Vancouver Whitecaps Announce Roster Moves Ahead of 2018

The Whitecaps are going to be looking like a very different team than what they did at the beginning of last season. Some of the bigger names of the last few seasons have not had their 2018 contract options exercised.

Of the players not coming back next season include goalkeeper David Ousted. The defenders not coming back are Sheanon Williams, David Edgar and Cole Seiler. The midfielders included are Christian Bolanos, Marco Bustos, Nosa Igiebor, Matias Laba, Ben McKendry, Mauro Rosales and Russell Teibert. The lone forward not coming back is Kyle Greig.

While there are a few names on that list that are less than surprising, including Ousted, Rosales and Teibert, there is much to talk about. It seems the front office and coaching staff have decided it is time to have a new look to their midfield with the departures of Laba and Bolanos, both mainstays in the squad over the last few seasons.

There was no real surprises in the players who had their options exercised for 2018. Of these include Sam Adekugbe, Marcel de Jong, Brett Levis, Tim Parker, Kendall Waston and Tony Tchani.

Parker and Waston were arguably the best center back duo in Major League Soccer last season, so them returning is reason to rejoice. Marcel de Jong looked to take over the left back role in the latter parts of the season, so his return is also no surprise.

The only name on that list that some were debating over was that of Tchani. Regardless of fans’ personal opinions on him, he will look to come back and continue to improve the midfield alongside Aly Ghazal.

Of the players whose 2018 options were not exercised Edgar, Greig and Seiler will be eligible for the MLS Waiver Draft. Laba, McKendry, Ousted, Rosales, Teibert and Williams will be eligible for the MLS re-entry process, barring them opting out or re-signing with Vancouver on a new contract.