Vancouver Whitecaps FC

[EPJr]

Tuesday will also be a landmark day in the history of the Whitecaps, as the club will make two important announcements regarding their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The first is the unveiling of the new brand that will lead the 36-year-old club into a new chapter as an MLS outfit, with the new logo being presented to the local media at the Vancouver Convention Centre at 8:30 a.m. PT. Tuesday's brand launch and media conference will be broadcast live online at http://www.vancouvermls2011.com/announcement. The Whitecaps will also announce important information on the availability and pricing of MLS season tickets for the 2011 season.

Also on Tuesday, The Southsiders will celebrate the unveiling of the new club logo at Cinema Public House (901, Granville Street, downtown Vancouver) at 7:30 p.m. PT. The evening will include a Q&A session with Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber, prizes, and much more. For additional information, please contact events@vancouversouthsiders.ca.

[EPJr]

The Vancouver Sun reports that the B.C. Pavilion Corporation and the Pacific National Exhibition will announce Tuesday that the old Empire Stadium site on the PNE grounds will be the location of a 30,000 to 32,000-seat temporary stadium to house the B.C. Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps.


According to the newspaper, the temporary stadium will be needed when BC Place Stadium closes for renovations between the end of the 2010 Olympics and the summer of 2011. The renovations will include a retractable roof.

The cost for the temporary stadium on the PNE grounds is about $20 million and is included in the $458 million renovation cost for BC Place Stadium.

The Lions will occupy the stadium for the 2010 CFL season and could play a few games there in 2011.

The Whitecaps will play at Swangard Stadium next season, but could play the first part of their 2011 schedule at the PNE site. The Whitecaps are scheduled to join Major League Soccer for the 2011 season.

[EPJr]

New Vancouver Southsiders website



http://www.vancouversouthsiders.ca/home.html

[EPJr]

2011 logo


June 8, 2010
VANCOUVER, BC – With just a few short months remaining before Vancouver Whitecaps FC take to the pitch as the 17th team in Major League Soccer (MLS), the club formally unveiled their new brand and logo, and announced a second and final season ticket deposit window that will open to fans this weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAXom...yer_embedded#!

[EPJr]

BELL CANADA
new Vancouver shirt sponsor

NEW SHIRTS

[Colonel Ronan]

Nice kits.

[EPJr]

Thordarson named MLS head coach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh8Ct...ayer_embedded#

Vancouver Whitecaps FC took an important step in shaping the identity of their Major League Soccer (MLS) team today, as the club announced Teitur Thordarson as the team’s inaugural head coach when it begins play as the 17th team in MLS in March 2011. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Over the past two-and-a-half seasons, Teitur has done an outstanding job as a leader, a motivator, and a teacher," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "His extensive experiences as a coach and player in the top leagues in Europe have had a huge impact on our club, as a whole. Teitur has a proven history of success, while setting very high standards, both for himself and those around him."

http://vancouvermls2011.com/news_and...s09021002.aspx

[agoo101284]

I like Iceland. Maybe he'll get Eidur Gudjohnsen over here...or up there.

[EPJr]

USA World Cup star Jay DeMerit becomes first Whitecaps FC MLS signing

DeMerit joins Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of American international and former Watford FC captain Jay DeMerit - pending his international transfer certificate. DeMerit becomes the first player named to the Whitecaps FC Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Jay is a quality individual and leader - both on and off the pitch - and is the type of player we are looking to build our team with," said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president. "He has excelled both at the club and international levels, and we are thrilled that Jay has joined Whitecaps FC as our first Major League Soccer player signing."

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2010...fc-mls-signing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MYX6...layer_embedded

[agoo101284]

Best defender in the league already. Great way to start for Vancouver.

[EPJr]

'Caps still wheeling and dealing


VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Whitecaps' inaugural MLS roster continued to take shape on Friday with the club announcing the signings of Philippe Davies, Wes Knight and Jay Nolly from their USSF-D2 roster.

Davies becomes the club’s first ever homegrown player. The 19-year-old midfielder was part of the Whitecaps FC Residency Program from 2007 to 2009 before being called up to the Whitecaps’ USSF-D2 first team last season. The native of Longueuil, Quebec, also recently participated in a training camp for Canada’s U-23 national team.

Fans will be happy to see Knight join the MLS roster after the defender won the club’s "Fan Favorite" award in 2010. The native of Easley, S.C., became a staple of the team’s back line the past two seasons, starting 69 of his 72 appearances. He was also a finalist for USL-1 Rookie of the Year in 2009 after registering a league-leading eight assists.

Nolly will be looking to translate three productive seasons in the second division into a starting role in MLS next season. The 28-year-old backstopped the Whitecaps to the 2008 USL-1 championship, followed by a return to the finals in 2009, and this past season he was named USSF-D2 Goalkeeper of the Year. The native of Littleton, Colo., holds the club record for consecutive matches played with 78, and is second in career shutouts with 41.

The trio join Jay DeMerit, Joe Cannon, Atiba Harris, Jonathan Leathers, Shea Salinas and John Thorrington on the Whitecaps FC 2011 MLS roster.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-3-more-roster

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC add Canadian international
and
2010 USSF D-2 Defender of the Year



VANCOUVER, BC –Following the completion of their six-week offseason training camp this week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signings of midfielder Terry Dunfield and centre back Greg Janicki to the club's Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

Both Dunfield and Janicki were members of Whitecaps FC during the club's final season at the North American second division level in 2010. The pair joins goalkeeper Jay Nolly, right fullback Wes Knight, and midfielder Philippe Davies in making the transition from Vancouver's United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) team to their MLS squad for the 2011 season

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2010...-defender-year

[EPJr]

Hamlett adds fire to Whitecaps' coaching staff


Longtime Chicago Fire head coach Denis Hamlett will join the Vancouver Whitecaps as an assistant coach. Hamlett, 41, spent 11 years with the Fire, starting as an assistant coach in their inaugural season, 1998, when they won the MLS Cup. He took over head coaching duties before the 2007 season and the Fire reached back-to-back conference finals under his guidance

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Ha...#ixzz1AS6ZTPQS

[EPJr]

Rochat brings experience, polish to Vancouver
Canadian-born defender has Champions League pedigree

VANCOUVER – Teitur Thordarson has continually said that he’s looking to build the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps FC from the back. On Friday, that trend continued with the club unveiling Swiss-Canadian defender Alain Rochat.

“I’ve been thinking about coming to MLS for maybe three, four, five years,” said Rochat. “I was always interested to come here and, with Vancouver, the timing was perfect this year.”

The announcement was a surprise to no one, as the ‘Caps had signed Rochat to a contract in August before loaning him back to Swiss Super League club FC Zürich until January.

Whitecaps brass expects Rochat to flourish in MLS. The 27-year-old brings a rare poise to the defensive side of the game. He’s a sharp passer who always appears calm on the ball, never panicking when onrushing players approach.

“He fits into our system very well and I think that he’s going to be a great addition,” said Thordarson. “He defends well and he likes to come forward, and that’s something that we’ve been looking for.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...lish-vancouver

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC raise the curtain on preseason training
Eight weeks away from MLS debut


Though the rain poured down on a typical west coast winter's day at Empire Field, Vancouver Whitecaps FC began preparations for the inaugural season in Major League Soccer with a spirited training session on Monday afternoon.

With the visit of Canadian rivals Toronto FC now eight weeks away, the Blue and White set their course towards Saturday, March 19, by putting their squad of around 30 players through their paces in the first training session of 2011.

For goalkeeper Jay Nolly, being part of Vancouver's move up from the North American second division level to MLS has been worth the wait. "I've been on this team for three years, so when they announced that we would become part of MLS, my goal was to stay with this club and show what I can do," he told whitecapsfc.com. "Now that preseason is upon us, it's a good time to start moving forward

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whiteca...7625774878899/

[EPJr]

Vancouver, Labatt Breweries rekindle partnership


Company was Whitecaps' sponsor during NASL Soccer Bowl win of 1979

VANCOUVER – On Wednesday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced a new five-year partnership with Labatt Breweries that will see Budweiser become the official beer of the team.

The relationship between the two organizations, though, goes back much further than that.

When the Whitecaps were first launched in 1974, their brand was much different than it is today. Paying homage to their Canadian roots, the club’s colors were red and white, and their original logo was a simple crest with a black border and a red soccer ball centered by a maple leaf below the words “Vancouver Whitecaps.”

On the field, the team achieved only moderate results. They made the playoffs three times in their first five seasons, but bowed out to their Pacific Northwest rivals from Seattle twice and to Portland once.

While the red-and-white was patriotic, it never quite fit the Whitecaps’ image.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...le-partnership

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC fall to Sounders FC in Arizona preseason tilt

Evans goal gives Seattle victory

In their second extended training match at Grande Sports World, Vancouver Whitecaps FC suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders FC in Casa Grande, Arizona, on Friday afternoon.

Playing 105 minutes in three 35-minute periods, a goal in the second period by Brad Evans proved the difference between these Cascadia rivals, though Teitur Thordarson's side had their chances to find the back of the net during this latest preseason contest. Though it was a disappointing result, Friday's game was another good test versus MLS opposition for the Blue and White

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...preseason-tilt

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC sign Khalfan and Koffie

'Caps add two young Africans

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the signing of midfielders Nizar Khalfan and Gershon Koffie to the club’s Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Khalfan and Koffie will account for the first two international roster spots to be used by the club.

“Nizar and Gershon are fantastic young talents that continue to develop,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. “Nizar is a dynamic player with great energy. He has all the tools. He is fast, technical, hard working, has a good shot, and a great attitude.”

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...fan-and-koffie

[speeds]

More like Vancouver ALLCAPS.

Boom, roasted.

[EPJr]

Whitecaps' inaugural MLS game almost sold out


The headache of juggling two venues hasn't stopped the Vancouver Whitecaps from becoming a hit with local fans in their inaugural Major League Soccer season.

The Whitecaps are close to selling out their first MLS game March 19 against Canadian rival Toronto FC. The club is also only about 1,000 sales short of reaching its goal of selling 16,500 season-tickets this year.

Vancouver opens the season playing at Empire Field, a temporary outdoor venue.

The club won't move into the newly renovated B.C. Place Stadium until Oct. 2, when Vancouver faces the Portland Timbers, the MLS's other expansion team this year. The Whitecaps will play their final three regular-season games at B.C. Place.

"It's a challenge," Whitecaps chief executive officer Paul Barber said Thursday. "We're selling season tickets for one stadium, but expecting people to sit in another.

"It's a slightly strange process we are going through. I can't remember a football club in my experience having to do anything quite like this."

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/stor...#ixzz1EzoishAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Xd4...layer_embedded

[EPJr]

Rogers Sportsnet is the new home for Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Network will air 21 'Caps matches

Rogers Sportsnet has scored a new three-year agreement with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Sportsnet will broadcast 21 Vancouver matches this season, more than any other network in Canada. The schedule kicks off with the club’s first Major League Soccer road match on Saturday, March 26, when Whitecaps FC battle Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

In 2012 and 2013, the Whitecaps FC matches on Sportsnet will increase to 24 per season. For the 2011 campaign, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific and Rogers Sportsnet ONE will broadcast 20 of the 21 broadcasts, all in high definition. City TV Vancouver will broadcast the only other match on Saturday, June 4th. Broadcast talent will be announced shortly


http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...r-whitecaps-fc

[EPJr]

Vancouver sign Eric Hassli as club's first-ever DP

Big French forward joins Whitecaps from Swiss side FC Zürich

All preseason long, fans of the Vancouver Whitecaps have been wondering where the goals would come from. On Friday afternoon, the ‘Caps front office answered that question emphatically by announcing the signing of French forward Eric Hassli as the team’s first-ever Designated Player.

The move is still pending Hassli’s international transfer certificate, physical and work permit. As per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“As we continue our preparation towards our inaugural season in Major League Soccer, we are thrilled to bring in a striker of Eric’s quality,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi in a statement.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-first-ever-dp

[EPJr]

Vancouver sign playmaker Davide Chiumiento

"Swiss Ronaldinho" eyes big season in MLS with Whitecaps

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Whitecaps FC officially announced Tuesday the long-awaited signing of Swiss playmaker Davide Chiumiento.

Though winning is obviously first and foremost for any team, the club is also confident that the “Swiss Ronaldinho” will attract fans with his entertaining style of play.

“I’m a big believer that results are important, but equally important is how you go about it,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi after the team’s training session on Tuesday. “Davide is the kind of player that will get people up out of their seats with some of the things he does.”

Much is expected from the multilingual midfielder/forward. He was hardly fit when he suited up for the USSF D-2 Whitecaps last season and consequently had little impact. But after more than six months with the club, the 5-foot-7 attacker is now braced for a big season in MLS

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...ide-chiumiento

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC sign defender/midfielder Blake Wagner and striker Long Tan

Pair move up from USSF D-2 Pro League

Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue to shape their Major League Soccer roster by announcing today the signings of defender/midfielder Blake Wagner and striker Long Tan. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"They are both still young players that are developing," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "Long Tan is a different type of striker. He is difficult to handle because he works very hard and he is technically sound. Blake has played in MLS. He is technically very good and tactically getting better."

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...riker-long-tan

[EPJr]

Whitecaps FC sign four more players to MLS side

Teibert, Morfaw, Camilo, and Boxall sign

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that midfielders Russell Teibert and Alexandre Morfaw, striker Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo, and centre back Michael Boxall have all been signed to the club’s Major League Soccer roster. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...ayers-mls-side