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Posted by
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March 29, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Vancouver Whitecaps FC are hoping to get leadership, experience, quality and the odd contribution on the pitch from Mauro Rosales. It was a bit of a surprise, when Rosales signed with Vancouver on February 27. A favourite in the Whitecaps locker room during his 35 caps with the club from in parts of 2014 - 2015, Rosales was welcomed back with open arms.
"I love the city and I love this team," said Rosales following a training session on Tuesday. "When the opportunity was here, it was never a doubt to come back. I had a great year in Dallas, but this was different. I just picked one of the two, and I just came here to Vancouver, to help the team, and do what I do best."
Vancouver's young roster is void of a strong South American leader and players who have been there, and done that. Rosales has 165 career MLS caps and also spent three seasons in Europe with Ajax. He knows what it takes to be a footballer. His positive attitude and work rate is great example for his younger teammates.
Whitecaps FC Coach, Carl Robinson is glad to have Rosales back in the fold for this season.
"Why I brought him back," said Robinson. "It's not just for on the field, but also off the field. We know what type of guy he is. He's great in the locker room with all the Central and South American players. He's a leader by example. Whether he plays every minute of every game, that's highly unlikely. Will he be involved at some stages, yeah. We've got three games in a week coming up. I'm sure he'll get his chance to play. He can't play in the cup tie, unfortunately."
Rosales scored twice in 23 appearances with FC Dallas last season. While he was in Texas, he was able to gain a new appreciation and different perspective on the Whitecaps and what caused their downfall last season.
"Everyone respects us," said Rosales of his new team. "Everyone looks at us as a tough team. After last year, it was a little bit unlucky with all the key players that got injured, with players that left, and players that weren't in the best level that they want. It was a mix of things that couldn't get Vancouver to the top."
The 36 year-old, hasn't appeared for Vancouver yet this season. He is working on his fitness and awaiting his chance. Rosales is cap tied with FC Dallas and unable to appear for Vancouver during the current CONCACAF Champions League tournament. Rosales understands his situation and doesn't wish to take away playing time from others.
"I think the reason that I didn't become involved at this time, because I came last," admitted Rosales. "I think they deserve, the guys that were working for two months here. They deserve their place right now. I was working with Dallas. I had my preseason with them. I was the last one on getting to the team. They work really hard to get the opportunities here. I will work for mine, not because I have experience or because I played here. They deserve it, I will work for mine, and I will fight for mine. I will be ready whenever the coach needs me."
Rosales already has an idea of what the 0-2-1 Whitecaps need to do to get back on the winning side. It all starts with positivity and belief in your own abilities. Perhaps it sounds like malarkey to some, but believing in what you can do and shutting out extra noise can go a long way in helping a team overcome a slump.
"I believe in this team, the players, the whole work that the staff is doing," said Rosales. "Here is a lot of good players. We just have to turn the negativity into a positive minds, and just try to get a result as soon as possible. The year is long, and we have a lot of opportunities to become a better team. I believe in what we can do, and I believe in this team. It's nothing to be worried about now, but we want to as soon as possible get results."
Vancouver will face a tough task on Saturday night at B.C. Place. The Los Angeles Galaxy are in town and they always present a difficult challenge. Without the likes of Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, and the again retired Landon Donovan, it will be a much different team. New gaffer Curt Onalfo will be looking for his team to improve a 1-2-0 record. Carl Robinson won't call it a must get a result match, but surely a loss could be devastating.
"No, every week is like that," said Robinson when asked about getting a result. "I remember New York Red Bulls last year. They lost seven or eight game in a row. All the panic mongers set in with Jesse (Marsch), and he remained calm, and they managed to pick up results. The league is very funny. You go through periods where you don't win. It's important you remain calm and you stick to your beliefs and keep doing what you believe in. It helps when you have a full complement of players, and they're fit and healthy. It helps when you keep eleven men on the field. We need to try and keep eleven men on the field. We just need to go out there and play."
Sam I am in Vancouver
Sam Adekugbe is back in Vancouver and trained with the Whitecaps on Tuesday morning. The 21 year-old was sent on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion FC on July 15, 2016 for a one-year loan. He has been stricken with injuries during his time in England. Adekugbe has come back to Vancouver to get checked up. A second opinion if you will. Red Nation Online inquired to see if his loan to Brighton has come to a premature end.
"No, it's not done." said Carl Robinson. "He has picked up a little injury, a reoccurring injury. It's the third time it's happened, and we just felt it was right to bring him back. He's still on loan. We'll have a look at him here with our guys here, and then we'll send him back once he's done."
Vancouver will be looking to get a result on Saturday. Scoring early, and playing a full confident and mistake free match could be just what Whitecaps FC need to get going.
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