whitecapssoccer.com introduces "Surfside Chats". Each week we’ll go one-on-one with some of your favorite Whitecaps and Breakers stars including Men, Women and Youth players, as well as coaches, management and more! We’ll bring you the inside news and views.
This week let’s go Surfside with Nick Dasovic – Feb 1, 2003
Nick Dasovic is the Vancouver Whitecaps player/assistant coach, and Canadian U-20 men's team assistant coach. He is also a former Canadian international with over 57 appearances. whitecapssoccer.com talks with Nick on the upcoming season, and the U20 teams chances in the upcoming Youth World Cup.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Nick you grew up in Vancouver following the Whitecaps. Tell us a bit about that and what it’s like now to be a player/coach with the club.
[Dasovic] – My dad brought my brother and I to almost all of the matches and it was my dream to be able to one day play for the Whitecaps. Now having the opportunity to not only play but be a part of the coaching staff is a dream come true.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Who did you play your youth soccer with, and what is one of your best memories?
[Dasovic] – I played my youth soccer with the Vancouver Croatia Soccer Club. My fondest memory isn't winning the numerous league titles and cups, but the friendships that I gained over the years playing with some great people.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – You came into the club in mid season last year and right into some off field turbulence. How is the mood with the players this year now that a solid foundation is in place?
[Dasovic] – I think that the situation actually brought the players together, there was a common bond and everyone knew that there were going to be sacrifices. The players responded fantastically and it showed in our results.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – You signed with the club after playing in Europe, including the last six seasons with St. Johnstone of the Scottish Premier League. How would you rate the standard of the A-League and its players?
[Dasovic] – The standard of the league is far better that most people think. I have played in many different countries and have first hand experience at the level and quality of play around the world. It can't be compared to the English Premier League and it shouldn't be, but it is a very competitive league with some great players and good athletes.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – Lets shift to the Canadian U20 team. You recently beat the U.S. team to qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championships March 25 in the United Arab Emirates. What was that experience like?
[Dasovic] – I think any time you beat our arch rivals it's time for celebration, especially on their soil. Dale Mitchell and myself were extremely proud of our players and their performance.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – The FIFA World Youth Cup Draw recently took place. How do you think you’ll do?
[Dasovic] – We drew a very difficult group. We play Brazil, Czech Republic and Australia. We have to be confident in our abilities and work very hard in the next few months to ensure that we advance to the next round.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – You’re also a coach at the Whitecaps Academy. Will you be active in the clubs youth development plans, and how important is that to you?
[Dasovic] – I have been coaching in the academy now for a few months and have enjoyed it very much. I will be active in coaching the youth players as I believe our future is the young boys and girls that attend our academy. They have been an excellent bunch.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – What’s been the most memorable soccer moment of your career?
[Dasovic] – I think one of the most memorable moments was scoring for my old club St. Johnstone against the Glasgow Rangers in the League Cup Final, and also being named man of the match. Also any time I get to put a Whitecap jersey on.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – How do you prepare for a game? What’s your routine?
[Dasovic] – I am not the most superstitious guy, but at my age it is very important that I get my 2 hours of sleep before any game, if not then I can get pretty cranky. Just ask my wife.
[whitecapssoccer.com] – How is this year’s team shaping up, and what can Vancouver fans look forward to this season?
[Dasovic] – The great thing about this current group of players is that everyone believes in our coach Tony Fonseca, and everyone truly believes that we can bring the championship back home. Lets go Caps!!!!!!
