Vancouver Team News Page 21 - Soccer | FOX Sports

Pedro Vite - Provides assist in draw Vite assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC.

Impact Vite provided his first MLS assist since 2022 during Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Charlotte. He created two chances and chipped in two interceptions and a clearance defensively. Vancouver is hoping to build upon their attacking success during the 2023 campaign, during which they scored the second most goals in the MLS's Western Conference. If Vite continues to be provided opportunities to contribute to the talented attack in Vancouver, he could be poised to improve upon his 2023 campaign in which he scored four times and did not provide an assist over 36 appearances (26 starts).

MARCH 3 • ROTOWIRE

Ryan Raposo - Opening goal of campaign Raposo scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC.

Impact Raposo scored his first MLS goal since 2022 during Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Charlotte. He contributed defensively with two tackles (one won) and three interceptions. Raposo and Charlotte will hope Saturday's performance and production will springboard the midfielder past his 2023 output when he produced two assists and did not score over 27 appearances (16 starts).

MARCH 3 • ROTOWIRE

Yohei Takaoka - Four saves in draw Takaoka had four saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC.

Impact Takaoka repelled four shots on target in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Charlotte. The appearance was Takaoka's first start of the season after veteran newcomer Joe Bendik started the team's first match but was unavailable Saturday due to injury. After appearing 35 times (35 starts) and earning eight clean sheets over the 2023 campaign, Vancouver added to their goalkeeping depth in the offseason. All eyes will be on the manager's selection for goalkeeper when the team sheets are unveiled before Vancouver's next match Saturday, when the team travels to face off against San Jose.

MARCH 3 • ROTOWIRE

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Charlotte FC | Full Match Highlights

MARCH 3 • YOUTUBE

Whitecaps duel to 1-1 tie with Charlotte FC Ryan Raposo scored deep into first-half stoppage time to help the Vancouver Whitecaps salvage a 1-1 draw against visiting Charlotte FC on Sa...

MARCH 3 • MIAMIHERALD.COM

Ali Ahmed - 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

Pedro Vite - Starting opener Vite (thigh) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Charlotte.

Impact Vite is back in the starting XI after an injury kept him out for the closing stages of pre-season. The midfielder made it back in time for the regular season opener and is now an option once more. Vite should be one of the main creative threats for the Whitecaps in 2024.

MARCH 2 • ROTOWIRE

Whitecaps M Russell Teibert retires Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Russell Teibert is retiring from his playing career and will transition to a front office role with the club....

MARCH 2 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Whitecaps finally open season, to host Charlotte FC The Vancouver Whitecaps will become the last MLS team to open their 2024 regular season when they host a Charlotte FC side that opened a new...

MARCH 2 • MIAMIHERALD.COM

Quakes, Whitecaps, Sounders celebrate 50 years of North American pro soccer

The Sounders, Whitecaps and Earthquakes are all celebrating a 50-year milestone during the upcoming 2024 MLS season.

Quakes, Whitecaps, Sounders celebrate 50 years of North American pro soccer

Charlotte FC faces the Vancouver Whitecaps after shutout win

A game after shutting out New York City FC 1-0, Charlotte FC visits the Vancouver Whitecaps

MARCH 1 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Brian White - Absent from injury report White (thigh) is absent from Vancouver's injury report for Saturday's clash with Charlotte.

Impact White missed the final friendly of pre-season but was fully active in training and has now cleared the injury report entirely. The forward should be straight back on the pitch and should lead the line for Saturday's regular season opener.

FEBRUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Bendik - Questionable to play Saturday Bendik is questionable to play Saturday against Charlotte due to a back injury.

Impact It's unclear when Bendik suffered the injury, though it must be mentioned he wasn't available for the CONCACAF Champions League tie against Tigres UANL earlier this month, either. Expect Yohei Takaoka to start between the posts for the Whitecaps as long as he's healthy.

FEBRUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

2024 MLS cup odds: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami favored to win

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Inter Miami remain favorites to win the MLS Cup. FOX Sports soccer writer Doug McIntyre offers his ins...

2024 MLS cup odds: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami favored to win

Ali Ahmed - 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

Bjorn Utvik - Remains doubt Utvik (knee) remains a heavy doubt for Saturday's match against Charlotte, according to head coach Vanni Sartini.

Impact Utvik signed with Vancouver a month ago but has dealt with a minor knee issue, which unfortunately forces him out of the opener. He'll likely need more training to acclimate to the team and until then, his role in the side is undetermined.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Sam Adekugbe - 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

Bjorn Utvik - Running lightly on side Utvik was limited to just some running drills on the side as he continues to deal with a knee injury, per Har Journalist of Equalizer Soccer.

Impact Utvik is at risk of missing the first match of the season as he struggles with a knee injury. He joined the side in January from Norway, where the defender is expected to fight for time for a starting role once fit.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Ali Ahmed - 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

Brian White - Labeled day-to-day White (thigh) is day-to-day before the opening match of the season, Sarita Patel of Whitecaps FC reports.

Impact White is missing one of the final friendlies before the season kicks off, putting him in real doubt for the season opener. White was excellent in 2023 and figures to lead the line once more whenever fit in 2024, though this injury coming so late in pre-season is obviously a major concern.

FEBRUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Pedro Vite - Out in friendly Vite (thigh) is out for Wednesday's friendly against Orange County.

Impact Vite is missing the friendly as he continues to work his way back from a thigh injury. Missing the friendly this close to the start of the season makes Vite a real doubt for the March 2 season opener against Charlotte.

FEBRUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Joseph Bendik - Signs with Vancouver Bendik has agreed to join the Vancouver Whitecaps out of free agency, the club announced Saturday.

Impact Bendik will be taking the next step of his career to Vancouver, having inked a one-year contract with the club, holding an option for the 2025 season. The goalie has served in MLS since 2012 now, earning 189 appearances over that span. However, he has not held a true starting role since the 2018 season with Orlando City, mainly serving as a backup since then. He will most likely remain in a reserve role with his new club as well, as Yohei Takaoka has a firm grip on the starting spot, getting the start in every single one of the club's contests this past season.

FEBRUARY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Vancouver Whitecaps FC unveil 2024 The 50 jersey | MLSSoccer.com Vancouver Whitecaps FC have unveiled their new secondary jersey for the 2024 MLS Season, The 50 jersey by adidas. A celebration of the club'...

FEBRUARY 16 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Andres Cubas - Returns in CCL exit Cubas (undisclosed) played the full 90 in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Tigres UANL.

Impact The Whitecaps suffered an early exit from the CONCACAF Champions League, but Cubas seems to have left behind the injury that ruled him out for the first leg of this tie. The influential midfielder should be ready for the opening match of the 2024 MLS season, set for March 2 against Charlotte FC.

FEBRUARY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Vancouver Whitecaps exit Concacaf Champions Cup vs. Tigres UANL | MLSSoccer.com Vancouver Whitecaps FC have bowed out of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup after suffering a 3-0 loss Wednesday evening at Tigres UANL.

FEBRUARY 15 • MLSSOCCER.COM