VANCOUVER -- Danish goalkeeper David Ousted began his education in North American soccer Monday with his first Vancouver Whitecaps practice. Rick Barry Jersey . The first lesson: Try to get along with your teammates when battling for a starting spot. Ousted hopes to develop a rapport with his peers now that he gives the Whitecaps four goalkeepers. "Its going to be a tough competition, but I think its going to be great," said Ousted, 28, who joined the Whitecaps last week after 10 seasons in his homeland. "I think its going to develop everybody and, hopefully, itll help the team." The second lesson: Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie loves to develop competition at each position. Accordingly, Rennie was non-committal on Ousteds role once he becomes eligible to play in Major League Soccer after the international transfer window opens July 9. "Were playing well and were winning games," said Rennie. "Brad (Knighton, the current starter) has got a good record at the moment, so I think hes just gotta keep focused on that." In a rare break from his one-game-at-a-time approach, Rennie suggested Ousteds signing was more about the future than the present. "Joe (Cannon) probably wont be with us going into next season," said Rennie. "So we needed to make sure that we had another goalkeeper for next season." In other words, Rennie was not in a hurry to give Knightons No. 1 job to Ousted. Neither was Knighton, who is in line to start Saturdays game at D.C. United and two more before Ousted is eligible -- unless Cannon, 38, who is playing out the final year of his contract, gets the call in the meantime. "I dont see my mentality changing," said Knighton, who sports a 3-1-1 record. "It is what (Cannon) and I were doing. Obviously, were competing every day for a spot. Its not the only position that theres competition for. Everybodys fighting for a spot in this team, and its tough to change the team when were winning. "So, obviously, thats a decision (management) are going to have to make. "My job is just to go in there and compete, and make saves in the game and keep us in the game and get wins in the win column over these next three games." The surging Whitecaps (6-5-4) have won four of their past six games and moved into playoff contention in the Western Conference. But they have only one clean sheet this season -- registered by Cannon in the first game of the season against Toronto. Cannon, who began the season as the teams starter, did not offer his thoughts to reporters on what he thinks of the extra competition. But during drills late in practice, he almost gleefully dove to the ground for balls and attempted saves while lying down as rain and hail pounded the UBC turf. His actions suggested that he is more than willing to battle for playing time. Rookie Simon Thomas, 23, of Victoria, is the clubs fourth goalkeeper, and does not factor into the playing time equation as of now. In addition to earning playing time, Ousted will have to show that he can handle the rigours of MLS, which include travel across the continent, more international talent and, at times, highly physical play. "I think its a stronger league," said Ousted. "From what Ive seen over here, there are some good players, some good teams. The physical (fitness) level is high, and the technical level as well, and Im looking forward to the challenge." Some of Ousteds new teammates are also interested in seeing how the battle for the No. 1 goalkeeping job will play out. "The main thing is, it generates competition and, as individuals, we thrive on competition. ... For me, its always been a recipe for success," said central defender Andy OBrien, who continues to recuperate from a hamstring injury. "The competition and the pressure may well bring out the best in the individual." Meanwhile, Whitecaps striker Camilo was name MLS player of the week Monday. The Brazilian scored two goals and added an assist in a 3-1 win over Chivas USA last week. He has produced six goals and three assists in his last five games. The honour comes after he battled to get into the lineup earlier this season. But Rennie was not willing to let him rest easy, either. "He worked extra hard when he wasnt in the team, and now hes in the team," said Rennie. "We want to make sure that he stays in." Note: Central defender Brad Rusin, who has missed the past four games with a calf injury, returned to practice and hopes to play Saturday. Phil Smith Jersey . The former central defender calmly nodded it down and quietly went about celebrating a win with his staff. For a man who has had a lot on his shoulders this season, it was an appropriate moment. Damion Lee Jersey . JOHNS, N.The honours won by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who announced on Friday that he will leave the club after the season.___CLUB HonoursChampions League — 2005.UEFA Cup — 2001.UEFA Super Cup — 2001.FA Cup — 2001, 2006.League Cup — 2001, 2003, 2012.Community Shield — 20066. Woody Sauldsberry Jersey. ___PERSONAL HonoursProfessional Footballers Association player of the year — 2006.Professional Footballers Association young player of the year — 2001.UEFA club footballer of the year — 2005.Member of the Order of the British Empire — 2007. ' ' '
VANCOUVER -- Danish goalkeeper David Ousted began his education in North American soccer Monday with his first Vancouver Whitecaps practice. Rick Barry Jersey . The first lesson: Try to get along with your teammates when battling for a starting spot. Ousted hopes to develop a rapport with his peers now that he gives the Whitecaps four goalkeepers. "Its going to be a tough competition, but I think its going to be great," said Ousted, 28, who joined the Whitecaps last week after 10 seasons in his homeland. "I think its going to develop everybody and, hopefully, itll help the team." The second lesson: Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie loves to develop competition at each position. Accordingly, Rennie was non-committal on Ousteds role once he becomes eligible to play in Major League Soccer after the international transfer window opens July 9. "Were playing well and were winning games," said Rennie. "Brad (Knighton, the current starter) has got a good record at the moment, so I think hes just gotta keep focused on that." In a rare break from his one-game-at-a-time approach, Rennie suggested Ousteds signing was more about the future than the present. "Joe (Cannon) probably wont be with us going into next season," said Rennie. "So we needed to make sure that we had another goalkeeper for next season." In other words, Rennie was not in a hurry to give Knightons No. 1 job to Ousted. Neither was Knighton, who is in line to start Saturdays game at D.C. United and two more before Ousted is eligible -- unless Cannon, 38, who is playing out the final year of his contract, gets the call in the meantime. "I dont see my mentality changing," said Knighton, who sports a 3-1-1 record. "It is what (Cannon) and I were doing. Obviously, were competing every day for a spot. Its not the only position that theres competition for. Everybodys fighting for a spot in this team, and its tough to change the team when were winning. "So, obviously, thats a decision (management) are going to have to make. "My job is just to go in there and compete, and make saves in the game and keep us in the game and get wins in the win column over these next three games." The surging Whitecaps (6-5-4) have won four of their past six games and moved into playoff contention in the Western Conference. But they have only one clean sheet this season -- registered by Cannon in the first game of the season against Toronto. Cannon, who began the season as the teams starter, did not offer his thoughts to reporters on what he thinks of the extra competition. But during drills late in practice, he almost gleefully dove to the ground for balls and attempted saves while lying down as rain and hail pounded the UBC turf. His actions suggested that he is more than willing to battle for playing time. Rookie Simon Thomas, 23, of Victoria, is the clubs fourth goalkeeper, and does not factor into the playing time equation as of now. In addition to earning playing time, Ousted will have to show that he can handle the rigours of MLS, which include travel across the continent, more international talent and, at times, highly physical play. "I think its a stronger league," said Ousted. "From what Ive seen over here, there are some good players, some good teams. The physical (fitness) level is high, and the technical level as well, and Im looking forward to the challenge." Some of Ousteds new teammates are also interested in seeing how the battle for the No. 1 goalkeeping job will play out. "The main thing is, it generates competition and, as individuals, we thrive on competition. ... For me, its always been a recipe for success," said central defender Andy OBrien, who continues to recuperate from a hamstring injury. "The competition and the pressure may well bring out the best in the individual." Meanwhile, Whitecaps striker Camilo was name MLS player of the week Monday. The Brazilian scored two goals and added an assist in a 3-1 win over Chivas USA last week. He has produced six goals and three assists in his last five games. The honour comes after he battled to get into the lineup earlier this season. But Rennie was not willing to let him rest easy, either. "He worked extra hard when he wasnt in the team, and now hes in the team," said Rennie. "We want to make sure that he stays in." Note: Central defender Brad Rusin, who has missed the past four games with a calf injury, returned to practice and hopes to play Saturday. Phil Smith Jersey . The former central defender calmly nodded it down and quietly went about celebrating a win with his staff. For a man who has had a lot on his shoulders this season, it was an appropriate moment. Damion Lee Jersey . JOHNS, N.The honours won by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who announced on Friday that he will leave the club after the season.___CLUB HonoursChampions League — 2005.UEFA Cup — 2001.UEFA Super Cup — 2001.FA Cup — 2001, 2006.League Cup — 2001, 2003, 2012.Community Shield — 20066. Woody Sauldsberry Jersey. ___PERSONAL HonoursProfessional Footballers Association player of the year — 2006.Professional Footballers Association young player of the year — 2001.UEFA club footballer of the year — 2005.Member of the Order of the British Empire — 2007. ' ' '
