Vancouver Whitecaps centre-back Kendall Waston has lauded the current state of Major League Soccer (MLS) as the arrivals of more big names loom for the league.
Waston, speaking exclusively to Outside90, has spent the majority of his career playing in his native Costa Rica but says the standard of the MLS is much higher than that of his homeland and came as no surprise.
“Here is better (than Costa Rica). The teams, the environment, the facilities, everything that you have here is better because obviously here they have more money to help the clubs,” Waston said.
“I’m not surprised (about the standard of the league). When I was in Costa Rica, we watch on TV MLS games, so when I was coming here before I sign up, I know what I was coming for.”
27-year-old Waston moved to the Whitecaps in August 2014 after 127 appearances in the Costa Rican Primera and can now look forward to playing against English legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Gerrard will join LA Galaxy as its designated player and is expected to debut on July 11, while Lampard will soon link up with New York City after a season at parent club Manchester City.
Waston could not hide his joy about the prospect.
“That (playing against high-calibre players) is very good for me because I like to play against great players and these top players.
I remember when I was younger and how I always watch them on TV so playing against them is a nice moment to live.”
Waston’s Vancouver currently sits second in the MLS’ Western Conference with 26 points, three behind Seattle Sounders, with 16 matches elapsed.
Stay tuned for Outside90’s full interview with Waston.
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