SEILER FLYING HIGH
Whitecaps rookie impressive in his MLS debut
Cole Seiler made his MLS debut Saturday and also made his claim for the starting right-back spot in Vancouver.
Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson gave the rookie defender a vote of confidence with a first league start in the Houston heat, and Seiler delivered a strong performance in the scoreless tie.
“It was awesome,” said Seiler, a 22-year-old from Anderson, S.C., and the Caps’ 16th overall pick in January’s MLS SuperDraft. “We got a point and, as a defence, we were able to get the clean sheet.
“To make my MLS debut, I was thinking about all the hard work my parents have put in, and me included.”
Right-back isn’t Seiler’s natural position, which made Robinson’s selection that much bolder.
Robinson had Seiler training at right-back over the past few weeks and did use him there in the recent Crystal Palace friendly, which helped Seiler settle into the Houston game.
Robinson chose Seiler over Costa Rican Jordan Smith and Canadian Fraser Aird, who’ve both represented their country but have struggled defensively at times.
Tim Parker, another natural centre-back, has also seen time on the right side of the defence, and with Canadian international centre-back David Edgar eyeing a first MLS start for the Caps, shifting Parker outside was the predicted move.
But Seiler’s given Robinson more to think about. He was calm on the ball, got forward at the right times, and passed well after an early wobble.
Most importantly, he did his defensive job in a game where the opponent was always going to try to pick on him.
“He showed a very mature performance, and I’m pleased for him because all the guys love him in the locker-room,” said Robinson.
“He doesn’t complain. He’s never in my office asking why he’s not playing. He’s just got on with the business. He’s got a great mentality (and) mentality in football is 90 per cent of the job, believe me, and I think he was composed.”
He was also exhausted after 90 minutes in sweltering conditions. It was around 31 degrees at kickoff but more like 38 degrees with the humidex.
There were water breaks in both halves and Seiler slammed back a protein shake and a Gatorade after the game as he fought off cramps in both calves.
The shutout was just the fifth this season for the Caps, who’ve allowed the second-most goals in MLS with 35.
The point was a meaningful one, too — their first in Texas after going 0-for-10 in Houston and Dallas. They’re away to Dallas on Sunday.
“We have too good of players on this back line, and David (Ousted) in goal, to be letting in that many,” said Seiler. “We really take that to heart and we want to get back on the right track.”
Seiler, one of three Georgetown defenders taken in the first round of the 2016 draft, credited the Caps’ veterans for helping his transition from USL games to the MLS stage.
“I can’t thank Pa (Modou Kah) enough,” he said. “And Jordan (Harvey), Kendall (Waston) and Tim (Parker). They’ve kept me under their wing and whenever I can pick their brains, they’re helping me out.”
On Saturday, he also had Costa Rican midfielder Christian Bolaños — the veteran of two World Cups — playing in front of him, and in excellent form.
“He’s pretty funny,” said Seiler. “He’s just like, ‘No matter what, just give me the ball.’ So, if worst comes to worst, I know I can kick it down the line to Bola.”
Seiler didn’t have long to think about his MLS debut. He said he wasn’t sure he was starting until about two hours before the game.
You have to think now, though, he has every chance of retaining his starting spot heading to Dallas.