From Yokohama to Vancouver: Takaoka “looking forward” to new challenge with ‘Caps
VANCOUVER, BC – Heading into the off-season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster had a clear idea of the additions he wanted to make to the roster.
One of the positions he wanted to fill was goalkeeper, but not just any goalkeeper.
It had to be someone with experience.
Someone who not only has a lot of experience at the highest level, but also a winning mentality.
The Caps got their man on Friday, bringing in Japanese goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka from J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos. The 26-year-old has signed a contract until 2024 with a club option for 2025.
“When I got the offer I was so happy, I think this is a good opportunity for me, I felt like it was time for me to take on the next challenge [in my career]’ Takaoka explained.
“I think this will be a good challenge for me, I needed a new challenge and that’s why I came here. I look forward to everything from living in Vancouver to playing on new teams to doing my best for the club. I look forward to seeing all fans at BC Place soon.”
- Catch Yohei at BC Place in 2023 with single game tickets starting at $28 – secure your seats at whitecapsfc.com/tickets
Last season, Takaoka played for Marinos when he recorded the second most clean sheets in the league with 13 in 34 starts.
He was also named to the J1 League top XI, becoming only the second Yokohama F. Marinos goalkeeper to receive the honor.
His performances and his team’s good form gave him a chance to experience the feeling of victory as the club won the 2022 J1 League championship.
Takaoka had never felt the feeling of victory before.
“It was such a wonderful experience and I’ll never forget that moment,” Takaoka recalled. “I will never forget that feeling.”
No wonder Takaoka’s success caught the attention of the ‘Caps.
He is now hoping to experience the same feeling of victory in the blue and whites.
“I want to keep feeling that feeling, I want to give everything for the club.”
Not only is Takaoka hoping to bring his winning mentality to the Caps, he’s excited to engage with the Japanese community across Vancouver.
“I heard Vancouver has a lot of Japanese and I hope to see them come to the stadium, it would be good for me and for them too. I hope to have a good relationship with them, to connect with them.”
Takaoka will look to follow in the footsteps of previous Japanese players who have been at the club, including the late Masato Kudo, midfielders Daigo Kobayashi and Jun Marques Davidson, and Takashi Hirano, who spent two years with the Caps at the USL days.
“I checked these players, I want to play well and I know previous Japanese players have done well here,” Takaoka said. “I have a responsibility to show my worth and I have to show what Japanese players can do.”
Overall, as mentioned earlier, Takaoka has a hunger for victory and specific goals that he hopes to achieve during his time with the Caps.
“Last year the team was ninth in the league, this year I want to get to the playoffs and go through to win the playoffs. I want to be champion, that’s my dream for the club.”
Be sure to catch Takaoka and the rest of the Caps at BC Place this season, starting with the MLS season opener against Western Conference’s Real Salt Lake this Saturday, February 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm PT. Tickets are available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets.