MLS-is-Back, or Is It? Caps Depleted, RSL’s Onuoha Opts Out Too!

It’s beginning to look a lot like ‘Last Man Standing’...

Vancouver Whitecaps will be without no fewer than five players which were initially expected to travel for the tournament in Florida.

New signing and Canadian international, Lucas Cavallini pointed towards a couple of COVID19 tragedies close to home and released the following statement...

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me. I would love to be out on the field with my teammates fighting with everything I have to play for this club and community in Orlando. Unfortunately COVID-19 has had a very big impact, taking away two beloved members of my family. I feel that it is best that I remain home to support my loved ones at this challenging time.”

Fredy Montero another who won’t travel said it wasn’t an easy decision, but “my family and I have had a complicated few months not only with being isolated in Canada without family or friends but also with an unforeseen health emergency.”

Another Canadian international, Tosaint Ricketts has also decided to stay at home due to a pre-existing condition, while Andy Rose’s wife is due to give birth during the tournament.
That last member of the Whitecaps party to withdraw, Georges Mukumbilwa had the decision made for him. Although a Canadian permanent resident, he was not cleared to travel outside Canada.

Real Salt Lake’s former Manchester City defender, Nedum Onuoha has also opted not to take part in the tournament, feeling uncomfortable being separated from his wife and children for a month during the pandemic.