To the surprise of many soccer fans they are in awe and shock that the Whitecaps currently sit first overall somehow having a record of 4W-0L-0D noting that they are only the seventh team in the league’s 30 year history to manage this.
Some were skeptical when the made a coaching change in the off-season but the change obviously paid dividends given not just the winning streak but with the players buying into the new system.
With changes come new additions to the roster considering that they signed Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) Liam Mackenzie (midfielder) and Mark O’Neill (defender) to short-term agreements for the match March 22nd against Chicago Fire FC.
This is the second time this season that see’s Mackenzie signed to an MLS short-term agreement, and his third overall after appearing in the July 27, 2024 International friendly against Wrexham AFC.
This is the first time Mark O’Neill has been signed to an MLS short-term agreement after joining WFC2 in January.
About MacKenzie and O’Neill – Thanks to Whitecaps FC
Liam Mackenzie
Mackenzie, who turned 18 last Saturday, was on the bench the last two matches for Whitecaps FC – at CF Monterrey in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 on March 12 and at FC Dallas on March 15.
Mackenzie also travelled with the first team for the first two away matches in February at Deportivo Saprissa and at Portland Timbers, as well as the entire preseason in Marbella, Spain.
To open the MLS NEXT Pro season with WFC2, Mackenzie recorded a goal, two assists, as well as a successful kick from the spot in the three-goal comeback shootout victory at LAFC2 on March 9. During the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season,
Mackenzie started 14 of his 22 appearances, recording one goal and one assist as WFC2 made the playoffs for the first time.
The product of Comox, BC originally made his professional debut during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro regular season campaign as an academy call-up, coming on as a substitute against St. Louis CITY SC on September 9, 2023. Mackenzie signed his first professional contract with WFC2 on April 9, 2024.
Coming through the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy, Mackenzie was selected to the 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star Game in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he registered an assist on the opening goal of the match.
Mackenzie first joined the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy as a 13-year-old in August 2020 after playing with Vancouver Island Wave in the EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League.
During his time with the academy, the youngster captained both the U-15 and U-17 sides.
He’s also been a recipient of several Whitecaps FC BMO Academy awards, including the 2022 U-15 Player of the Year award and Academy Best XI, and the 2023 U-17 Student Athlete award and Cornerstone award.
On the international stage, Mackenzie has represented Canada at the U-17 level, playing a year up when he began competing with the side.
The midfielder started three of his five appearances at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship, adding a goal and an assist as the team reached the semifinals of the tournament.
Mackenzie was also an alternate for Canada at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Mark O’Neill
O’Neill, who also spent time with the first team in Marbella, Spain, as well as the first two games in February, started both WFC2 matches to open the MLS NEXT Pro season.
Prior to arriving in Vancouver in January, the 23-year-old played five seasons at the University of Creighton, captaining the Bluejays during his final three seasons.
In total, the midfielder started 77 of his 83 appearances for the Bluejays, scoring 10 goals and recording 4 assists.
During his senior season, O’Neill was selected to the 2024 All-BIG EAST Second Team, following an All-BIG EAST Third Team selection in 2023.
In-between his collegiate seasons, O’Neill spent time playing for Vermont Green in USL League Two. In his youth, the product of Louisville, Colorado played for Real Colorado.
O’Neill has five siblings, including experienced former MLS defender Shane O’Neill.
TRANSACTIONS: On March 22, 2025, Whitecaps FC sign midfielder Liam Mackenzie and defender Mark O’Neill to an MLS short-term agreement.
Liam Mackenzie
Position: Midfielder, Height: 5-11
Weight: 155 pounds, Date of Birth: March 15, 2007 in Comox, BC
Hometown: Comox, BC, Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic Youth Clubs: Whitecaps FC BMO Academy, Vancouver Island Wave
Mark O’Neill
Position: Centre Back, Height: 6-01
Weight: 185 pounds, Date of Birth: March 8, 2002 in Boulder, Colorado
Hometown: Louisville Citizenship: United States
Status: Domestic, University: University of Creighton (2020-24)
Former Club: Vermont Green (USL League Two), Youth Club: Real Colorado
In eight games over a 24 day span, 20 different players have earned at least one start as the ‘Caps advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.
It’s noted that 10 different players have found the back of the net noting that this weekend four players will be away on international duty including.
The four are Ali Ahmed (Canada), Andrés Cubas (Paraguay), Pedro Vite (Ecuador), and Brian White (United States) while Sam Adekugbe and Ryan Gauld remain out due to injury.
They will slowly place Emmanuel Sabbi back into first team training which is a slow progression.
Thanks to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the press release.
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