Caps Insider

[Winnipeg Fury]

Caps Insider

July 19, 2004

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Carlo Corazzin will likely get the odd ribbing from teammates once he finds some protection for his broken cheekbone, suffered in Seattle two weekends ago. Number 19 actually played through the injury, while the man he collided with, Scott Jenkins had to be helped off. On hearing about Carlo’s new mask, Assistant Coach Nick Dasovic chuckled “he’ll have the Phantom of the Opera thing going on”, and “Carlo wearing a mask will make the rest of us feel better about ourselves!”

Alfredo Valente not only played a key role in Josh Simpson’s equalizing goal for Canada against Hearts last Monday, he also came close to scoring himself against FA Cup finalists Millwall on Wednesday, where he captained the side. “Freddy” received the biggest cheer from the Swangard faithful during the introductions, but hobbled off early in the second half as the Whitecaps seemingly endless parade of injuries continued. The Canadian team made up largely of A-League players, looked very confident against both of the UEFA Cup bound sides. Particularly impressive was Victoria born Josh Simpson, now studying at the University of Portland, (Davide Xausa’s alma matter) and 17 year old Jamie Peters. Both players drew great reaction from the crowd for their speed, footwork, and ability to beat defenders one on one. While both players would look great in a Whitecap Jersey, don’t expect them to be playing at Swangard any time soon; Peters is with Kaiserslauten in Germany, while Simpson’s recent string of performances will likely earn him a European trial this fall.

One of the Whitecaps known for running at opposing defenders may be close to returning. Canadian National youth veteran Kevin Harmse is hoping the worst of his lower abdominal injury is just about behind him. The crafty 20-year-old suffered the injury against Montreal June 25th, and was in such pain the following morning in Portland, he was almost unable to get out of bed. The versatile Harmse may try playing with some freezing to see if he can get over the injury hump as the healing seems to have plateaued over the last two weeks.

The match-up is set, and the calendar is circled. Saturday July 31st, is when the Whitecaps Women will once again meet Seattle in a one game playoff for the Western Conference title. Who can forget last year’s heartbreaking penalty kick shootout that saw both the Sounders, and Whitecap coach Dave Dew move on? Current boss Chris Bennett will not have the services of his three U-19 stars, as Kara Lang, Brittany Timko and Katie Thorlakson will all be representing Canada in Japan. The winner of the big I-5 classic will move on to the Final Four in Ottawa, something Vancouver has managed on two occasions. They lost in the championship game as the Breakers in 2001, falling 5-2 to Boston at Virginia Beach. The following year they hosted the W-League final four, only to get knocked out in the semi-final.

Martin Nash’s well taken goal against Portland on Friday night was pretty special for the Victoria native. Not only was it his first this season and the game winner against a division rival, but it also was scored on a night when his older brother was in attendance. Steve, who recently left the Dallas Mavericks to sign a massive contract with Phoenix, has a place in Vancouver for the summer, partially because he wanted to watch his soccer-playing sibling. And what did Steve think of Martin’s long range blast? “He didn’t see it, because he had his back turned” chuckled number 7. I have a funny feeling we’ll be replaying Marty’s goal once or twice on “the Whitecaps this Week”.

Peter Schaad provides colour commentary for the Whitecaps this Week.

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