The Vancouver Whitecaps dropped a bomb on the soccer world today; first-overall SuperDraft pick Omar Salgado will be made available for selection effective immediately. On a gloomy, soggy day in the Terminal City, this is the kind of news that will put a little skip in a Whitecaps' fans stride. Many pundits were highly critical of Vancouver's brass for passing up on blue chip prospects like Darlington Nagbe and Perry Kitchen for the 17 year old wunderkind. To them, I put my thumb to my nose and make childish noises.
Salgado showed flashes of brilliance throughout the pre-season, displaying a nose for the goal and wicked speed which used to challenge established defenders and caused headaches for opposing managers from his first step on the pitch.
The biggest fear that surrounded the former Club Deportivo Guadalajara youth star at draft time was the fact that due to FIFA regulations he likely would not be able to suit up for the blue and white until after his 18th birthday in September. As it turns out the Whitecaps were in fact able to push FIFA and work the appropriate channels in order to expedite his paperwork. Unfortunately for the Whitecaps the news is slightly bittersweet.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
The issue at hand thus becomes when will he be available to play for the Whitecaps. Salgado and the Whitecaps have both addressed the fact that playing with the US U-20 outfit is probably in his best interests. We have seen time and again that the 'Caps always place country before club. Russell Teibert will be leaving immediately after the Whitecaps' Saturday game in Philadelphia to join the Canadian U-20 Squad and it only seems to fit the precedent that Salgado would be released to do the same for the Americans. Judging by the 'Caps schedule lining up against that of the CONCACAF U-20 Qualifying Tournament, it would appear that Salgado's first Whitecaps' game would likely be against the American affiliate of his former youth club Chivas on Saturday April 16th at Swangard.
This is a great day for 'Caps fans, but it's a terrible day for guys like Long Tan who were competing for Vancouver's striker slots.