Rovers Return: TSS’ 2018 PDL roster combines key returnees, Whitecaps alumni, and top local college talent

The new USL PDL season is six weeks away.

Swangard Stadium will be the venue for Monday night football when TSS Rovers kick off their 2018 PDL campaign with a match against Oregon side Lane United. The return of the Rovers, a season opener, a Cascadian derby. A perfect night of football really. Make sure you’re there to see it.

Although the results on the pitch weren’t all that were hoped for, there were a number of successes during the Rovers first season in existence. The biggest of all perhaps, was the fact that everyone we spoke to that had watched the team over the season left having enjoyed the experience. The passion of the football on the pitch and the supporters off it was infectious and something the club are hoping to build upon for their second season in the league.

And you don’t have to worry about a sophomore slump. The team finished bottom of the standings, having endured a steep learning curve during their inaugural season. The only way is up! And when you look at the squad that Colin Elmes and Willie Cromack have put together for the 2018 campaign, it’s hard not to get excited about what may lie ahead.

AFTN is delighted to be the Rovers media partners and commentators again this season. We announced the first 18 names on this season’s roster a couple of weeks ago in Episode 251 of the AFTN Soccer Show. That’s now been increased to 24, with more to come soon, and we’re delighted to reveal the squad for the first time today (we’ll reveal TSS Rovers women’s roster for their first ever campaign in the Women’s Premier Soccer League tomorrow – Don’t miss it!)

As you would expect, there’s been a lot of turnover. Only eight of last season’s squad are returning and there are 16 new faces, although Whitecaps and local soccer fans will certainly know most of them already. Of the 16 newbies, two have USL experience with WFC2 (Thomas Gardner and Patrick Metcalfe) and a further six are graduates of the Whitecaps Residency program. Six players head to the Rovers from SFU Clan, with four UBC Thunderbirds joining the squad. With a number of their teammates and former teammates already on the squad, chemistry will already be good from the get go.

In the build up to the season opener Get To Know Your Rovers will return and we’ll be bringing you player profiles and interviews over the next six weeks here on AFTN.

But in the meantime, let’s have a look at who will be pulling on the Rovers jersey this season.

THE RETURNEES

ALEJANDRO VARELA
(Defender – Douglas College)

ANDREW HICKS
(Goalkeeper – Langley United)

DANIEL DAVIDSON
(Forward – Abbotsford United)

ERIC DE GRAAF
(Defender – University of Portland Pilots)

JANKO VONG
(Defender – University of Alberta Golden Bears)

MARCELLO POLISI
(Midfielder – SFU Clan)

MATTEO POLISI
(Forward – SFU Clan)

ZACH VERHOVEN
(Forward – UBC Thunderbirds)

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THE NEWCOMERS:

AIDAN MOORE
(Midfielder – University of Trinity Western Spartans)

BRENDAN SKINNER
(Defender – University of Marquette Golden Eagles)

CHRIS GUERREIRO
(Defender – SFU Clan)

CONNOR GLENNON
(Forward – SFU Clan)

CONNOR GUILHERME
(Defender – UBC Thunderbirds)

DANIEL SAGNO
(Forward – University of San Diego State Aztecs)

ERIK EDWARDSON
(Midfielder – University of Portland Pilots)

LUCIANO TRASOLINI
(Goalkeeper – SFU Clan)

MARIO GERGES
(Goalkeeper – Dynamo Quebec)

OMAR ROSTANT
(Defender – University of Capilano Blues)

PATRICK METCALFE
(Midfielder – UBC Thunderbirds)

RAHID RAHIEM
(Midfielder – SFU Clan)

RILEY PANG
(Forward – SFU Clan)

THOMAS GARDNER
(Midfielder – UBC Thunderbirds)

VICTORY SHUMBUSHO
(Forward – UBC Thunderbirds)

WILLIAM RAPHAEL
(Forward – SFU Clan)

So that’s the men’s roster so far. There’s still a couple more additions to come and we’ll bring you those once all the registrations are complete. It’s shaping up to be an exciting looking squad and we can’t wait for the season to start on May 14th.

If you haven’t already got your season tickets, what are you waiting for?! Eight matches (seven league and one friendly) for only $70 for adults and $49 for children, it’s the best value soccer you’ll find in the lower mainland. Get them HERE and if you can’t make it along to every match, the club have a donate a ticket scheme where you can help someone who can’t afford a ticket make it out to a game.