of full training as he looks to be completely healthy for Saturday after a minor set back in his knee injury. He will continue to be used off the bench for the side, with just six starts in 12 appearances in 2023.

MARCH 26 • ROTOWIRE

Set to return Adekugbe (knee) will be an option off the bench for Saturday's clash with Salt Lake, Har Journalist reports.

Impact Adekugbe is set to return for Saturday's match after getting back in full team training Tuesday. The defender will only be an option off the bench, potentially giving Ali Ahmed a chance in the starting XI for Saturday's match.

MARCH 19 • ROTOWIRE

Not yet training Adekugbe (knee) is not training Thursday, according to Har Journalist of The Equalizer.

Impact Adekugbe isn't back in training and won't be an option for Saturday's trip to Dallas. The wing-back will have another week to recover before attempting to make a return for a March 23 clash with Salt Lake. Ali Ahmed could be in line for a start with Adekugbe on the sideline.

MARCH 14 • ROTOWIRE

Begins light work Adekugbe (knee) has been doing light training on the grass as he inches closer to a return to full team training, reports Har Journalist of Equalizer Soccer.

Impact Adekugbe has moved his work from the gym to the grass as he is making great progress during his knee recovery. The midfielder will aim for a return before the end of the month, where he will start as a bench option after making six starts in 12 appearances in 2023.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

About month away Adekugbe (knee) is about a month away from returning, according to head coach Vanni Sartini.

Impact Adekugbe has been working in the gym the past week and will need another month to get back on the pitch and regain fitness. When healthy, he should see significant time for the Whitecaps, but he hasn't really gotten a chance to show his ability since joining the club last August, mostly due to injury and fitness.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Tigres Adekugbe (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's clash with Tigres in the Champions League.

Impact Adekugbe opens the 2024 season on the sideline, due to an undisclosed issue. It's not clear where he picked the injury up but the wing-back will now be left to try and recover before the March 2 MLS regular season opener.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Set to stay Adekugbe will remain with Vancouver in 2024, the club annoucned.

Impact Adekugbe didn't play the largest role after making the switch but he started both playoff matches and scored. The wing-back was solid throughout and could be the top option heading into 2024 if the playoffs are anything to go by. Adekugbe was brought in late and never really got the chance to gel in the first team.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in playoff loss Adekugbe scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Los Angeles Football Club.

Impact Adekugbe scored a header in the 40th minute Saturday off an assist by Ryan Gauld which tied the match at 2-2 going into halftime. It marks his first goal of the season and his first shot on target of the season. He and the rest of the team did not play well defensively though, as the Whitecaps gave up five goals and are now one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs.

OCTOBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Logs assist off bench in win Adekugbe made an assist and created two chances after coming off the bench during Wednesday's 3-0 win over St. Louis.

Impact Adekugbe was brought as part of a double substitution in the 71st minute and still found time to contribute as he assisted Richie Laryea for the goal that sealed the 3-0 win during stoppage time. This was the first appearance on the scoresheet for the full-back since returning to the club and he'll hope this helps him to keep getting playing time moving forward.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Adekugbe (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's clash with Salt Lake.

Impact Adekugbe was upgraded to questionable earlier in the week and now returns to the bench. The defender has seen minor minutes since joining Vancouver and seems likely to continue a more rotational role.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE