VANCOUVER--Today things were a little more exciting than they have been recently. The Whitecaps introduced their first DP, Eric Hassli, to the media. His English is going to need some work but he showed fantastic form in his first practice with the squad. Rumours about contract signings were all the buzz today as Tyler Green (of The Team 1040) pointed out to everyone earlier in the day that MLS's Twitter app was saying that the club has signed ST Long Tan, FB Blake Wagner and GK Brian Sylvestre.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Beyond the press conference, it was business as usual for the 'Caps. I'll post the video of Hassli's introduction as soon as it is finished loading onto my new YouTube channel.
Atiba Harris: It's so hard not to like the guy. His work rate is fantastic, he's strong on the ball and he has a great touch. If only he had better luck in front of the net.
Terry Dunfield: It's fun to watch a guy when everything seems to be going his way. He's working hard and looks very comfortable out there.
Long Tan: Showing a little more every day, but still goes down too easily. He is quick, but needs to work on keeping possession. He seems to have the ability to finish when in close, but may lack the overall poise to create his own chances off the dribble.
Cornelius Stewart: Again looking a little more like the odd man out as each practice ends. But at least I didn't catch him getting yelled at by the coaching staff today.
Kevin Harmse: I never really got why he was deemed expendable by TFC when he was moved on by the Reds' management. He has the most MLS experience of anyone on the 'Caps back end and he's North American, which bodes well for him as First Kick draws closer by the minute. He brings a whole arsenal of clever moves and is strong on the ball. It's good to see a local guy getting another chance.
Alain Rochat: He looked pretty happy to have a pal on the team, in the form of Hassli. Not that he ever appeared to be lacking confidence, but it seemed like he suddenly had an extra boost today from the addition of his former teammate. He took advantage of a loose ball that squeaked over to him about 30 yards out from goal and he caught the 'keeper off his line with a beauty of a shot. If this is what we can expect from him for the rest of the year, I am even more excited about him now than I was when he was signed.
How are you feeling about the 'Caps' new signings? Who are you most excited to see this year?