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VANCOUVER -- Camilo Sanvezzos dramatic departure from the Vancouver Whitecaps stunned the club and its supporters. The Brazilian star striker forced his way out of town in unprecedented fashion, first practising with Mexicos Queretaro F.C. before having his photograph taken in the teams kit -- all while he was still under contract in Major League Soccer. With no other option, the Whitecaps finally sold the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner and his 22 goals in mid-January. Viewed as a disaster by many, captain Jay DeMerit sees opportunity for the remaining strikers with the clubs pre-season training schedule already underway. "With Camilo being gone, something we have to make these guys understand is theres a spot open now," said the veteran defender. "A lot of times, when youre a competitor you look for opportunities to come in and make a difference. "With that spot being open, theres guys that have that chance. Ultimately as a pro you want that chance." One of those guys up front is 20-year-old Omar Salgado. The first overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, Salgado has been hampered by injury early in his career. Now healthy, he will be counted on, along with fellow strikers Kenny Miller, Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks, to pick up the slack. "Its one person less to compete with and we have to make up for those 22 goals he scored," Salgado said after Fridays fitness testing. "Between all the forwards were going to have to accomplish that. "Im feeling really good. Im feeling better than I have in the past year and a half so Im excited about this year and excited about the start of the season." Although theres opportunities up front with the Whitecaps, there are also many question marks. Miller, the clubs only current designated player, was also hampered by injury last season and its unclear where the 34-year-old stands with his contract set to expire in June. Mattocks, 23, fell out of favour with former manager Martin Rennie last year and blasted the team on Jamaican television after the season. Manneh, meanwhile, burst on to the scene with a memorable hat trick against the Seattle Sounders, but its hard to pin your goal-scoring hopes on a 19 year old. Miller, Mattocks and Manneh werent made available to the media Friday, but rookie Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said hes pleased with the different styles his current stable of strikers provide. "What they do is they offer me flexibility in the forward positions depending on what system I decide to play, which I know -- having variations of players playing in multiple positions," said Robinson. "Omar can play wide left, he can play centre forward. Kekuta can play wide left, centre forward or in the hole (behind the strikers), Kenny the same. "Obviously disappointed to lose Camilo -- losing 22 goals is a big thing -- but I want players that want to be here and if he doesnt want to be here then he shouldnt be here. Thats put to bed now and we move on." And although hes happy to sing the praises of his current strike quartet, its clear Robinson is eager to add more bodies to his attack. "I think its no secret and part of its how I want to put my stamp on this team," said the former Welsh international. "It might not be one, it might be two forward-thinking players and creative players. I think weve lacked a little bit of creativity over the last two years since Ive been here. "I think thats what we need to do to incorporate the strengths of the players already here." To say Robinsons first six weeks on the job have been hectic would be a gross understatement. His baptism by fire started with the Camilo saga and moved on to the MLS SuperDraft. Now a week into training camp, which opened Monday at the University of British Columbia, Robinson has finally had time to breathe. "Its been different. Its been exciting. I think the boys have bought into what me and the coaches have wanted to do," said Robinson. "Weve made it exciting for them. Weve made it enthusiastic and theyve put in the work. "I dont think you can really envisage anything after the first couple of weeks Ive had on the job but it is what it is. Its football, its soccer and you move forward. Im excited with this group that I have." With 13 of the 23 players on the first team being 23 years of age or younger, one of the veterans Robinson will count on in his inaugural season will be DeMerit. "One thing I always said was when I got an opportunity to be a manager, I will use the experience of the senior players," said Robinson. "Ive been there and Ive done it and I know what senior guys you need to be important within your team, on the field as well as off the field." DeMerit, 34, showed his commitment and resolve last season when he suffered a devastating Achilles injury in the first game, only to return in time to try to help the Whitecaps in their failed attempt to make the playoffs. "As older leaders of this group, its our job to help him," said DeMerit. "Theres a lot of young guys here that need that little push sometimes or that bit of mentorship or that little bit of leadership. "Myself and a couple of other guys will take that leadership role this year and were looking forward to it." Giannis Antetokounmpo Jersey . Coaches are now allowed to challenge both called and potential defensive pass interference fouls under certain conditions. Sterling Brown Jersey . Warren made six birdies and a bogey for a 5-under total of 139 to sit one shot ahead of Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who carded a 69. David Horsey of England was also on 5 under through 15 holes to join Warren atop the leaderboard before play was stopped. https://www.bucksrookiesshop.com/Vin-Baker-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Theres little time for rest, too. The Flyers and Rangers play again Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. Simmonds scored in the first period and twice more in the second for his first career post-season hat trick. Mason survived a busy first period and stopping 31 straight shots until Carl Hagelin scored late in the third. Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks Jersey .Gasol had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and the Bulls beat the winless Orlando Magic 98-90 on Tuesday night.Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 21 points and Taj Gibson added 16 for Chicago, which finally pulled away in the final minutes of a game that was tied after three quarters. Luke Maye Jersey . The injury will keep the Finnish forward out of the Olympics. The 29-year-old has 20 goals and 41 points in 56 games this season, his first with Tampa Bay.PARIS -- Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted the French leagues player of the year by his fellow professionals for the second straight season. Ibrahimovic beat off competition from teammates Thiago Silva and Thiago Motta and Monaco midfielder James Rodriguez to win the top award in French football on Sunday. The Sweden striker has scored 40 goals in all competitions for PSG this season, including a chest-high backheel flick in a 4-0 win over Bastia in October which was voted most beautiful goal of the year. The Parisian club clinched the French league title on Wednesday. "I believe this was my best season," Ibrahimovic said. "I think our team had a great season and I hope it will continue next year." Ibrahimovic was also selected in the French leagues team of the year alongside five teammates. PSGs Salvatore Sirigu was picked as ggoalkeeper while Toulouse right back Serge Aurier, PSG centre back Thiago Silva, Saint-Etienne defender Loic Perrin and Monaco leftback Layvin Kurzawa formed the back four.dddddddddddd PSG duo Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta joined Monaco playmaker James Rodriguez in midfield. Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette and PSG striker Edinson Cavani completed the attacking trio. Lille coach Rene Girard was voted coach of the year, fending off competition from PSGs Laurent Blanc, Monacos Claudio Ranieri and Lyons Remi Garde. With one round left, Lille sits in third place in the French league, behind champion PSG and Monaco. Only two other players have twice won the top award in French football: former Bordeaux striker Pedro Pauleta and Eden Hazard when he was with Lille. Past winners of the award include David Ginola, Zinedine Zidane, Didier Drogba and Karim Benzema. ' ' '
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