TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trials
The Vancouver Whitecaps appear to be considering options to improve their depth at fullback, with MLS veterans Sean Franklin and Mark Bloom invited to take part in the club’s preseason camp in Hawaii.
Both players are primarily right backs, and each played 45 minutes in Vancouver’s 4-0 scrimmage win over Japanese side Consadole Sapporo at the University of Hawaii on Tuesday, a match where the Whitecaps fielded two distinct starting lineups in each half.
Jake Nerwinski is VWFC’s incumbent starter at right back, but most of his defensive colleagues currently on the roster are center backs by trade.
Franklin, 32, is a familiar face in MLS circles with 261 career regular-season appearances. He played for the LA Galaxy's trophy-contending sides from 2008-2013, then spent the past four campaigns at D.C. United, who elected not to pick up his 2018 option at the close of last season.
Bloom, 30, spent 2017 with his hometown club Atlanta United but made only two MLS appearances as well as US Open Cup duty. Prior to that he served at Toronto FC for four years, chipping in four assists over 39 regular-season games and two playoff appearances.
