Opportunity was all about timing when the Vancouver Whitecaps unveiled current MSL standout Alphonso Davies. His talent proved the rest.
Burnaby’s Michael Baldisimo is vying for a similar opportunity and one the Whitecaps are willing to provide, following signing the 18-year-old to a multi-year MLS homegrown contract on Tuesday.
The midfielder was on the sidelines on Wednesday in the team’s 1-0 loss in Montreal at the Canadian championships semifinals – alongside Davies, who debuted two years ago with the squad – and is expected to be part of the club’s infusion of youth down the road.
Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson said the development of players like Baldisimo is vital to the team’s future.
“Michael does everything you want as a young midfield player, plus he can even play at right back. Ability wise, he’s got it all, and we are looking forward to working with him as he continues to develop both on and off the pitch,” said Robinson. “Whether you play under-17, under-19, or the first team, it doesn’t faze him. When he gets his chance, he’ll be able to take it.”
A midfielder, Baldisimo has garnered a lengthy resumé of competing hard at each level. Growing up and playing for Wesburn, South Burnaby Metro and the Burnaby Selects, as well as Mountain United, he was chosen for the Whitecaps Residency program at the age of 11, first with the pre-residency squad and then as a member of the under-16 and u-18 teams.
Over the past three seasons with the ’Caps, Baldisimo accumulated 13 goals in 82 starts with the team, and earlier this month helped lead the u19 residency team to the semifinals of the Academy championships. He scored four times in 27 games this past season.
On the international front, he pulled on the Canadian jersey for the 2017 CONCACAF u17 championships and was a call-up for the national u21 squad for the Festival International Espoirs Provence in France two months ago. His first experience with the national program came at the age of 14.
With two older brothers who’ve moved up the soccer ladder – Mark and Matthew – Baldisimo has demonstrated both the skill and dedication to thrive under the intense spotlight that comes with the pro squad.
“Joining the first team is amazing. Being a homegrown player, knowing the club is willing to invest in me, it feels really rewarding,” said Baldisimo. “I just want to work hard, try and make my first-team debut, play some games, and continue to develop.”
