It's the most wonderful time, of the year. Vancouver Whitecaps preseason camp is open.
That means the new MLS season isn't too far away (CBA pending!) and it's a time we genuinely love here at AFTN. You get far more interesting stories and narratives as veterans return, new signings show what they've got and draft picks and trialists want to show that they belong and have a place in the squad.
New faces are everywhere and we have exclusive chats with a lot of them on this episode of "There's Still Time, the AFTN podcast, and discussions about the rest.
The center back stable has been the biggest roster readjustment of this offseason, we talk to one of the three new additions, MLS SuperDraft selection Tim Parker, about settling in to MLS and Vancouver, what he hopes to achieve this season and what he needs to do to impress Carl Robinson.
Vancouver's second round draft pick was forward Kay Banjo. Described by Robinson as a "project", we talk to Kay about making the step up to MLS, his college career and what he can bring to the Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps kept it local with their next SuperDraft pick, BC boy and SFU Clan forward Jovan Blagojevic. We chat with Jovan on the day of his selection as his childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer has been realised.
Another local lad joining the MLS fold is Residency alumni Ben McKendry. Ben's new homegrown contract was announced on Monday and we caught up with the midfielder after his first training session as a professional footballer to talk about leaving college early to make the move to MLS, his footballing journey so far, and much more. We also hear coach Carl Robinson's thoughts on his new homegrown signing.
And there's still time to catch up with a wily veteran, birthday boy Jordan Harvey, fresh from an ice bath. He tells us about the pleasures and pitfalls of having a birthday during football season!
Have a listen!
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