Vancouver Whitecaps FC

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Whitecaps FC make sensational start in MLS with convincing 4-2 win over Toronto FC

DP Hassli scores twice on historic day

Playing their first-ever match in Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated Canadian arch-rivals Toronto FC 4-2 in the first-ever meeting between two Canadian MLS clubs on Bell Pitch at Empire Field on Saturday afternoon.

Designated Player Eric Hassli endeared himself to his new fans with two goals for the Blue and White. Vancouver native Terry Dunfield and Expansion Draft pick Atiba Harris also found the scoresheet on another historic day for the 'Caps. Toronto FC captain Dwayne De Rosario and Brazilian striker Maicon Santos replied for TFC in what was a pulsating contest on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds in East Vancouver

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...ver-toronto-fc

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THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF MARCH 19th

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=185qQ22gaTk

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

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[agoo101284]

FIFA has approved Omar Salgado's transfer to Vancouver and he is available to them immediately...after finishing the U-20 qualifying campaign.

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The North Gate Ultras
The new Whitecaps supporters on the North Side.
We are a 'European' style fan group where we support our team full 90 minutes.

http://www.facebook.com/NorthGateUlt...=wall&filter=2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwIMIRvhvOw

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Whitecaps fire head coach Teitur Thordarson

Former DC boss Soehn takes charge of club for rest of 2011

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...tur-thordarson

[agoo101284]

I was very surprised by this, until I read that they brought in two experienced MLS coaches as technical director and assistant manager before the switch to MLS. He probably saw this coming. Its a shame though, give the guy a chance.

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Tactics may change as Soehn era begins in Vancouver

Architect of 'Caps roster

VANCOUVER, BC - Looking to turn around their Major League Soccer season, Vancouver Whitecaps FC were back at training on Tuesday to prepare for their first match under new head coach Tom Soehn.

“It’s exciting to be back on the pitch,” said Soehn after training. “The one thing I can see immediately in the group of guys is the character of the team. It’s been a really difficult few days and everybody’s still together, and that’s so important.”

If anyone knows the personality of each player on the roster, it’s Soehn. As director of soccer operations, he built the Whitecaps roster, scouting and interviewing each player to ensure that they would fit into his plans. Now as the man in charge, he’ll have a much larger influence on those players he convinced to come to Vancouver.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...gins-vancouver

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GOAL OF THE YEAR!!!
Hassli goal only the beginning, say Whitecaps FC teammates

Stunning strike salvages a point in Seattle

Facing the possibility of a deflating loss, the big Frenchman unleashed a jaw-dropping volley to rescue a 2-2 draw for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their first Cascadia Cup clash in MLS against Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field on Saturday night. And, if Whitecaps FC defender and close friend Alain Rochat is right, we’re all going to see more of the same thing

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...s-fc-teammates

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Whitecaps add Gambian striker Jarju as second DP

"Toubabo" has proven record with national team, Belgian league

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Major League Soccer has its first Designated Player from Africa.

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Whitecaps announced the signing of Mustapha Jarju, who goes by the nickname "Toubabo." The Gambian international has four goals in 25 international appearances for his country, but it was his performances at Belgian club RAEC Mons that caught the eye of the team’s front office.

“Whenever we are making signings, we like to do that with an eye to the future,” team president Bob Lenarduzzi said in a press conference at Empire Field. “He has had a good career at a very early age in Belgium between the first and second divisions, and the thing that he’s been able to do is score goals.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...arju-second-dp

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A "green" Bell Pitch

Laying sod at Empire

This week sees Bell Pitch at Empire Field undergoing an extensive renovation, as 90,000 square feet of temporary grass sod is being laid in preparation for the arrival of English Premier League giants Manchester City FC as a part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge 2011 on Monday night, July 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. PT.

Because of its temporary nature, the sod being installed at Bell Pitch consists of an earth and sand base, which restricts drainage and helps maintain the freshness of the pitch. Specific to soccer pitch standards, the grass is cut at 1 ¼ inches to ensure optimum conditions for a fast-paced display of the finest soccer skill.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...een-bell-pitch

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ADVISORY: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. RSL postponed

4 pm ET match called off because of unplayable field conditions

NEW YORK — The Vancouver Whitecaps FC versus Real Salt Lake match scheduled for 4 p.m. ET today has been postponed after Major League Soccer and local club officials ruled the pitch at Empire Field unplayable.

“After inspecting the field this morning, it was determined that the field would not be suitable for today's game between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Real Salt Lake,” said Nelson Rodriguez, MLS Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations. “In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our players and match officials, we decided to postpone the game.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...lake-postponed

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Have a peek at the new home of our Whitecaps FC
Tour the new BC Place


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=pTTz1uiGdLE

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Whitecaps FC appoint Martin Rennie as the club's Major League Soccer head coach
Martin Rennie to take charge of 'Caps in 2012


Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the appointment of Martin Rennie as the Major League Soccer club's head coach following the completion of the 2011 season. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Currently the head coach of Carolina RailHawks of the North American Soccer League (NASL), the 36-year-old will take over the head coaching duties of Whitecaps FC from the start of the 2012 MLS season. Acting head coach Tom Soehn will re-focus on his role as Whitecaps FC director of soccer operations following the completion of the 2011 campaign.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...cer-head-coach

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Dunleavy looking for fresh start in MLS

Irish int'l seeks greener grass

VANCOUVER, BC — A fresh start.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC latest trialist is looking for just that in his professional career.

Johnny Dunleavy left Ireland for England at age 16 to try and make the breakthrough with Wolverhampton Wanderers, then playing in the English second tier.

After being, in his description, “blighted by injuries” during his last two seasons with Wolves, the defender is now seeking a new challenge this side of the pond after the club, now playing in the Premier League, found him surplus to requirements.

“At the end of last year, I left Wolves,” Dunleavy told MLSsoccer.com after training on Thursday. “It was something that I was interested in, to play abroad and see more of the world, so my agent got in touch with the Whitecaps and sorted out the trial. Hopefully it will all go well and I’ll stay as long as possible.”

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...resh-start-mls

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Whitecaps FC release tickets for opening day on Bell Pitch downtown
and all remaining matches of the 2011 season

23 days before first kick at their new home

Starting on Saturday, September 10 at 12 p.m. PT, Whitecaps FC fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual match tickets for the four 2011 Major League Soccer regular season home matches on Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place. Whitecaps FC first kick at the new stadium will take place on Sunday, October 2 versus rivals Portland Timbers.

“Whitecaps FC are looking forward to playing on Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place in less than one month,” said Paul Barber, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “This exceptional venue, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, will offer a great environment for fans to enjoy our home matches. The opening match will provide a unique opportunity to not only see the much anticipated match versus our MLS expansion and Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers, but also to experience our new home for the first time this season”.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...ining-matches-

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Vancouver will remember Empire Field fondly as finale nears

'Caps set for final match in temporary stadium Saturday vs. Seattle

VANCOUVER, B.C. – It was built as a temporary facility, but many of the memories made at Empire Field will be permanent.

Saturday’s match against the Seattle Sounders will be the Vancouver Whitecaps’ last at their interim facility before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver.

Most prominent of the memories at Empire Field was opening day, as the club began life in Major League Soccer

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...y-finale-nears

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Greatest Empire Moments

Fans share their fondest memories of Empire Field

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/09/farewell-empire

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Whitecaps excited to test high-tech surface at BC Place

Vancouver will open new home against Portland on Saturday

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Turf has always had its critics, but there’s something very different about the new surface at BC Place.

“It’s like the best quality of turf that you can find now around, so we are curious to see how does it feel and how it is to play on this new field,” Vancouver playmaker Davide Chiumineto said ahead of the Whitecaps' first game at the newly refurbished BC Place against Portland on Saturday (4:30 pm ET; TSN2/watch LIVE online).

Indeed, the turf — designed by German company Polytan — is the best around, according to FIFA. The artificial surface has been designed to meet the international body’s two-star certification, which would enable BC Place to host major international soccer fixtures.

It’s the same type of field on which European giants Bayern Munich and Liverpool use to train.

On paper, it should be the best artificial playing surface in the league as it’s the first of its kind in North America to be used in a competitive environment. Most certainly it will be a step up on the turf at Empire Field, which was classified as one-star by FIFA.

Not that it was all that bad in the first place.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...rface-bc-place

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Whitecaps FC suffer 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Portland Timbers
in Bell Pitch downtown return

Portland win spoils BC Place return for 'Caps

VANCOUVER, BC - In their first match on Bell Pitch downtown at BC Place, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4W-16L-10D) went down to a 1-0 defeat versus Pacific Northwest rivals Portland Timbers (11W-13L-7D) on Sunday afternoon.

A first-half strike by Portland's Kenny Cooper was the difference between the two MLS expansion clubs, with their second away victory of the season keeping the City of Roses outfit in the hunt for an MLS Cup Playoff spot in their inaugural year in the league. Though they had a good amount of possession, Whitecaps FC were unable to break down Portland's defensive rearguard and complete a memorable first day back in their newly refurbished home

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...owntown-return

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Whitecaps like idea of unbalanced schedule in 2012

Travel fatigue has taken its toll on struggling Vancouver

VANCOUVER, B.C. – A bit less travel? Sign the Vancouver Whitecaps up.

That was the reaction this week in training after MLS commissioner Don Garber suggested on Sunday that the league could convert to an unbalanced schedule with the introduction of the Montreal Impact in the 2012 season.

If that change is implemented, teams would no longer play each other once home and away, but instead play more games against regional rivals and perhaps only once against teams out of conference.

“Our travel days are tough, there’s no doubt about that,” captain Jay DeMerit told MLSsoccer.com after training on Tuesday. “You think about eight, nine-hour travel days less than 48 hours before a game, plus the time difference – as much as that shouldn’t have a major effect on you, it definitely has a small effect on you, especially throughout a 10-month season.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...-schedule-2012

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A man of merit

'Caps captain stays true to his origins

Jay and older brother Todd were always very active in sports – in fact Todd himself went on to play college soccer at an NCAA Division III school. Jay played many sports growing up, including football and track – which made sense considering his surroundings and family background. But how did he get into soccer?

“Good question,” replied DeMerit, before revealing a clear answer. “Even in Wisconsin, soccer is actually the most popular sport for kids, just like everywhere else throughout North America.”

At 16, he decided to give up football and stick with soccer, partly because he “grew up kind of short and small”. John was the football coach at Jay’s Bay Port High School – as well as the track and field coach – but he was fully supportive of his son’s decision.

“My dad was actually a really big soccer fan,” said Jay. “He always kind of told me that if soccer had been bigger when he was younger then he probably would have played it.”

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/10/man-merit

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Whitecaps co-owner Nash soaks in home win vs. DC
NBA star talks team's revamped home, needs, plans for next year


The 37-year-old reflected on the season to date, and also dropped a few hints on what he’d like to see the club do during the offseason.

“We’d love a little more quality in depth,” Nash said. “It’s a very difficult thing to do as an expansion team, coming in and picking up a team on the fly and putting it all together. We’ve had some bad luck, some bad injuries, we’ve had some games that could have gone our way but didn’t.

“You feel proud of our guys, but there’s not a team in our league that isn’t trying to improve their roster,” he continued. “I think we’ve got a really good nucleus, some key players and some really quality players. If we can just find the right chemistry and depth in different positions, we’ll have a much better year next year.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...home-win-vs-dc

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Whitecaps road futility in 2011 reaches record proportions
Vancouver join short list of teams that failed to win a road game in single season


With one match remaining in the regular season, this was not the kind of history that the Vancouver Whitecaps were hoping to make at this stage of the campaign.

Saturday’s night’s 2-0 defeat to FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park left the Whitecaps winless on the road in their debut MLS season, joining the LA Galaxy (2003), Real Salt Lake (2005) and the New York Red Bulls (2009).

“We never really got our finger on that one thing this season, 12 losses away,” defender Jeb Brovsky told TEAM 1410 radio following Saturday’s loss. “It’s tough to get on the road and bring that intensity we bring at BC Place, but you know that’s not an excuse

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/articl...rd-proportions

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Whitecaps FC Residency squads sweep weekend results versus Crossfire Premier
'Caps off to strong start in USSDA league


Playing their first United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) regular season matches in Canada on Saturday afternoon at Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, BC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency U-18 and U-16 squads swept their encounters with the Crossfire Premier U-18 and U-16 sides to continue their impressive start in USSDA competition after a two week layoff from competition.

http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011...ssfire-premier

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Whitecaps FC play final match of season on Saturday
'Caps set to celebrate Fan Appreciation Day


It’s hard to believe, but this Saturday, October 22, marks the final match of the inaugural Major League Soccer season for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. In honour of the outstanding support that the club has received throughout the season, the ‘Caps will be celebrating Fan Appreciation Day as they take on Colorado Rapids at 4 p.m. PT on Bell Pitch at BC Place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=HB-fXdUZQVs