Terry Dunfield is looking forward to kicking off the 2011 MLS season with expansion franchise Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday.
The 29-year old former Manchester City man has emerged as a potential first team candidate during the pre-season with some impressive performances in central midfield and he is excited about getting a Major League Soccer opportunity after spending the 2010 season in USL with the Whitecaps.
"As you've seen in pre-season, I am going to get chances," he told the Vancouver Sun. "I've scored a couple and maybe could have scored four or five by now."
The Vancouver-born former Shrewsbury Town star admitted he will use this chance to hopefully push for another shot at the Canadian national team and says this weekend's derby against Toronto FC will be a completely different proposition to what the club is used to.
"I think I can play some of the best football I have for Vancouver and hopefully push on and play for Canada again," Dunfield added.
"It will be a totally different game when you walk out there in front of 20,000 people than anything we have seen so far in pre-season."
'Caps coach Teitur Thordarson said that Dunfield was the kind of midfielder that he loves, indicating that a start in the centre of the pitch against Toronto was highly likely.
"He's physically quite good, runs a lot, tackles and wins balls," he said. "He's very good on the ball and plays people through and comes forward and finishes. That's a good combination for me."
