The Philadelphia Waterdogs wasted little time showing what the Dave Cottle era will look like.
On Wednesday, the Waterdogs announced a contract extension for short-stick defensive midfielder Matt Whitcher through the 2027 season, marking Cottle’s first official roster move since taking over as general manager.
It’s a decision that closely mirrors the priorities Cottle outlined upon his arrival.
“We’ve gotta find two-way players — they make the game easier,” Cottle said after he was hired. “Two-way guys make you sub less, you ride better, you clear better.”
Statistically, Whitcher’s 2025 regular season was quieter than his 2024 All-Star campaign. He finished with one goal, 11 ground balls and 62 touches across nine games. He played a strong role in the Waterdogs’ two-man game, helping free Michael Sowers.
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, the 29-year-old brings size and physicality defensively, but his true value shows up in transition. A former two-way midfielder at York College, Whitcher still plays with strong offensive instincts, making him a key contributor in the clearing game and early offense.
Cottle has emphasized the importance of two-way midfielders who simplify the game by reducing substitutions and improving clears and rides. Re-signing Whitcher is a direct reflection of that philosophy.
He’s a short stick who can defend, communicate and then immediately push the ball the other way — exactly the type of player Cottle has described as essential to building a winning pro roster.
“Your shorties on a good pro team are your toughest and most competitive people,” Cottle said. “We’ve got to be tough on defense and tough in the shorty position, and the rest will follow.”
With fellow SSDM Christian Scarpello coming off injury and currently unsigned, retaining Whitcher also preserves continuity alongside Dylan Hess, who was an All-Star as a rookie last season.
