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October 11, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - The 15-11-6 Vancouver Whitecaps FC have a goalkeeper controversy brewing. Not uncommon for a Vancouver sports team, but new nonetheless for Whitecaps FC. The July 21 acquisition of New Zealand international, Stefan Marinovic has given long time perennial shot-stopper David Ousted his toughest competition since his move to MLS in 2013.
Stefan Marinovic has in no way come in and claimed the net away from David Ousted, but it's looking as though he wants to stake his name as Whitecaps FC's number one keeper. It's a small sample size, but Marinovic has started three games for the Caps, helping the team pick up a pair of wins. His most memorable being a seven save performance in Vancouver's 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City on September 30. His out of the nowhere diving save off of Diego Rubio earned high praise.
The 26 year-old competes as though his life is on the line with each and every attempt on target. He brings excitement to his position, and you get the feeling that nothing will get past him. He's made several acrobatic saves look like a Sunday stroll in the park.
It's not a cocky attitude, but more of an 'I got your back boys, don't worry.'
Does Stefan Marinovic believe he is Vancouver's number one keeper?
"(Laughs), I can't say that, because David's been here for a very long time," said a modest Marinovic. "He's definitely earned that spot. I still have a way to go before I think I can stake my claim, but so far it's been going good. I just got to keep on, keeping on."
In a recent edition of 'Bell Outside the Box' Marinovic was asked what position he plays?
"I'm the goalkeeper," he replied.
When asked to clarify his answer following training this week, Marinovic back-peddled.
"Maybe that was just nervousness," he said. "That should have been 'A goalkeeper,' maybe would have been a better answer."
Logistics aside, of all the positions on the pitch, you want your goalkeeper to be confident, in the zone, and sure of themselves. Marinovic brings a new reassurance to the Vancouver net, and his contract is a Dollarama bargain at $77,562.
David Ousted will earn $378,933 this season, and the club holds an option for next year. He recently switched to a different management agency, which could be interpreted in many different ways. As for whether Ousted will return to Vancouver next season, his sixth with the Caps, he was unwilling to discuss the matter when asked by Red Nation Online in September.
"I don't know yet," Ousted said. "I don't have any comments on my future."
In 142 appearances with Vancouver, Ousted has posted a record of 55-49-37 with 42 clean sheets. He has arguably been the most consistent footballer with the club during much of that time. Vancouver would not be the team they are now without Ousted. However, there comes a time when organizations look to the future and the next best option.
The New England Patriots aren't successful because they keep players around for what they've contributed to the team in the past. Bill Belichick and company are always looking to the future, and they know when they've got the most out of an asset.
Carl Robinson and Whitecaps FC are in a similar spot at the goalkeeper position.
On Sunday, Vancouver will host the San Jose Earthquakes in the final regular season match at B.C. Place. Whitecaps FC are fighting to earn an MLS western conference bye. A win would put them in good standing before they close out the season away to Portland Timbers FC on Sunday, October 22.
While fans, and media are clamouring for Marinovic to get a run out of matches, Carl Robinson isn't willing to tip his hand, nor is he willing to announce either goalkeeper as his number one. Marinovic will be ready for San Jose or Portland if his name is called.
"San Jose, I'm pretty sure is fighting for the last playoff spot," Marinovic said. "It's their last kind of hope, they're going to be all out guns blazing, so we've got to be prepared for that. Portland's always been a traditional rival for the club, it's a derby. Two extremely tough games."
If Whitecaps FC earn a playoff bye, and advances to the western conference semi-finals. Vancouver could be without Stefan Marinovic and Peruvian international Yordy Reyna.
New Zealand and Peru will play a two-leg 2018 World Cup Qualifying series in early November when Vancouver could host a home semi-final return leg. This would open the door for David Ousted to start for Vancouver in the playoffs at home.
One of either Stefan Marinovic or Yordy Reyna could be heading to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It's every athletes dream to play for their country on the biggest stage possible. Marinovic and Reyna will each want to keep that dream alive a lot longer.
"I think that's every footballer’s penultimate dream to play at the World Cup," Marinovic said. "(For) some it's obviously to win the World Cup, but we'll stay realistic. New Zealand just wants to get there. That would mean the world, but it's still two games away. In football anything can happen, so you can dream."
The optics of having Stefan Marinovic as a backup in Vancouver if New Zealand qualify for the 2018 World Cup will not look good. David Ousted has been a brilliant keeper for Vancouver, but now should be the time for Stefan Marinovic to take over as the number one goalkeeper for Whitecaps FC.
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