By Canadian Press

Where did the Whitecaps go? Vancouver’s former stars find new homes

Jan 20, 2019 | 3:15 AM

VANCOUVER — A number of familiar faces will be missing when the Vancouver Whitecaps start training camp this week.

The club has parted ways with 18 players since finishing last season two spots out of playoff position with a 13-13-8 record.

Just 14 athletes from last year’s crew remain, though the ‘Caps have added another five to the roster.

Head coach Marc Dos Santos said recently the front office is still working hard on bringing in new talent.

“This is not ‘Championship Manager’ that I’ve played a lot on the computer, where you just go get the players. It’s much more than that,” he told reporters at the Major League Soccer SuperDraft in Chicago.

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“Hopefully, we’ll be able to close the final deals and announce some players very, very soon.”

Here’s a look at where the former faces of the franchise have landed:

Jose Aja: The Whitecaps didn’t exercise an option on the defender’s contract, ending his year-long stint with the team. He came to Vancouver from Orlando and has now signed on with Union Espanola in Chile. 

Myer Bevan: The 21-year-old forward didn’t actually make it into a game for the ‘Caps in his single season with the club. Instead, he was sent out on loan to Fresno FC in the United Soccer League. Bevan was unsigned as of Jan. 17.

Alphonso Davies: The teen star made headlines worldwide in July when the Whitecaps agreed to a record-breaking transfer agreement with Bayern Munich. Davies made his debut with the German soccer giant on Jan. 13, helping the club capture the Telekom Cup. The 18-year-old midfielder’s offensive prowess will be missed in Vancouver this season — he tallied eight goals and 11 assists in 31 games and was second in scoring for the ‘Caps last year.

Roberto Dominguez: The defender from El Salvador signed with the club in August, but didn’t ever make it into a game. The Whitecaps did not exercise an option on his contract and Dominguez is now back in El Salvador with Club Deportivo Futbolistas Asociados Santaneco.

Marvin Emnes: The Dutch midfielder joined the ‘Caps in early September, but didn’t ever play for the team. He remained unsigned as of Jan. 17.

Sean Franklin: An MLS veteran, Franklin signed a one-year deal with the Whitecaps last February and saw action in 11 games across the season. The defender had not joined another team as of Jan. 17.

Aly Ghazal: The Egyptian midfielder came to Vancouver in August 2017 and played 22 games last year, but the Whitecaps did not exercise an option on Ghazal’s contract. He has now signed on with Portuguese club CD Feirense.

Erik Hurtado: The Whitecaps dealt the 28-year-old forward to Sporting Kansas City last month for future draft picks. Hurtado had spent all six years of his MLS career in Vancouver, putting up 12 goals and 10 assists over 105 games.

Kei Kamara: The dynamic striker made a big impact during his single season in Vancouver. Kamara was a fan favourite and led the ‘Caps in scoring last year, tallying 14 goals and six assists in 28 games. The 34-year-old was eligible for free agency, but opted instead for the expansion draft where he was picked up by the newly formed Cincinnati FC. The club immediately dealt him to the Colorado Rapids for an international spot.

Stefan Marinovic: The New Zealand native came to Vancouver in 2017 and immediately took on the role of starting goalkeeper. The Whitecaps did not exercise an option on his contract after the 2018 season. Marinovic was reportedly on a trial with Hull City in the English Championship league earlier this month.

Aaron Maund: The defender came to the Whitecaps from Real Salt Lake in 2017. Vancouver opted not to exercise an option on his contract and he remained unsigned as of Jan. 17.

Nicolas Mezquida: Mezquida spent five seasons with the ‘Caps, registering 12 goals and four assists over 101 games. Vancouver traded the forward-midfielder to the Colorado Rapids last month in exchange for ‘keeper Zac McMath.

Jordon Mutch: The English midfielder was on loan to the Whitecaps last season from Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. He was unsigned as of Jan. 17.

Spencer Richey: The goalie spent last season out on loan to Cincinnati’s USL team. Vancouver didn’t exercise an option on Richey’s contract and he’s now signed on with the new MLS expansion club Cincinnati FC.  

Brian Rowe: The goaltender was traded to the Vancouver after spending six seasons with the L.A. Galaxy. His contract with the Whitecaps ended after the 2018 season and he remained unsigned as of Jan. 17.  

Brek Shea: The American midfielder had seven goals and four assists in two seasons with the ‘Caps. The club didn’t exercise an option on his contract and Shea signed with reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United FC late last month.

Cristian Techera: After spending four years in Vancouver, Techera’s contract was up after last season. The five-foot-two midfielder was third in scoring on the team last year with eight goals and an assist over 21 games. He remained unsigned as of Jan. 17.

Kendall Waston: The Whitecaps captain publicly stated that he wanted to leave the team after last season. The 31-year-old defender had spent five years with the club, notching 14 goals and four assists across 115 games. Vancouver dealt him to Cincinnati FC in December for $450,000 in general allocation money, $300,000 in targeted allocation money and an international roster spot.

Craig Dalrymple: Dalrymple stepped in as the Whitecaps interim head coach after the club fired Carl Robinson from the post in mid-September. He’s now returned to his previous job as technical director of the Whitecaps Academy.

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press