David Ousted officially a Whitecap

The Whitecaps confirmed Thursday what had been rumoured for the past couple of weeks: The signing of Danish keeper David Ousted. The ‘Caps haven’t had a clean sheet in MLS play since the first week of the season, and even giving up a single goal per game is a rarity. Neither Joe Cannon or Brad Knighton have stolen results or have been effective in marshalling the back line, as organization has been a problem for the Caps. Ousted, a 10-year vet of the Danish leagues, isn’t eligible to play till July 9. But, he brings a resume that includes 39 starts last year for Randers, his former Danish first-division side. Now, the only question, who goes when July 9 rolls around? Ousted won’t come in at a figure as low as Knighton (on at $66,000 this season) or third-string Simon Thomas ($35,125). But Cannon is on for a hit for $180,500 and, since he isn’t starting at the moment, wasn’t first choice at the end of last season, would be the obvious choice for odd man out. In a salary-cap league like MLS, you cannot be spending more than $100K on a keeper who isn’t an everyday starter. There are other options. Thomas is on a unique loan deal with FC Edmonton; he trains in Vancouver, but is called to Edmonton as needed. But, at FCE, he is behind Lance Parker and John Smits in the pecking order, and a loan which would see him in Edmonton 24/7 would take away needed minutes with the Whitecaps’ U-23 team and reserve squad.