Caps sign Marinovic as backup, but goalie will push to play
If there was ever an indication of how popular David Ousted is with Vancouver Whitecaps fans, one only had to stroll through social media after the team signed another goalkeeper, Stefan Marinovic, earlier this week.
Questions were raised about the intelligence of using two international roster spots on goalies, the intelligence of investing more money at the goalkeeper position, and, generally, questions of the intelligence of the Caps’ brain trust.
The bottom line is this: Ousted is 32, in line for a big raise, in the final year of his contract, and has made no secret of his desire to get a shot playing in a bigger league.
And that’s putting aside the fact Major League Soccer rules meant the Caps couldn’t recall Spencer Richey from WFC2, and were required to have a second keeper on the roster.
Saves like the diving fingertip stop he made last week against the L.A. Galaxy have long made Ousted a favourite here, but there’s a good chance this may be the big Dane’s final season in Vancouver.
The 25-year-old Marinovic isn’t a player who is going to be satisfied being a backup, either.
“It’s a bit of a double-edged sword,” the 6-3, 210-pounder said of being brought in to challenge an established No. 1 netminder.
“You’re trying to help out, trying to push (Ousted), but also trying to play. But that’s the nature of the position. If I play, I want to earn that spot. If David plays, I’m pushing him to the best of my abilities.”
Ousted will start today’s game in Dallas as Marinovic — a New Zealand international who has 14 caps, including starting all three games for the All Whites at this year’s Confederations Cup — continues to adjust to life with his new team, in a new city and country.
Kiwis Deklan Wynne, Francis de Vries and Myer Bevan all play for the Caps’ reserve squad, with Wynne knowing Marinovic previously, having made six appearances with the All Whites.
Marinovic joined the Whitecaps from SpVgg Unterhaching in the German third division, and just joined training with the Whitecaps this week. His reasons for joining Vancouver sound a lot like the reasons Ousted might leave it.
“I felt like I needed a new challenge. I was getting a bit too comfortable with my club,” said the Auckland native. “It’s nice to be No. 1, but I felt a bit under-challenged and wanted to take that next step.”
When that step will be is all dependent on coach Carl Robinson, and whatever may happen with Ousted. “It’s good to finally get back into the motions and build up that sharpness,” said Marinovic. “I don’t like to think of any timeline.
“When the coach thinks I’m ready to have a game, then I’ll have that game. It’s just building up that sharpness and getting game ready.”