October 18, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has exercised the 2023 Major League Soccer contract options on four players, bringing the first team roster to 22 players for next year.
Vancouver exercised the 2023 contract options on Sebastian Berhalter, Isaac Boehmer, Julian Gressel and Ryan Raposo.
“Over the last couple transfer windows we have a build a solid foundation and we know where we need to improve to take the next step,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “We will use this offseason to strengthen our roster and have the majority of our players ready for the start of preseason camp in January as we are prepare for both the MLS regular season and the Concacaf Champions League.”
The club is continuing discussions with the following players who are on an option: Lucas Cavallini, Derek Cornelius (away on loan with Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC, through December 2022), Cody Cropper, Marcus Godinho, Jake Nerwinski, Leonard Owusu and Tosaint Ricketts. The club’s deadline for options to be exercised is November 14 at 9 a.m. PT.
The ‘Caps are also in talks with Florian Jungwirth, who will be eligible for MLS Free Agency.
Finally, Vancouver confirmed that four players will not be returning in 2023 as the club did not exercise contract options on Janio Bikel, David Egbo and Evan Newton, while Michael Baldisimo is out of contract and will be eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
“We are thankful to Janio, David and Evan, and wish them the best,” added Schuster. “I would also like to give a special thank you to Michael, who started in our academy and has been at our club for over a decade. Although it didn’t work out for him at this point, we will continue to support him as needed and also wish him all the very best.”
Players under contract for 2023 and currently not on loan, as well as Cavallini – who received clearance from the MLS Players Association – are training at the Whitecaps FC National Soccer Development Centre for the next two weeks.
First team players under contract for 2023:
Goalkeepers (3): Max Anchor, Isaac Boehmer, Thomas Hasal
Defenders (7): Tristan Blackmon, Javain Brown, Matteo Campagna, Julian Gressel, Cristián Gutiérrez, Luís Martins, Ranko Veselinović
Midfielders (8): Caio Alexandre*, Sebastian Berhalter, Andrés Cubas, Ryan Gauld, Ryan Raposo, Alessandro Schöpf, Russell Teibert, Pedro Vite
Forwards…
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