November 28th, 2009

Battle for Youth

By: Lee | Comments Add Comments

Clarke_RayoVallecano I read this article recently that speculates on what will be become a bigger issue: the rights to player development. In many ways, this story signifies a turning point in Canadian soccer.

First of all I think it is a wonderful problem to have, as it sure beats the old problem: that of young Canadian soccer talent having nowhere to go once they reach the age of 16. Think about it: isn’t it a wonderful scenario for a soccer prodigy to get competing offers to train with Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps and soon after the Montreal Impact? In seven years, we will have gone from ineffective national training centres to clubs competing to develop Canadian talent. Fantastic!

As for territorial rights, they’ve been shown in England to hurt youth development. The best clubs should be able to recruit the best young talent regardless where in the country they may be, as long as they’re not stealing from other clubs. I have no problem if Toronto FC recruits players from BC or if the Whitecaps recruit from Ontario.

Be Champions!


Category Category: Team News

November 25th, 2009

Whitecaps is our Name!

By: Lee | Comments 3 Comments

whitecapsoldGood news everyone! According to this Province article, the Whitecaps name is here to stay.

This doesn’t surprise me. As I wrote earlier, the main lingering issue preventing the Vancouver MLS team from adopting the Whitecaps was USL-1 owning the rights. This no longer an issue as the Whitecaps have broken away from that joke of a league and that the league itself looks dead.

The article also mentions that a new logo, uniforms and sponsorship are coming as well. I hope they keep the iconic band across the chest.
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Category Category: Team News
November 25th, 2009

Back in NA(SL)

By: Lee | Comments 2 Comments

Hey everyone!

I’ve been away in Africa and Europe for over a month and was unable to blog. So now I’d just like to take some time to take care of some unfinished business. So much has happened…

Firstly, congratulations to the Montreal Impact on winning the USL Championship! You were the best team at the end of the season and truly deserving champions.

Secondly, congratulations Marcus on winning the USL Rookie of the Year Award. Good luck on your trial with West Brom. Hats off to Wes Knight as well for his nomination for the same award.

Thirdly, props to all the teams that left the gong show that was USL-1 and formed the new NASL. It will be nice to no longer have four games in less than a week.


Finally, congratulations to the whole Whitecaps team for defying all expectations in even making it to the finals.
There is a lot to be optimistic about next year and when we enter MLS.

That is all for now.

Be Champions!


Category Category: Team News
October 12th, 2009

Uphill Battle Ahead

By: Lee | Comments 6 Comments

We lost at home in front of a packed and raucous Swangard stadium. We did not play well, getting dominated in the midfield. And we’re down a goal heading into hostile territory without our captain.

But this final is far from over.

There’s still a lot of good that can be taken from last night’s game.
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October 4th, 2009

Whitecaps 3-3 Timbers Highlights

By: Lee | Comments Add Comments

Enjoy!


Category Category: Team News
October 4th, 2009

WE DID IT! Whitecaps advance to Finals! Whitecaps 3-3 Timbers (Agg. 5-4)

By: Lee | Comments 2 Comments

haberportland

Wow! What an amazing game! My heart is still jumping a little.

The Whitecaps tie the Timbers 3-3 in a heart-pounding, instant classic, winning the aggregate series 5-4.
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Category Category: Team News
October 2nd, 2009

VICTORY! Whitecaps 2-1 Timbers

By: Lee | Comments 1 Comment

JohnnyDramaVictory
The Whitecaps did what they needed to at home, winning the game and now having a slight advantage heading into Portland. Marcus Haber scored the winning goal in the 49th minute with a driven header off the post.

Charles Gbeke gave the Whitecaps an early lead with a diving header but Portland equalized just before halftime thanks to a very dubious penalty call.

Highlights after the jump
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Category Category: Team News
October 1st, 2009

Railhawks Review and Portland Preview

By: Lee | Comments Add Comments

Whitecaps vs. Timbers

The Whitecaps are still alive and kicking in the USL playoffs. Tomorrow is the first leg against the of the semifinals against the Portland Timbers, the USL’s best team this season. This will be an interesting series as the Whitecaps are playing some of their best soccer.

But before we get to that, lets review what went right in the quarterfinals against Carolina.
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Category Category: Team News
September 27th, 2009

Yay! Whitecaps win 1-0 on aggregate

By: Lee | Comments Add Comments

The Whitecaps sneak by the Carolina Railhawks in a tight aggregate series.

Here are highlights from both legs:
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Category Category: Team News
September 23rd, 2009

Playoff Preview – Whitecaps vs. Railhawks

By: Lee | Comments 1 Comment



What’s a Railhawk?
Anyways, regardless of what they are, the Whitecaps are playing the in the playoffs, so here’s a preview of the series.
Read the rest of this entry »


Category Category: Team News

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