Davies the poster boy for Whitecaps’ efforts to develop players
Craig Dalrymple is a believer now.
It took only five short weeks, but now he knows: the kids can play.
After stepping in as a caretaker coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps’ first team, the club’s academy technical boss has seen up close and personal what it takes for a player to succeed at the Major League Soccer level.
“I believe more now in the youth than I did five weeks ago. I understand that gap that we talk about being very big, is actually a lot smaller for some players than some people realize,” said Dalrymple, who has incorporated academy players as young as 15 into the first-team practices since stepping in for the departed Carl Robinson.
“The players are a lot closer than some thought they were, and I’ll be pushing that message every day.”
It’s a philosophy that’s worked in other clubs around MLS.
FC Dallas and Red Bulls New York are frequently lauded for developing talent.
NEXT GAME
Sunday
Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps 1:30 p.m., B.C. Place TSN1, TSN 1040 AM
The Whitecaps’ opponents this Sunday, the Portland Timbers, became the first U.S.-based club to have its MLS team, USL team and women’s pro team all make the playoffs in the same season.
The Whitecaps’ academy was a trendsetter in MLS when it was started, but the results have been mixed.
Seventeen academy players have been signed to Homegrown contracts, but only Russell Teibert and Alphonso Davies evolved into impact players. Forty-one players have gone on to play professionally, but not with the Whitecaps. The future could be radically different, though.
There are currently three Homegrown players under contract for next season: striker Theo Bair and midfielders Michael Baldisimo and Simon Colyn.
Bair has a first-team contract with the Whitecaps for next season, and could factor in for MLS minutes.
Midfielder David Norman Jr. and goalkeeper Spencer Richey, both out on loan, have club options for next year, as do USL products Sean Melvin and Myer Bevan.
Baldisimo and Blair have been called up to play for Canada’s U20 team for next month’s CONCACAF U-20 Championship tournament in Bradenton, Fla., along with other academy players including goalkeeper Thomas Hasal, midfielder Noah Verhoeven, forward Jose Hernandez.
Richey has been loaned out to FC Cincinnati and developed into one of their top goalkeepers, with six shutouts in 15 appearances.
Dalrymple said he could see any or all of those players pushing for minutes next season.
“We’re doing a lot of things correctly. Our academy is strong, our recruitment spaces in the youth level is very good, we’re combing the country, turning over every rock.”
DAVIES CROWNED
Alphonso Davies was named the Vancouver Whitecaps’ player of the year during Wednesday night’s awards banquet, a few days before the winger makes his final appearance in Caps colours.
Also honoured were: Midfielder Russell Teibert (Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero)
Centre-back Doneil Henry (Humanitarian of the Year)
Michael Baldisimo (Most Promising Player)
Caitlin Shaw (Most Promising Player/BMO RESP Youth Soccer Player)
Nathan Demian (BMO RESP Youth Soccer Player).