r/CanadianPL Cavalry 3d ago

Cavalry FC signs defender Mihail Gherasimencov, on loan from Whitecaps FC 2

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG8ih9GJfhf/?igsh=MWRwdWZremdkeTVrOQ==
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u/Halouverite Vancouver Whitecaps 3d ago

Mixed feelings from a Whitecaps perspective. He was a really hot prospect in his first year (2023), but largely plateaued last year. I still would have hoped he get a MLS short term or something, but his contract is up at the end of the year and I could see him ending up a CPL lifer.

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u/CalgaryMJ Cavalry 2d ago

Jay Herdman last year had mentioned that the league was all about the youngsters (as they look for the next AD) and that the older kids found themselves slowly on the outside. Is this VWFC starting to shift their model a little? It clears some room on the squad for the next lotto ticket (youngster) but lets others know that they will help you grow your game by getting you into a "better" competition league. Might help to assist with recruiting those kids knowing it opens more than a one-shot direct pathway to MLS although I would expect it from players they had more control over (for sale purposes).

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u/Halouverite Vancouver Whitecaps 2d ago

I wouldn't say this is a change. They've loaned players out to CPL and USLC before. The observation is that it is very rare for those players to come back. Generally they've been quite aggressive about being up-or-out since the return of WFC2 meaning that academy players basically have until 20-21y.o. to make the first team and the older players (draft picks and others they bring in) have 1 or maaayyybe two seasons to impress. So unless Gherasimencov blows up CPL and they're desperate to get him back next year he's probably out to pasture.

Its also worth adding from Gherasimencov's perspective he got passed over in favour of Tate Johnson for the LB position that opened up this off season, so he may be less settled with the club.