Thrush into playoff race, Whitecaps see Julian Gressel’s fire rekindled
VANCOUVER — Having something to play for again has stoked Julian Gressel’s soccer passion.
The Vancouver Whitecaps obtained the wingback from DC United in a late July trade. Gressel went from a United team with the worst record in Major League Soccer to a Vancouver side in the thick of a battle for a playoff spot.
“To have really meaningful games to close out the season, that’s what you want,” said Gressel, soaked in sweat after a training session under a blistering hot sun this week. “In D.C., a miracle would have needed to happen for us to make the playoffs. Here, it’s within our grasp.
“We take care of our business, we can do it. That kind of absolutely brought that fire and that energy more back. It’s definitely a different feeling.”