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Harjeet Johal ,

July 15, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C - The Vancouver Whitecaps love Canada and the free agent signings of David Edgar and Marcel De Jong have reinforced the club's interest in bringing in Canadian talent at the MLS level. Vancouver has struggled to keep the ball out of the net and the additions of Edgar and De Jong should help solidify the Vancouver back-line. Homecoming🇨🇦⚽️ A photo posted by David Edgar (@davidedgar4) on Jul 13, 2016 at 1:24pm PDT

For De Jong, this will be his second stint in MLS after playing 13 matches for Sporting Kansas City last season. De Jong started 11 matches and contributed one goal and one assist in 2015. His exposure at BC Place with the Canadian Men's National Team is a big reason why he decided to sign with Vancouver. "As soon as we played here with the national team, I just fell in love with the city and the stadium. In general I think it's a great opportunity for me to come here and prove myself again in MLS, I'm excited." The 29 year-old most recently spent half of this season playing for NASL side, Ottawa Fury. He can play right mid, holding mid, and even some wing, but his favourite spot is left-back or as a left-midfielder. De Jong played for Bundesliga club FC Augsburg from 2010-2015 and Eredivisie club Roda JC from 2006-2010. His experience playing in Europe will be a key addition for young Whitecaps players who have aspirations of potentially playing in Europe one day. "I'm one of the older guys on the team, I mean I'm not old, but we have a young group here. I think that I can bring over my experience from Europe. I think in general, helping the young guys perform under pressure. When they need me, I'll be there." De Jong came off the bench for Vancouver in the 66' minute on Wednesday night with Vancouver ahead 2-0 on Real Salt Lake. His lay-off in between teams may have contributed to a slow debut, but that's nothing, training, rest, and recovery can't solve. Vancouver was able to pick-up a huge win and earn a clean sheet and that's something De Jong is most proud of. "I'm happy to play in my first game," said De Jong. "Not happy with my performance. You can see that I haven't been playing for three or four weeks. Just this week I started training so it was a bit tough, but I'm happy to be a part of the team and especially that we won the game last night." Carl Robinson also noticed De Jong was a little out of sorts on the pitch. Going forward the Newmarket, Ontario native will start to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. The Caps gaffer gave his assessment on what he saw from De Jong on Wednesday. "He looked tired", admitted Robinson. "When you’re tired, your mind makes wrong decisions and your legs don’t go with your mind. I think he felt that today. But it was important I got him minutes and he will get more minutes this weekend and with Crystal Palace as well. We are delighted to have him on board. He came here to do a job and he did that today." David Edgar will take a little while longer before he makes his Vancouver Whitecaps debut. Edgar finished up his stint on loan to Sheffield United back in May. He is working to get his fitness levels back to a proper match fitness, a time-table for his first cap with the Caps has not been determined. Edgar is hoping he can be on the pitch soon, but he won't be rushed either. Excited to start this next chapter of my career here in Vancouver with the @WhitecapsFC 🇨🇦⚽️ — David Edgar (@davidedgar141) July 11, 2016

"Yeah good, they've been bringing me on nicely. We put a good blast in yesterday and hopefully sooner rather than later." The 29 year-old has spent his entire time playing football in England. From Newcastle United to Burnley and Birmingham City. He has travelled up and down England's top leagues competing his socks off. Edgar was sat on the sidelines watching the Vancouver victory over Real Salt Lake and is already a fan of BC Place. "It's unbelievable," revealed Edgar. "My wife came here yesterday and she couldn't believe it, she'd never been here before. She's been to BMO Field in Toronto, but it's just a different atmosphere with the roof open last night, the sun shining, it's just gorgeous." The Whitecaps are getting set to take on a walking wounded Orlando City Soccer Club on Saturday night. Interim Coach Bobby Murphy will be without several key players. Kaka (Injury), Pedro Ribeiro (Injury), Rafael Ramos (Injury), Carlos Rivas (Visa Issues), and Brek Shea (Yellow Card Accumulation Suspension) will all be unavailable for selection. However, Canadian International goal-poacher, Cyle Larin will be fit to play and looking to showcase his scoring talents. De Jong offered up a scouting report on Larin's and what fans might be expecting to see. "I just know he's a really great player, and a good guy," said De Jong. "I think he's still young and that's his strength in this moment, he's kind of unpredictable, that's one of his qualities. He's a strong big guy and I'm looking forward to playing against him. We have to watch out and be careful with him." Edgar was more to the point on how to stop the Orlando City Soccer Club leading scorer. Although his strategy might not be above-board with MLS referees. "Just kick him," said Edgar. "Nah he's a good player, he's a good talent. I know a few things about him so hopefully I'll speak to the defenders." The 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year scored set an all-time record for goals scored by a rookie player with 17. His talent is off the charts and something Vancouver will have to be careful of. Orlando's 4-5-9 record doesn't quite show what they are capable of. Larin could easily put Orlando on his shoulders and return them to top form. David Edgar sees a bright future for the Canadian striker. "Yeah I think he is just scratching the surface. There's a lot more to come from him, he's a really raw talent. He's got the physically attributes of man, he's strong, he's powerful, and he's got good feet for a big man. We've got be very weary of him." Fans getting set to watch Orlando's first visit to Vancouver should get a heave dose of Canadian content and that's always a good thing for a program striving to do better. Cyle Larin and Marcel De Jong will both want to have a stand out match, while David Edgar itches to make his debut later this month.



