VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver Whitecaps FC infused their roster with some additional youth on Tuesday, announcing the signings of Bryan Sylvestre, Jeb Brovsky and Bilal Duckett pending their international transfer certificates. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"Brian, Bilal and Jeb are quality young players that work hard in every training session," head coach Teitur Thordarson told WhitecapsFC.com. "They have the qualities that you look for in a player. They have great attitudes, are athletic and have good technique. These three players will complement our squad very well for our first season in MLS."
Eighteen-year-old Sylvestre (top right) becomes the second Home Grown player signing after Philippe Davies. The coaching staff has been very impressed with the 6-foot-5 goalkeeper and, although he’ll start out as the third choice in net behind veterans Joe Cannon and Jay Nolly, they see him as a promising prospect moving forward.
“If you want to build a ‘keeper, Bryan’s your man,” said goalkeeping coach Mike Salmon. “He’s not just a big guy – he’s got great reach, strength and power. Athletically, he’s got everything you’d want. How he snuck past the basketball coach, I’ll never know.”
The US U-20 international will likely spend most of the season playing matches in the MLS reserve league, but he has a great opportunity to learn from the ‘keepers in front of him.
“He’s got two great role models and great pros in Jay and Joe,” said Salmon. “There’s a wealth of experience between them and there’s no doubt that that’ll rub off on Bryan.”
Brovsky (top middle) and Duckett (top left), both 22 years old, were teammates at the University of Notre Dame before being selected by the Whitecaps in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. One of the reasons for their success has been their versatility.
Duckett spent the majority of his college career at right back but has played at center back and left back during the preseason. Brovsky, meanwhile, began as a withdrawn striker for the Fighting Irish before moving out on the wing, and then to the middle of midfield. He’s since lined up as both a center midfielder and center back for the ‘Caps.
“If they want to put me at goalkeeper, I can do it,” proclaimed Brovsky. Both he and Duckett say that their previous time together has made the transition to professional soccer easier.
“It’s a new environment for both of us,” said Duckett, “so it’s helped to have someone you know and trust in your back corner to give you honest feedback.”
