Karifa Yao started 53 of his 56 appearances for Cavalry, and led all their outfield players in minutes, blocks, tackles and clearances.
That’s what Vancouver Whitecaps centre-back Tristan Blackmon is looking forward to as the Caps stare down MLS competition in the second leg of their pre-season, heading to Palm Springs for the Coachella Invitational.Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
“I was a bit surprised, but that is football,” said Yao. “There’s things you cannot control. But I’m really happy to be here right now in Vancouver and to work with those players, and that staff … I’m really excited for this year.Article content The coaching from Vanni Sartini and newly minted assistant Flo Jungwirth at training this week comprised mostly of shifting Karifa by a few feet, just minor tweaks to his spot on the field in open play and on set pieces. The young Canadian defender says he already feels comfortable both in the system and with his new teammates.Article content
“MLS is a bit different . The positioning you’ll always have to be in the right spot. For example, you can do a mistake and you’ll regret it, someone’s going to score. So you know, just limit the mistakes.” But the tide turned toward the end of the season, when Sartini switched to a back four/3.5 with Blackmon, Veselinovic and the now-departed Jake Nerwinski establishing themselves as the defensive starters.
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