Vancouver Whitecaps PDL mainstay Ethan Gage has become the second Vancouver Whitecaps prospect in as many days to win the prestigious National Player of the Year Award for his respective age group.
Hailing from the Soccer hot bed of Cochrane Alberta, Gage is a Residency Program Product who has answered the bell any time that the 1st team has rang. He filled in impressively for an injured Wes Knight during the Whitecaps playoff run this year. During the 'Caps first round battle with Portland he played a big role in keeping Bright Dike in check and off the score board. He did make 17 appearances in 2009 as the 'Caps were riddled with injuries for a large portion of their campaign, but it was in 2008 when Ethan really made us take note when he played a pivotal role in the club winning their last Second Division Championship.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
While he has only seen limited time with the 'Caps first team he was a constant on the back line for the clubs Residency team which plays in the USL PDL division. While he is able to fill in the midfield role as we saw in the 2008 playoff run, he seems to developing into a strong right back.
Not always the fastest man on the back line, he does position himself quite well. He is more then capable of handling the physical play of the strongest players of the Second Division (although so far we've only seen it in very limited time).
Young Mr. Gage is also a member of the National U-20 and U-23 program.