Vancouver Whitecaps FC
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| Full name | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | ||
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| Nickname(s) | 'Caps | ||
| Founded | 1986[1] | ||
| Ground | Swangard Stadium Burnaby, British Columbia (Capacity: 5,288) |
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| Owner |  Greg Kerfoot |
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| Head Coach |  Teitur Thordarson |
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| League | North American Soccer League | ||
| 2009 | Regular Season: 7th Playoffs: Final |
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Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a Canadian professional soccer team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1986, the team played in the USL First Division (USL-1), the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009; it is scheduled to join the new North American Soccer League in 2010.
The team plays its home games at Swangard Stadium in nearby Burnaby, British Columbia, where they have played since 2003. The team's colours are blue and white. Their current head coach is Teitur Thordarson.
On March 19, 2009, an ownership group led by Vancouver Whitecaps FC principal Greg Kerfoot was granted a Major League Soccer expansion franchise set to begin play in Vancouver's BC Place Stadium in 2011.
In addition to its men's side the Whitecaps also field a women's team (Vancouver Whitecaps Women, in the USL W-League), two developmental teams (Vancouver Whitecaps Residency, in the USL Premier Development League, and the Whitecaps FC Prospects, in the Pacific Coast Soccer League), and four youth teams in the USL Super Y-League (Coastal WFC, Mountain WFC, Surrey WFC and Okanagan WFC) ranging in age from U13 to U17 for both boys and girls.[2]
The team was originally known as the Vancouver 86ers of both the Canadian Soccer League and later the A-League.
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[edit] History
[edit] Vancouver 86ers
In 1986, a professional soccer team was again launched in Vancouver, the Vancouver 86ers -- so named because of both the year of the team's founding and to commemorate the year Vancouver was founded (1886). The 86ers played in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) winning 4 straight CSL Championships (1988-1991) and 5 consecutive CSL regular-season first-place finishes (1988–92). In 1990 the Vancouver 86ers captured the North American Club Championship after defeating the Maryland Bays 3-2 in the final played in Burnaby. The game was played between the champions of the Canadian Soccer League and the champions of the American Professional Soccer League (APSL). Vancouver played in the CSL from its inception in 1987 until the league folded in 1992, and then moved over to the APSL in 1993 which was later absorbed into the USL hierarchy of leagues in 1997 becoming the A-League, later renamed the USL.
In 1988–1989, the team, coached by Bob Lenarduzzi, set a North American professional sports record by playing 46 consecutive games without a loss.[2]
[edit] Vancouver Whitecaps (USL)
In 2001, the team began to use the old Vancouver Whitecaps moniker (signifying both the 'white caps' of the nearby mountains, and the waves of the Pacific Ocean). The Whitecaps currently practise on the new turf field at Simon Fraser University.
In 2003 the name was again changed, albeit only slightly, to Whitecaps FC, which encompasses the men's, women's, and youth development teams within the organization. At this time, the Whitecaps logo changed slightly in colour (the light teal-green was replaced with a brighter blue) and the word "Vancouver" was dropped from the image.
In 2006, the Whitecaps organization won an unprecedented double-championship, claiming both the USL Division 1 men's trophy and winning the W-League women's trophy. The men's team also won the Nation's Cup, a new tournament established by their club as a way to feature the Whitecaps playing against international competition. The 2006 Nation's Cup tournament featured the Chinese and Indian U-20 National teams and Championship Welsh club Cardiff City F.C. (the "Bluebirds").
The following season, the Whitecaps signed a deal to play an exhibition match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, now featuring international superstar David Beckham, and promoted Director of Soccer Operations Bob Lenarduzzi to team president.
Over the past several seasons, the club have gradually reverted back to the name "Vancouver Whitecaps FC", adding the "Vancouver" back into their name.
In 2008, Vancouver Whitecaps FC claimed their second United Soccer Leagues First Division championship in three seasons after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Puerto Rico Islanders on Sunday afternoon on October 12, 2008. In front of a sold-out and enthusiastic Swangard Stadium crowd, Charles Gbeke became the Whitecaps hero, as he scored twice with his head in the second half to secure Vancouver's first league title since the USL-1 Championship Final success of 2006 when The Blue & White defeated hosts Rochester Rhinos 3-0 at PAETEC Park.
In November 2009 the Whitecaps announced their intent to leave the USL First Division to become the co-founders of a new North American Soccer League, which would begin play in 2010. The league, which has yet to be sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association or United States Soccer Federation, would also comprise the Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, Tampa Bay Rowdies and a brand new team led by St. Louis Soccer United.[3][4] On 24 November 2009 it was announced that Paul Barber, the former Executive Director of Tottenham Hotspur, will become the Chief Executive Operations director of the Caps.[5]
[edit] The Whitecaps and Major League Soccer
On July 24, 2008, the MLS announced they were seeking to add two expansion franchises for the 2011 season.[6] One day later, the Whitecaps officially announced that they were pursuing one of the two expansion slots. The Whitecaps also announced that local sports icon Steve Nash will join the Whitecaps ownership team.[7]
"There is no doubt the market for professional soccer exists in Vancouver, as we saw last November when nearly 50,000 fans attended the exhibition match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Whitecaps, " MLS commissioner Don Garber said. [8]
Vancouver's bid was officially submitted on October 15, 2008, along with bids from 6 other cities.[9] Whitecaps representatives Greg Kerfoot and Jeff Mallett met with MLS officials on November 21, 2008 to go over their bid. Don Garber, who was previously involved in National Football League expansion, described the bid presentation as, "one of the best I've ever seen."[10] Garber and MLS president Mark Abbott were in Vancouver on December 7, 2008 to tour BC Place Stadium and learn about the proposed renovations, which are scheduled to be completed in time for the 2011 MLS season.[11] On March 18, 2009, Vancouver has officially been named as a future MLS expansion city, joining the league in 2011. They will play at BC Place Stadium.[12] [13] [14] [15]
[edit] Players
[edit] Current roster
as of November 12, 2009[16]
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[edit] Notable former players
- See also: All-time Vancouver Whitecaps roster
[edit] Staff
Management
- Greg Kerfoot Owner
- Bob Lenarduzzi President
- Paul Barber Chief Executive Officer
- Rachel Lewis Chief Operating Officer
- Dave Irvine Manager of Technical Programs
- Chris Murphy Director of Professional Development
- Dan Lenarduzzi Director of Youth Development
Sports
- Teitur Thordarson Head Coach
- Todd Wawrousek Assistant Coach
- Mike Salmon Goalkeeping Coach
- Matt Holbrook Equipment Manager
[edit] Year-by-Year
| Year | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Voyageurs Cup | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | CSL | 2nd, Western | Semifinals | N/A | |
| 1988 | CSL | 1st, Western | Champion | N/A | |
| 1989 | CSL | 1st, Western | Champion | N/A | |
| 1990 | CSL | 1st, Western | Champion | N/A | |
| 1991 | CSL | 1st | Champion | N/A | |
| 1992 | CSL | 1st | Final | N/A | |
| 1993 | APSL | 1st | Semifinals | N/A | |
| 1994 | APSL | 6th | Did not qualify | N/A | |
| 1995 | A-League | 3rd | Semifinals | N/A | |
| 1996 | A-League | 5th | Did not qualify | N/A | |
| 1997 | USISL A-League | 3rd, Pacific | Conference Finals | N/A | |
| 1998 | USISL A-League | 4th, Pacific | Conference Quarterfinals | N/A | |
| 1999 | USL A-League | 2nd, Pacific | Conference Quarterfinals | N/A | |
| 2000 | USL A-League | 3rd, Pacific | Conference Semifinals | N/A | |
| 2001 | USL A-League | 1st, Western | Semifinals | N/A | |
| 2002 | USL A-League | 3rd, Pacific | Conference Finals | 3rd | |
| 2003 | USL A-League | 2nd, Pacific | Division Finals | 3rd | |
| 2004 | USL A-League | 2nd, Western | Semifinals | 4th | |
| 2005 | USL First Division | 3rd | Quarterfinals | 2nd | |
| 2006 | USL First Division | 4th | Champion | 3rd | |
| 2007 | USL First Division | 7th | Quarterfinals | 2nd | |
| 2008 | USL First Division | 2nd | Champion | 3rd | |
| 2009 | USL First Division | 7th | Final | 2nd |
[edit] Honours
[edit] Domestic
- Canadian Soccer League Championship
- Canadian Soccer League Regular Season Champion
- Canadian Championship
- Runners up (1): 2009
- USL First Division Championship
- Commissioner's Cup
- Winners (1): 1993
- Runners-up (1): 2008
- Voyageurs Cup
- Runners-up (2): 2005, 2007
- Cascadia Cup
- Winners (3): 2004, 2005, 2008
- Runners-up (2): 2006, 2007
[edit] International
- North American Club Championship
- Winners (1): 1990
- Nations Cup
- Winners (1): 2006
[edit] Head coaches
- Bob Lenarduzzi (1988-1989)
Bob Lilley (2007)- Teitur Thordarson (2008-present)
[edit] Stadia
- Swangard Stadium; Burnaby, British Columbia (2003-present)
[edit] Proposed new stadium
The City of Vancouver is currently considering a proposal for Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium, a new stadium to be built over the railway tracks east of Waterfront Station on Burrard Inlet. This 16,000 seat stadium would replace Swangard Stadium as the home field for the USL's Vancouver Whitecaps. There is a fair degree of controversy with regards to this location; a Vancouver council session to debate the issue was extended to four nights to allow public input. Detractors view the proposed stadium as an incongruous addition to nearby historic Gastown that would block waterfront access and promote piecemeal development of the area. Proponents of the development feel that the stadium will attract new business to the downtown and Gastown areas, particularly since the soccer team tends to attract a family-oriented audience.
On July 11, 2006, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the stadium project, so long as the Whitecaps could meet certain conditions regarding land use. On January 22, 2007, the Whitecaps filed a new proposal shifting the proposed site for the stadium project to the current location of the SeaBus terminal, a short distance northwest of the previous site.
[edit] Club culture
[edit] Mascot
The Whitecaps' mascot is named Winger. He is a bird who wears a Whitecaps jersey and carries a large drum to encourage the crowd. He often uses signs to get fans in the grandstands to cheer.
[edit] Fans
The supporters' group called the Southsiders,[17] so named for the south end of Swangard Stadium where they congregate to chant, sing and wave their banners, and flags in support of the team.
[edit] Rival clubs
The Vancouver Whitecaps have two rivals, the Pacific Northwest Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders. These three teams compete in the yearly Cascadia Cup.
The Whitecaps also compete on a yearly basis with the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC for the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. The winner of this series advances to the CONCACAF Champions League.
[edit] References
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.whitecapsfc.com/youth/teams/super_y_affiliates/
- ^ USL outcasts set to launch new league in 2010
- ^ CBC Sports: Whitecaps, Impact to form breakaway league.
- ^ Whitecaps appoint CEO from EPL club
- ^ Major League Soccer: News: Article
- ^ 'Caps pursue franchise in MLS
- ^ http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?16&content_id=158409&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp
- ^ "MLS News and Notes". The Star-Ledger. 2008-11-21. http://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/index.ssf/2008/11/mls_news_and_notes.html.
- ^ "MLS expansion fee won't scare away Whitecaps". Vancouver Sun. 2008-11-25. http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=a0af2cc5-5873-45db-a550-724e0daac136.
- ^ "MLS bosses tour BC Place". Vancouver Sun. 2008-12-11. http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/bosses+tour+Place/1060574/story.html.
- ^ "MLS expected to announce Vancouver expansion team". CBC News. 2009-03-17. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2009/03/17/sp-whitecaps-expansion.html.
- ^ "Whitecaps to announce they will join MLS in 2011". The Vancouver Sun. 2009-03-17. http://www.vancouversun.com/Sports/Whitecaps+expected+announce+they+will+join+2011/1398865/story.html.
- ^ . Canwest News Service. 2009-03-17. http://www.canada.com/Sports/Whitecaps+announce+franchise+secured/1399199/story.html.
- ^ MLS awards Vancouver team for 2011
- ^ http://www.uslsoccer.com/teams/2009/22394.html#MAIN
- ^ Vancouver Southsiders
[edit] External links
- Vancouver Whitecaps Official Site
- Vancouver Southsiders Official Site
- Mountain WFC
- Surrey WFC
- Coastal WFC
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