Good Friday morning Caps fans. Hope you all are winding things down for the week and are headed for a relaxing and restful weekend.
There isn’t much news to report, as we get a rare off week from MLS action due to the international break. Shout-out to the Caps in action, including Sebastian Berhalter and Ralph Priso, who will be suiting up in friendlies tomorrow.
Back in Vancouver, everyone continues to hold their breath about the fate of Andres Cubas, who sustained an injury during the Caps’ CCC second leg against Seattle. Outside of maybe Berhalter, this is the biggest possible blow for the Caps injury wise.
Jesper Sorensen said this week that there is not a clear timeframe for Cubas’ return. Four weeks seemed to be his estimate, however, which would simultaneously be better than it could be and a blow to the Caps’ efforts at establishing early season momentum. It would mean Cubas would miss home matches against Portland, NYCFC, and Sporting KC, plus any other missed game time as he ramps back up to full fitness. If it is longer than that, his absences could start to bleed into Vancouver’s World Cup-induced exile from BC Place.
In good news, Ranko Veselinovic and Sam Adekugbe are seemingly back in full training. That would help bolster the Caps’ backline depth. But the whole Ryan Gauld experience last season leaves scars and makes me nervous as to when we will see any of these guys on the pitch.
Shameless Self Promotion
A look at the (strong) state of Canada’s midfield ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Iceland.
Best of the Rest
A nice look at the growth of Jeevan Badwal and Ralph Priso this season.
Shout-out to David Ousted, who is trying to grow awareness of the Caps’ uncertain future.
It’s getting even harder for fans of certain countries to visit the U.S. for the World Cup.
It sounds like the vibes remain good for Ali Ahmed at Norwich.
while it might appear that things are evolving slowly in Cap Land, in fact, things are moving quite rapidly- and people on the inside know more that what is being said to us supporters- being retired, i do a lot of research in order to keep dementia away- and i like connecting dots between information tid-bits- and i was right about Part 1
Part 1: by January 31, 2026
– i did say late last year, that we would need a BC Place Stadium rental for 2026 while talks are going on beyond heading into 2027- that has been done
– the Caps are now in negotiations for a longer rental, more profitable lease with PAVCO who oversee the BC Place Stadium for the Provincial Government
– players and the head coach have contract extensions until either 2027 or 2028; sponsors have deals for multiple years- the Caps are NOT leaving the City- even potential investors at the BIG Game vs LAFC in November saw the Caps are in a passionate soccer market
i suggest a determination by December 31, 2026
Part2: i suggest a determination to be completed by the Summer of 2027
– as we all know, the Caps need a viable venue that will make the Caps viable in order to attract significant new investors beyond the now-staying owner, Greg Kerfoot– Hastings Park North land is now being prepared with the removal of the horsetrack/stables to a new facility in Langley
– the First Nations, Tseleil Waututh, want to expand their casino at Hastings Park North which is adjacent to the racetrack-possible new Cap stadium/Entertainment Hub- they might even be part of the new ownership group of wealthy people
– the Caps are in talks with the City to have a long-term lease at Hastings Park North which would not only include a 30K stadium, but also a hotel, restaurants and businesses (maybe even residences)- its a huge piece of land that the old racetrack/stables was on and it extends over to Brighton Park/Storage Facility and next to the Train Tracks from Waterfront
or could it be talks with PAVCO and purchasing the world class BC Place Stadium??? its a far-out idea, but hey, its speculation- the stadium initially was built for MLB and the Whitecaps (and being an aged old man, i was at the first event, a Whitecap game vs Seattle, in 1983, with 61K in attendance)- could Vancouver attract a MLB franchise?? then they work with the BC Lions– i think the Caps will go for Hastings Park North
Part 3: i suggest a determination to be completed by 2027-2028
– this is where it gets really interesting- Patrick Johnstone had an article in the Province paper yesterday, hinting at a possible return of NBA basketball under the leadership of a CONSORTIUM of investors that would also buy the Canucks, Rogers Arena and possibly the Warriors lacrosse team- the NBA has listed Vancouver as a top favorite for a franchise now that Seattle and Las Vegas are looking like new franchises- perhaps the consortium is thinking even BIGGER, like MLSE in Toronto- maybe one sport will be the ‘mover and the shaker’ of the consortium- i think i know who it will be
Part 4: i suggest a determination to be completed by 2030
– transportation will be needed if a new Stadium/Entertainment Hub is built at Hastings Park North- TransLink are already planning for a Skytrain extension from Waterfront to the North Shore – the possibility is that the crossing will be part of a plan for a new IronWorkers Bridge (next to Hastings Park North)
Part 5: i suggest a determination to be completed by 2035
– a Skytrain connection between MetroTown and Brentwood Skytrain stations with the new Hastings Park Skytrain to the North Shore is in the long-term TransLink plans- the Lower Mainland transportation rapid Transit plan would be truly integrated
dementia warded off until 2035…if i make it
Salty