TWO PLAYERS RELEASED ON EVE OF CAMP

The Whitecaps took a big step forward in correcting a major error when they announced the mutual parting with their second designated player, Mustapha Jarju.  They did this despite the assurances from the club and Martin Rennie that the Gambian would be given an opportunity to prove he could play in the MLS.  This move also shows that Rennie is the one calling the shots and that Tom Soehn is becoming more out of loop when it comes to personnel decisions.

Signed during the summer transfer window, Mustapha Jarju arrived with much fanfare as the first African designated player in MLS.  Despite playing as a central midfielder for the national team as well as it being the Whitecaps greatest need, the club announced that he would play as a striker.  Unfortunately in his ten appearances (five starts), totaling 450 minutes, Jarju was unable to find the back of the net.  In fact it seemed like he had given up to the supporters and failed to make a showing in the last three home games at BC Place.

On the end of the spectrum the Caps also announced that their first homegrown product Canadian Philippe Davies would be leaving the club.  While it looked like the club was interested in bringing him back, the frustration of not playing a minute last year led to Davies wanting a fresh start.  There was hope for the last game of the season with a twitter campaign started by the Southsiders supporting Davies with a chance to play.

Davies arrived in 2007 at the age of 16 from his native Quebec to play for the residency side of the Whitecaps academy.  He made his debut late in 2009 season appearing in a couple of game which led to 2010 when he was a key player for the Caps making 27 appearances.  Davies became the one of the first signings for the MLS club and their first homegrown signing but it didn’t lead to any playing time as Davies spent the year with the PDL squad and in the reserve league.