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    Michael Mccoll
    Have a listen!
    You can listen to this, and all previous, episodes of the podcast on iTunes HERE.
    Or download it for your later listening delight HERE.
    We also have an iPhone app, so you can now add our podcast to your phone as an app. Visit the podcast's mobile site HERE and then at the bottom of the screen just click the "Quick Launch" icon and the podcast will be added to your home screen and appear as an app.
    And if that's not enough, we're on Stitcher Radio Network. Download the app and listen to the AFTN podcast on your device, along with over 20,000 other shows HERE.
    Or after all that, you could just listen on the player below!

    Michael Mccoll
    Have a listen!
    You can listen to this, and all previous, episodes of the podcast on iTunes HERE.
    Or download it for your later listening delight HERE.
    We also have an iPhone app, so you can now add our podcast to your phone as an app. Visit the podcast's mobile site HERE and then at the bottom of the screen just click the "Quick Launch" icon and the podcast will be added to your home screen and appear as an app.
    And if that's not enough, we're on Stitcher Radio Network. Download the app and listen to the AFTN podcast on your device, along with over 20,000 other shows HERE.
    Or after all that, you could just listen on the player below!

    Duane Rollins
    The following contracts were extended Adam Bouchard, Wesley Charpie, Skylar Thomas; midfielders Sal Bernal, Raheem Edwards and forward Molham Babouli. In addition, Anthony Osorio was signed to his first USL contract. Anthony is the brother of TFC starting midfielder Jonathon.
    With the good comes the bad. The following contracts were declined: Daniel Fabrizi, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Emeka Ononye; midfielder Edwin Rivas and forward Massimo Mirabelli.
    Kaye is the one that will jump out. He was as recently as this time last year being touted as a potential homegrown signing. However, CSN learned that the club views him as a left fullback (he was a midfielder at the academy) and that they told him that they play to address a lack of organizational depth at left-back in the draft or through a signing. As such, TFC told Kaye that he would likely spend a great deal of time on the bench in 2016 and that they felt that would be a waste of his potential.
    Although he was told that the door was still open for him to return, those close to Kaye say that he felt it would be better to find a new club. He did so. Kaye will play for Louisville in 2016. It’s unclear whether TFC will maintain his MLS rights. Probably, though.
    As for the rest of the released players Daniel Fabrizi, 23, was a CIS product that was always a borderline prospect. Emeka Ononye, 23, was brought in from KW United for a look but failed to get much time beyond more prominent draft picks. Edwin Rivas, 23, an American, was TFC’s second round (No 37) pick in the 2015 SuperDraft. A striker, he scored just one goal. Massimo Mirabelli, 24, spent time with FC Edmonton before coming to Toronto. He’s likely a victim of his age.
    Of the returning players, Wesley Charpie, 23, Skylar Thomas, 22, and Sal Bernal, 23, are all TFC draft picks getting a second year. Of those three only Thomas is Canadian.
    Adam Bouchard, 19, is a big defender that came to TFCA via Oakville Soccer Club. He’s an intriguing defensive prospect.
    Mo Babouli is a player that most know by now. The 22-year old will likely get a long look in pre-season for a homegrown contract.
    Raheem Edwards, 20, is one of the best League1 Ontario success stories so far. TFC discovered him playing against TFCA in the first season of L1O and now he’s a darkhorse to grab a homegrown contract this spring.
    Duane Rollins
    Besides another convoluted way for MLS to control how clubs spend their money?
    TAM is an investment of money into the salary budget of MLS designed to be targeted to a specific type of player. This is not money Nathan Sturgis is likely to see. No, it’s a set amount designated for players that in the past would have been lower priced DPs – i.e. guys making more than the maximum ($457,500) but less than $1,500,000.
    In practice these will be European players that have some name recognition, but aren’t attention grabbers like, say, Jermain Defoe.
    Before we get into the pros and cons further, let’s take look at MLS’ wording:
    “Each MLS club will receive an additional $800,000 in Targeted Allocation Money for the 2016 season and an additional $800,000 for the 2017 season. Targeted Allocation Money is used by clubs to add depth to their rosters by strategically investing in players that make more than the 2016 maximum budget charge of $457,500 (but who are not Designated Players). Unlike the Designated Player initiative, all MLS clubs are provided an equal amount of funding…
    “In addition to the increase in Targeted Allocation Money, an incremental $125,000 per season will be made available to each club to sign Homegrown Players…
    “Additional terms of the increase in Targeted Allocation Money include:
    · Clubs may use a portion of or all of the available Targeted Allocation Money to convert a Designated Player to a non-Designated Player by buying down his salary budget charge to at or below the maximum salary budget charge. If converted during the Secondary Transfer Window, the Designated Player may earn at maximum $1.5 million on a prorated basis. If Targeted Allocation Money is used to free up a Designated Player slot, the club must simultaneously sign a new Designated Player at an investment equal to or greater than the player he is replacing.
    · Clubs retain the flexibility to convert players bought down with Targeted Allocation Money into Designated Players if they have a free Designated Player slot.
    · Targeted Allocation Money and general Allocation Money may not be used in combination when signing or re-signing a player, or when buying down the budget charge of a Designated Player. Either Targeted Allocation Money or general Allocation Money may be used on a player in a single season, not both.
    · A Player must earn more than $457,500 per year (2016 maximum budget charge) to qualify for Targeted Allocation Money. The compensation ceiling for such players is set at $1,000,000 per year, unless amounts are applied midseason to an existing Designated Player adjustment to Targeted Allocation. The minimum budget charge for a player compensated with Targeted Allocation Money is $150,000.”
    Got all that? Don’t worry, no one else does either and even if you do they’ll likely tweak the rule without telling us anyway.
    The bottom line is that there is additional money that can be used by each team. It’s also money that isn’t coming out of owners pockets (directly, anyway) so cheap teams like Colorado have no reason not to spend it. That’s a big part of this. MLS wants more star power in markets that are too cheap to keep up with the high spending teams and this was a way to do it without expecting a change in behaviour.
    It’s also a way to level the playing field even more. Since every team has the same amount of the money, no team can eat all the candy. MLS does love its forced parity.
    In many ways it punishes teams already with expensive DPs. TFC can’t use it as effectively as a team coming in fresh, since its DPs make too much money to buy down.
    That said, you can use the money to overpay middling European talent from the Big 5 leagues. So, if you’re an agent representing Ligue 1 players it’s spelled V-A-N-N-E-Y.
    I’m going to go ahead and coin the term “Jordan Morris Rule” to describe the extra $150,000 available for academy signings right now.
    The sensible question here is why not just add $800,000 to the cap?
    Because you can’t market a team full of guys making $200,000. That team could, however, kick the ass of the majority of Marketing Soccer League sides.
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
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    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
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    Duane Rollins
    Better players. Thanks for reading!
    If only it were that simple. Although better players help, of course, it’s our contention that the problem at TFC has never really been a talent one – not on an absolute level anyway. The sheer amount of TFC players that have gone on to excel elsewhere suggests that they have had guys here that were better than they played in the TFC system.
    Let’s call this the Jacob Peterson Rule.
    Most TFC fans remember Jacob Peterson as a God-fearin’, ESPN lovin’, gun tootin’ (I assume) patriot of the goddamn United States of America. MERICA!
    HELL YA!
    But, what fans forget is that, more importantly, Peterson is an eleven year veteran of MLS. He’s a perfectly serviceable MLS midfielder that has played an absolutely average game for more than a decade and has done so for a cap friendly less than $100,000 a year throughout his career. He was on just $80,000 last season.
    He doesn’t sell tickets. In fact the only place that Peterson is of note at all is here in Toronto, the one city that ran him out of town for being exactly what he is (see above).
    Now, dear Jacob made himself an enemy of the Toronto fans by being, well, a bit of a douche, on his exit. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be all that noticed when he scores his annual goal against TFC (did it again this year – his only goal of the year). However invisible he might have been the reality is that he still would have been cast aside for no particular good reason (he was traded for Ryan Johnson, a player who actually was an above average MLS player that was still run out of town in a trade that landed Joe Bendik, who is likely about to be run out of town – and this is one of TFC’s better trade cluster histories). The Jacob Peterson Rule is not named so because Jacob hates curling, beavers and non-Vermont produced maple syrup, but rather because Toronto failed to recognize just how valuable MLS average players are and especially how valuable MLS average players being paid below average MLS wages are (it’s also called the Jacob Peterson Rule because it’s fun to make Jacob Peterson MERICA! jokes, but let’s focus on the less amusing factor for now). That inability has led to a very real problem on TFC’s roster throughout the years, and one that was particularly insane in 2015 – there’s no balance. For all that people want to remember otherwise, TFC has had some good top end talent. DeRo, Amando Guevera, Danny Koevermans, Michael Bradley and, most of all, Seba Giovinco are/were brilliant players that are/were among the best in the league when with Toronto. They’ve been surrounded by guys that are sometimes junk, but who mostly were just average talent that was never given the chance to grow together.
    Under Tim Bezbatchenko the Reds have tried to address the constant turn over and have to a certain extent. Fixing TFC now requires him to continue that trend.
    If you’re calling for TFC to overhaul its roster yet again you’re not following the Jacob Perterson Rule – you’re demanding that TFC repeat the same mistake it’s made over and over and over and over and over…you get the idea. Yes, Jackson is a flawed player that’s no better than average, but he’s OUR flawed player that's no better than average. If you dump him you have to waste time replacing him before you can address actual below average slots in the roster.
    Most of us understand where the flawed spots are – clearly when you’re last in the league in goals against you have to address that – so there’s little point belabouring that here (signing a top centreback and a defensive midfielder--if Bradley can’t be convinced to fill that role--are the top priorities. Wingers after that, although there could be solutions there in the system at TFC2).
    The biggest point to stress is that TFC isn’t miles away from the top teams. In the first part of the season review we talked about how the Reds had become a real club. Real clubs aren’t miles away. From here, like every other real MLS team, it’s about tweaking things to close the razor thin lines that separate good MLS teams from average ones. Closing that gap is actually easier than closing the terrible to average gap that Toronto has finally, mercifully done.
    It’s here that many TFC fans will be yelling at their screens telling me I’m being too easy on them. So, let’s put this in numbers.
    Specifically, three and five.
    Three is the amount of fewer losses the Columbus Crew had to TFC and five is the amount of goals less that they allowed. The Crew and TFC were tied in goals scored and wins.
    That’s the difference between another off-season of fear and loathing and, according to the odds on the day I type this, an 81% chance of hosting the MLS Cup.
    Does making up five goals and three loses really require an entire roster overhaul?
    No. Even if it means keeping a few Jacob Petersons around.
    Guest
    With the exception of the three awards that were a unanimous choice, defender of the year, Canadian u23 Player of the Year and DP of the year, it is now up to you, the listener, to help us make our final decisions.
    From now until Dec 4 vote here, by email at TwoSolitudesPodcast@gmail.com or in our various Twitter accounts vote to break the tie in our nine minor awards. The debate for the two major awards Moment of the Year and Person of the Year — goes until Dec 26.
    The minor awards:
    Flop of the Year (Pirlo vs Greg Vanney)
    Defender of the Year WINNER: Laurent Ciman
    Goalkeeper of the Year: Romuald Peiser vs. Evan Bush vs. David Ousted
    Comeback player of the Year: Will Johnson vs. Ashtone Morgan
    U23 Player of the Year: WINNER: Cyle Larin
    Non MLS Player of the Year: Romuald Peiser vs. Tom Heinemann
    DP of the Year WINNER: Giovinco
    National Team Player of the Year: Atiba Hutchinson vs JDG
    Hoser of the Year: Iain Hume vs. Cyle Larin
    Quota of the year (best Canadian in Canada): Jonathon Osorio v Patrice Bernier
    Non-DP MVP: Laurent Ciman vs. Felipe
    Team of the Year: Ottawa Fury vs Montreal Impact
    Major Awards
    Moment of the Year
    Kevin’s suggestion 12th minute goal by Impact vs Club America in away leg
    Duane’s suggestion — Tom Heineman extra time winner versus Minnesota
    Person of the Year
    Kevin’s suggestion: Drogba
    Duane’s suggestion: MdS
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
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    http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/otw-studios/id1018126433
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    Support SPN
    http://patreon.com/kevinlaramee
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
    http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/two-solitudes-soccer-podcast/id833616975?mt=2
    http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-two-solitudes-mls-podcast
    http://feeds.feedburner.com/twosolitudespod
    Sports Podcasting Network
    http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/otw-studios/id1018126433
    http://feeds.feedburner.com/otwstudios
    http://canadiansoccernews.com
    http://kevinlaramee.com
    Support SPN
    http://patreon.com/kevinlaramee
    Duane Rollins
    The clubs were informed in a letter, which was shown to CSN, from Executive Director Johnny Misley that was mailed on Nov 18.
    That letter stresses the changes the OSA has made to its high performance pyramid and encouraged the four programs to join Ontario League1 in 2017.
    The letter reads: “(The OSA) is sharing with you the (high performance) plan so you are fully aware of our newly designed player pathway at the high performance level within the province. As such, we are hopeful that your club, will have an interest in joining League1 Ontario and be a part of our player talent pathway.”
    It continues: “Based on the above I wish to also confirm that starting in 2017 The OSA will recognize League1 Ontario as the only Senior Men’s and Women’s high performance league and as a result we will not be approving playing out privileges to the PDL as we have done in the past. In 2016 The OSA will support playing out requests until that time.”
    The letter ends with a suggestion that the policy may be implemented across the country.
    The decision is in line with previous reporting CSN has made regarding the PDL. The CSA has been urging the provinces to create high performance senior leagues for several years now. The long-term goal is to limit the amount of reliance Canada has on the U.S. pyramid.
    CSN reached out to the USL for comment. A representative from the league declined to comment on the 2017 season, while expressing its support to the Ontario teams in 2016.
    Michael Mccoll
    If you want to catch up on our previous "Keep, Trade or Release" picks, here are the links -
    2014 - GOALKEEPERS AND DEFENDERS / MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS
    2013 - GOALKEEPERS / DEFENDERS / MIDFIELDERS / FORWARDS

    **********
    MIDFIELDERS: MARCO BUSTOS
    AARON - (Keep) Back up to Morales next season would be the best for him and his development. Let's hope he is injury free next season.
    JAY - (Keep) Marco Bustos didn't get much time due to an unfortunate injury, but still provided plenty of prowess at the USL level and even contributed when he played with the senior team. A rare talent in Canadian soccer, Bustos has the creativity and skill that the MLS team could have used in the tail end of the year.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) Damn that training pitch injury. Derailed Bustos' development slightly but what he showed in USL was exciting for the future. Looked good in preseason. Doesn't look like he'll be out of place in MLS. Onwards and upwards! Needs to work on being less selfish on the ball and get out of the arm waving he sometimes falls in to
    STEVE - (Keep) Started the season with injury issues but when he came back he had some bright moments with WFC2 and should see some playing time next year.
    DEYBI FLORES
    AARON - (Decline to sign) Way too inconsistent for MLS. The game is too technical and physical for him.
    JAY - (Decline to sign) Other than his first appearance for the Whitecaps, Flores has failed to really show that he's close enough to keep around, while Kianz Froese, a Canadian Residency player, has shown he's closer to being the completed player.
    MICHAEL - (Decline to sign) I personally wouldn't bring him back. He looked good in his first appearance, then felt he got worse with every MLS game. Didn't impress but Robbo seems to feel he has potential to grow and is still young. I expect him to be back, as the 'Caps pick up his signing option.
    STEVE - (Decline to sign) As a loanee he didn’t overly impress and would take up an international spot if he returned.
    KIANZ FROESE
    AARON - (Keep) Had a good season but would love to see him get more first team minutes. Needs to make most of the minutes he does get.
    JAY - (Keep) Froese has never looked out of place when he played in the first eleven. The only hope is that Kianz can find more minutes with the big club to show his ability at any of the many positions he's capable of contributing in.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) A further strong season of development. Now has his first pro goal. Nowhere near his ceiling yet and we should see a lot more of him, and even more production from him, next season.
    STEVE - (Keep) Had a number of bright moments and should see even more playing time next season.
    GERSHON KOFFIE
    AARON - (Trade) Is worth less this season than he was last season. Get maximum return now before he lowers he stock again.
    JAY - (Trade/Sell) I've always been one of Koffie's biggest fans, but despite being given plenty of opportunity to make the next step, he remains just a decent MLS level midfielder in an already congested position. May want to take a shot at one of the lesser European leagues, and the Whitecaps can afford to trade or sell Koffie to get some value back.
    MICHAEL - (Trade) He still frustrates me as a player. Still hasn't taken the leap of advancement he's been needing to take the last two seasons. His stock is high with some around the league and there have been enquiries before as to his availability. Maybe last chance to get decent return for him. Other DM options out there interesting Carl Robinson.
    STEVE (Keep but open to Trade) - Another player who had a solid season but is on a high ticket. The 'Caps may look to move him on in order open up cap space.
    MATIAS LABA (ALREADY RE-SIGNED)
    AARON - (Keep) Thank you TFC.
    JAY - (Keep) An obvious choice to re-sign Laba. The only other defensive midfielder I'd consider a straight swap for in MLS is Dax McCarty. His value may be even greater if the Whitecaps move to a single DM setup.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) A fantastic season for Laba personally and rewarded with a new multi-year contract. So key for the 'Caps snuffing out attacks in that DM role but has to work on cutting out the reckless and occasionally lax tackles that have proved costly.
    STEVE - (Keep) Just signed to an extension and will definitely return unless a team comes with an offer that the Whitecaps can’t refuse.
    KEKUTA MANNEH
    AARON - (Keep) Great season and the sky is the limit for Manneh.
    JAY - (Keep) While he can be frustrating when he goes missing for long periods, he's clearly the most explosive player on the Whitecaps, and after he went down in the second leg of the playoff versus Portland, the Whitecaps had almost no creative output.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) Manneh made big strides this season. A lot more maturity both on and off the pitch. Great defensive awareness added. Has to keep it going now, and I have no doubts that he will. Still a lot of work to do with his finishing and decision making.
    STEVE - (Keep) Really came on as the season went on and was a dangerous weapon going forward while improving defensively.
    BEN MCKENDRY
    AARON - (Keep) USL Player of the Year for ThunderCaps. I am very high on this player and would love to see him get minutes if the team gets rid of Teibert, Koffie and Flores. Could be a back up to Laba on the first team.
    JAY - (Keep) Another player with first team potential in the midfield, Ben showed enough in USL to earn himself a shot with the senior team.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) Robbo rates him very highly and had plans for him in the summer before injury thwarted those. He started a little tentatively in USL but soon burst out and was playing really well. He'll make his MLS debut next year, then he needs to grab the brass ring when he does, as he has a lot of competition at his position and he's not getting any younger.
    STEVE - (Keep) Was voted as WFC2 player of the year and was improving before an injury ended his season.
    NICOLAS MEZQUIDA
    AARON - (Keep) Injuries ruined his season. Was the best player on this team for a good 5 to 6 week run when Morales was injured.
    JAY - (Keep) Another revelation was the play of Mezquida who really was the key cog when the Whitecaps were at their best. While he's not quite at a Mauro Diaz level of creativity as an attacker, his overall attacking emphasis was really missed after his injuries late in the year.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) Felt that this was a make or break one for Mezquida in Vancouver. He certainly made it! Shame that an injury ended his season early as he seems the key to unlocking Rivero. The link up between those pair and Techera is a joy to watch. Hopefully more to come.
    STEVE - (Keep) Had a tough time dealing with injuries late into the season but when he played as a number 10 for Morales, the Caps didn’t lose too much.
    PEDRO MORALES (ALREADY RE-SIGNED)
    AARON - (Keep) Let's hope he keeps healthy.
    JAY - (Release) I know it's already a forgone conclusion, but I'd be okay with Morales being cut loose and a more dynamic midfielder brought in. The hope is that Robinson can find a tactical approach which allows for Morales' fantastic distribution ability to be included while allowing for his defensive shortcomings and his lack of emphasis inside the 18.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) He says he's not worried about his injuries. Robbo says that as well. Wish I felt the same way. Felt a disappointing season for Pedro after his spectacular first year in MLS. Can still spray a ball better than nearly everyone in the league. Need to see that back to the max in 2016.
    STEVE - (Keep) After signing an extension there is no way Morales is not coming back, but as their most talented player he needs to avoid getting run down as the season went on.
    MAURO ROSALES
    AARON - (Trade) Not enough offensive return for his high salary. Yes, experience and leadership is good to have, but this is a salary cap league, like it or not.
    JAY - (Release) Rosales is a true professional whose heart is never questioned, but some injury issues and questions around how much gas is left in the tank mean he's a high risk at his value.
    MICHAEL - (Release but want to Keep!) Tough one for me, as listeners to the podcast know how highly I rate Rosales for what he brings both on and off the pitch. As he told us in our latest podcast (Ep 134), he wants to stay. Took a paycut from $400,000 to $265,000 guaranteed for this season. Would need to take about $100,000 off that for me to keep him around. I'd like them to come to a deal as he definitely has value to the team. Just sense they won't be able to.
    STEVE - (Release) The elder statesman is on a very high salary and unless he takes a big paycut, I can’t see him returning next season.
    CRISTIAN TECHERA
    AARON - (Keep) Had a great season and will only be better getting a preseason camp in with this team.
    JAY - (Keep) Without Techera, the Whitecaps very likely would have missed out on the playoffs. The only question is if the inventive winger can continue his rather significant contributions and if the Whitecaps can execute the option to buy without breaking the bank.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) One of, if not the, player of the second half of the season. Hopefully 'Caps have a set transfer fee for him as I think he's going to be even better in MLS next year.
    STEVE - (Keep) Unless there is a large transfer fee needed to bring him back there is doubt Techera should return next season.
    RUSSELL TEIBERT
    AARON - (Trade) If he isn't good enough to be a consistent MLS starter and earn quality MLS minutes, might be time to move on from Teibert.
    JAY - (Keep) Jack of all trades, master of none. Teibert again showed value for the Whitecaps this year as he contributed well in a defensive midfielder roll, but he still has failed to either show he's a tough enough tackler as a true DM or get forward enough to contribute as an attacking midfielder. I'd keep Teibert as he's such an excellent squad player.
    MICHAEL - (Trade) I'd release him but 'Caps would want to get something for him is he was to move on. For me, he's not MLS starting quality right now and he won't get there if he doesn't play. He needs to move on, best outside of North America, to be a starter somewhere for his own development. Far better options in 'Caps squad for the positions he can play. He's reached a fork in the road.
    STEVE - (Keep) I was surprised he didn’t get as much playing time down the stretch but the Caps still hope his long term future is with Vancouver.

    FORWARDS: CALEB CLARKE
    AARON - (Trade/Sell) I would say Keep but he would at best be a USL only player. Don't think he will settle for that.
    JAY - (Release) It was kind of a shocker that Clarke even came back after a falling out with the Whitecaps in seasons past. Either way, Clarke didn't show enough to earn a spot with the big team, so it's time to let Caleb go find somewhere he has a chance.
    MICHAEL - (Release) This was the make or break season for Clarke. He looked okay at USL level but not MLS quality right now. We don't know for sure as he never saw a single minute there. I feel he's gone as far as he can with the 'Caps right now.
    STEVE - (Release) He played this season with WFC2, had moments, and may be looking to return to Germany next year.
    ROBERT EARNSHAW
    AARON - (Keep) Was way under used this season. Would be that experience factor if they let Rosales go.
    JAY - (Keep) The only question for me is why Earnshaw wasn't played more this season. If the Whitecaps do move to a two striker set-up, there would be more minutes to go around for the forwards and Earnshaw still has value if he was played for more than 5 minutes every few games. Not to mention his desire to get into coaching, and it makes sense to keep Earnshaw around if he was used properly.
    MICHAEL - (Release but happy to keep around) You wonder just how he, and the 'Caps, would have done if he'd played more. Was strange how Robbo used him this year, but to be fair, when he did play (in Champions League), he looked a step off. But give him a chance and he's the Whitecap striker I'd back most to score. Cheap value at $100,000 so I wouldn't be too averse to him hanging around for his experience if he performs, but likely to head back to lower league club in UK and to work on his coaching qualifications.
    STEVE - (Release) As with Mattocks below, the striker position needs to improve and Earnshaw is on his last legs.
    ERIK HURTADO
    AARON - (Keep) Give him a training camp to see what he learned when he got sent to Norway on loan. If he struggles, release him.
    JAY - (Release) Hurtado has been given plenty of chances to show he has more than just physical ability and he's failed to do so. Even if Hurtado were to return, he'd only be taking away opportunities from players like Froese, so it's time to finally move Erik along.
    MICHAEL - (Trade) Dreadful season for Hurtado, who seems to have gone backwards. Loaned to Norway but ended up riding the pine as his team got relegated. The plan is for him to come back to preseason camp but his time in Vancouver must surely be running out. I genuinely believe that his performances, and goals, in that hot streak he was on in 2014 will see interest from others in MLS for some kind of trade, even if just for allocation or a draft pick.
    STEVE - (Release) Another player who needs to move on in order clear both a roster spot and some, limited, cap space.
    ANDRE LEWIS
    AARON - (Release) Too injury prone. Not strong enough for the MLS.
    JAY - (Release) Another player who just hasn't shown he's good enough for the MLS level, and he's taking up development minutes from Residency players.
    MICHAEL - (Release) He has speed, he has skills, but he's not going to be a MLS player for the 'Caps so no point continuing with him.
    STEVE - (Release) See Hurtado. Plus he takes up an international spot.
    DARREN MATTOCKS
    AARON - (Trade) Maybe he could just play for Jamaica year round. Seems to only score for his national team.
    JAY - (Trade/Release) He's being paid to contribute way more than he does, and his personality just doesn't seem to suit the club. Mattocks has still failed to find any form with club despite successes with his country. It's time for the club to move on with Darren, and that would be best for both parties.
    MICHAEL - (Trade) I've had him leaving for three years now I think! His highest trade value was going to be in the summer after the Gold Cup. Stock has fallen again but many teams still rate him highly. He'll probably now excel elsewhere. Caleb Porter still loves him, so let's keep those Mattocks for Will Johnson trade rumours rumbling, or to Houston for Bruin.
    STEVE - (Trade) The Whitecaps need to find a way to move Mattocks on to improve the back-up striker position, even if the return isn’t at full value.
    OCTAVIO RIVERO
    AARON - (Keep) Hit a wall and struggled for a long part of the season. Will be more comfortable next season and hopefully he has help up top.
    JAY - (Keep) Despite misplacing his shooting boots at the end of the season, Rivero still showed he has a real deep skill set. Octavio looked much better when he had a strike partner, and it seems like Robinson will be considering bringing in either a partner or competition for Octavio up top. It wouldn't surprise me to see Rivero have a real breakout year if he has better support around him.
    MICHAEL - (Keep) Rivero's not going anywhere. He was very self critical after season and promises better production. Highest workrate on the team and left on an island up front at times, but he needs to be pushed. Robbo's going to bring in at least one more striker. I expect two or three. If the formation doesn't change it could be to replace Rivero as the starter. Then does he want to hang around and fight?
    STEVE - (Keep) Rivero needs another season to see if he can become a consistent scorer especially with a potential payoff down the road. Needs competition at the spot.

    ********* So there’s our thoughts on the Whitecaps midfielders and forwards from the season past. Do you agree or are we talking nonsense? Let us know below!
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    Michael Mccoll
    We'll of course play our part as we look to put the willies into the rumour mill. Two of them - Bruin and Johnson.
    The Whitecaps will retain their solid core, but new additions are necessary to make the squad stronger and more productive in front of goal. You can make additions without subtracting in MLS, so with all that in mind, it’s time for AFTN’s annual "Keep, Trade or Release" feature.
    We asked AFTN’s writers to take a look at the current Whitecaps squad and say whether they would keep them around for next season, trade them or sell them for more valuable assets or to fill positions of need, or just release them into the wild altogether.
    Part One kicks things off with a look at the goalkeepers and defenders. Part Two tomorrow will look at the midfielders and forwards. And don’t forget to leave your thoughts below.
    If you want to catch up on our previous "Keep, Trade or Release" picks, here are the links -
    2014 - GOALKEEPERS AND DEFENDERS / MIDFIELDERS AND FORWARDS
    2013 - GOALKEEPERS / DEFENDERS / MIDFIELDERS / FORWARDS

    **********
    GOALKEEPERS: MARCO CARDUCCI
    AARON – (Keep) There is no reason Carducci should not get Canadian Championship and the majority of the USL minutes next season. Make or break year in 2016 for Carducci.
    JAY - (Keep) After early season injury issues, Carducci started slow but looked better as the season went on with WFC2. While his shot stopping ability has never been questioned, his ability to be aggressive in the box remains the main issue, causing hesitation should Carducci be given minutes at the MLS level. Another season with lots of minutes at USL should allow the smaller framed keeper a chance to show he can play with some more control.
    MICHAEL – (Keep/Loan Deal) Tough year for Carducci. No first team minutes and having to share USL ones with Spencer Ritchie, who outperformed him at times. Would almost serve his career better to go out on loan for key developmental minutes but no guarantee of more minutes there either.
    STEVE – (Keep) Didn’t feel like he got enough playing time, but he still seems to be the future at the goalkeeping position.
    DAVID OUSTED
    AARON - (Keep) Has proven to be a top class MLS goalkeeper. Let's hope he doesn't find a second tier English or Spanish club to move on to.
    JAY - (Keep) David Ousted has shown he's one of, if not the best keeper in the league. His distribution and control of the box are a real key to the Whitecaps ability to play the quick counter. Considering Ousted's intention to move to Europe one day, a pay increase on his already decent wage will be required - and the Whitecaps should pay it.
    MICHAEL – (Keep) If we can. Asked him last week and it was a very non-commital answer. Caps will definitely pick up option but he’s bound to attract interest from Europe. Some was already there a year ago.
    STEVE – (Keep) One of the top keepers in MLS, Ousted should return unless another club comes with an offer.
    PAOLO TORNAGHI
    AARON – (Release) Had a good run in Canadian Championship and a not so good run in Champions League. Time for Tornaghi to move on in his career to find a club that can offer more quality minutes.
    JAY - (Keep) Paolo looked rusty in his earlier minutes this season, but he regained form and looked a comfortable backup overall. His wage is easy to swallow, so the only reasons to drop Tornaghi would be if he wants to make a bid for a club where he'll get more playing time, or if the Whitecaps feel Carducci is ready to make the jump.
    MICHAEL – (Release) He’s been loyal, he loves it here, but he should move on, for his own sake as well. Can ‘Caps get a capable back up for less than $80,000? For sure. The ideal scenario would be to sign Callum Irving out of Kentucky, but they may have lost his homegrown rights and he looks to be going into the draft.
    STEVE – (Keep) If he is ok with being the backup next year then Tornaghi should be back.
    DEFENDERS:
    SAM ADEKUGBE
    AARON – (KEEP) Injuries prevented him from keeping his starting role he earned in training camp last season. Now that he is healthy let's hope he can continue on that track.
    JAY - (KEEP) Hard not to feel bad for Adekugbe who took his opportunity and looked MLS ready before his injury. A no brainer to keep Sam and try and find room to get him more minutes in MLS play.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) You know it’s just a matter of when, and not if, he’ll be the ‘Caps starting left back. Has the skill and hasn’t looked out of place in his starts, but just need to reign in his aggressive tackling style a little bit to really excel.
    STEVE – (KEEP) Looked like he was becoming the regular at left back before injury saw him return to the bench. He really needs to get a long stretch of games to start next season.
    STEVEN BEITASHOUR
    AARON - (KEEP) Not a huge Beitashour fan but unless we bring in a quality RB he is the best option they have.
    JAY - (KEEP) One of the more tough decisions for me, as I think Beitashour has done admirably, but despite his decent total of five assists this year, Steven doesn't provide as much attacking emphasis as you'd want if the Whitecaps are to want a more narrow tactical option in a two striker set-up to help provide width. I could see one of Beitashour or Harvey departing, and if the Whitecaps want to invest in a higher paid, quality, two way fullback I could see Beitashour moving on.
    MICHAEL – (TRADE) Agree that there needs to be a good option to come in, butyou can certainly find one for better value than his near $200,000 guaranteed amount and a more productive one to boot. Caps and player want to get a deal done, but it's all coming down to the $$$. If Beitashour is prepared to sign for much less than his option amount then he'll stay. If not, the right back search is on once more.
    STEVE – (TRADE) Had solid season but on a high ticket. Caps may look to move him in order open up cap space.
    CHRISTIAN DEAN
    AARON - (TRADE) This is probably the time to get the most return in a trade for Dean. Too many quality CB's ahead of him on depth chart.
    JAY - (TRADE) Although he made strides this season, he is still well behind Parker on the depth chart and he still holds value as a prospect. The Whitecaps should make good on this value and try and get something back for their high draft pick.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) Selfishly, from a 'Caps point of view, he needs to stay. Still good potential and a known quantity as a back up. From Dean's point of view though, he needs to play at this crucial time of his career and a trade or a loan deal may be the better choice.
    STEVE – (RELEASE) It might be a better option for the former first round pick to move on so he can get more playing time. If he’s ok with being the third or fourth option then a return is a possibility.
    JORDAN HARVEY
    AARON - (TRADE) Has been a great player for the club but it's Adekugbe time. Don't see Harvey settling for a backup role next season.
    JAY - (KEEP) After a mediocre opening couple of matches, Harvey lost his starting spot to the youthful Adekugbe. After Adekugbe went down with an injury, Harvey showed some of his best overall form as a professional, keeping young Sam out of the starting line-up. Harvey remains one of the most steady fullbacks in the league for a reasonable salary.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) I like Harvey. I like what he brings both on and off the pitch and the 'Caps needs some veteran presence. He ideally wants to stay, see out his career in Vancouver and battle for the starting role. Fine on $150,000, but would be even better on a slightly lower amount, but that and his MLS experience, that will interest others, is what could see him traded.
    STEVE – (TRADE) Another one with a solid season but in a high ticket. Like Beitashour, Caps may want to move him on.
    PA MODOU KAH
    AARON - (RELEASE) Injury prone. Time to retire.
    JAY - (KEEP) Another tough decision, as Kah's value is more as a locker room asset than for his gameday value. While he played very well for the majority of his minutes, he's clearly the number three centreback now and if he's happy with that, the Whitecaps could keep him around.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) Kah isn't going anywhere. Robbo wants him here and he wants to stay. You can't really put a financial amount on what he brings to this locker room. He's a welcome and an invaluable presence, and has formed excellent partnerships with Waston and Parker.
    STEVE – (KEEP with conditions) Started more games than I thought he would but with Parker emerging, Kah will have to accept less money and playing time to return.
    TIM PARKER
    AARON - (KEEP) Was the biggest surprise this season. Stepped into some big games and was great this season. Has a bright future in the MLS.
    JAY - (KEEP) A revelation at centreback, Parker instantly looked like a veteran MLS player. The only real issue is neither he or Waston are exactly good ball playing centrebacks, but that's really nitpicking regarding a Rookie of the Year candidate who has solidified his spot as an extremely capable defender.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) No brainer. Next year's starter. Nuff said.
    STEVE – (KEEP) Took massive steps in his rookie season to become a starter and will surely return to that position next year.
    DIEGO RODRIGUEZ
    AARON - (DECLINE TO SIGN) Wasn't very good at all this season. Injuries and suspensions derailed his first year in North America.
    JAY - (DECLINE TO SIGN) A real shame, as Diego looked like he would slot in nicely beside Waston early in the year, but after battling injury and form issues, it's clear Rodriguez needs a change of scenery. It's too bad, because in theory a calm, ball playing centreback would be perfect beside Waston.
    MICHAEL – (DECLINE TO SIGN) Had high hopes, but he's disappointed. Yes, injuries have played a part, and you have to feel for a guy that's been through so much after moving to a new country. But his USL performances were poor and his confidence looks shot.
    STEVE – (DECLINE TO SIGN) Many, including myself, thought he would start alongside Waston but after injury and an unfortunate suspension, Rodriguez never recovered.
    ETHEN SAMPSON
    AARON - (RELEASE) Time to move on.
    JAY - (RELEASE) Sampson must really hear the clock ticking, as he's been around the Whitecaps camp for a while now and has shown his limits far more than any potential. It's time to move Sampson along.
    MICHAEL – (RELEASE) Didn't like him when he first came but he slowly won me over. Then he seemed to go backwards. Can see him being loaned out so 'Caps can have a look for afar but keep his rights. I'd just cut bait at this stage now.
    STEVE – (RELEASE) His time in Vancouver seems to be done as he saw very little action in MLS over the last two years.
    JORDAN SMITH
    AARON - (RELEASE) Not sound enough defensively for this team. He was caught out of position too many times.
    JAY - (KEEP) There's no question that Smith has some decent potential, and he certainly looks much more willing and able to join in the attack including a howitzer of a shot, but his defending has been poor and if not for his excellent make-up speed, he'd have been a disaster on the defensive side. I'd like to see Smith come back, but perhaps spending a lot of time with the USL side.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) Like Waston the year before, was lined up for January but came early. Jury is still out on him. Looks far better at training than in some games. Strong going forward but poor defending and getting back.
    STEVE – (KEEP) Came in late in the summer transfer window and showed some flashes along with difficult times defending at the right side.
    KENDALL WASTON
    AARON - (KEEP) Team MVP. Should have been MLS Defender of Year.
    JAY - (KEEP) The most physically dominant centreback in the league has to be retained, even if it means a raise and using some allocation or TAM to keep him under a DP salary.
    MICHAEL – (KEEP) Another no brainer obviously, but if he keeps playing the way he is, it won't be long before there's interest from elsewhere. 'Caps will need to pay him his worth and we could see TAM come into play here.
    STEVE – (KEEP) Was the team’s MVP and will return to anchor the backline.

    ********* So there’s our thoughts on the Whitecaps goalkeepers and defenders from the season past. Do you agree or are we talking nonsense?
    Part Two will be up soon, where we’ll have a look at the midfielders and the forwards.
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