2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season

Last updated

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2007 season
ChairmanGreg Kerfoot
Head coach Bob Lilley
Stadium Swangard Stadium
USL First Division 7th
USL-1 Playoffs Quarter-finals
Voyageurs Cup 2nd
Highest home attendance5,539
July 14 vs MI
Lowest home attendance4,561
Aug 25 vs CH
Average home league attendance5,135
←  2006
2008  →

The 2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the club's 22nd year of existence (or 32nd if counting the NASL Whitecaps), as well as their 15th as a Division 2 club in the franchise model of US-based soccer leagues. After their championship 2006 season despite a number of lingering injuries, the Whitecaps started well and led the league going undefeated until late May. However, with the sudden departure to England of starting goalkeeper Tony Caig and unexpected early season loss of Serge Djekanovic to MLS, the Whitecaps had goalkeeping instability as they gave significant minutes to four goalkeepers in 2007. Combined with injuries, the club never recovered from the challenging schedule due to 2007 FIFA U-20 venue conflicts, the team finished 7th in the USL-1, set a club record twelve game streak without a win, subsequently executed a blockbuster four player trade of 2006 USL MVP Joey Gjertsen, and midfielder David Testo for role players Ze Roberto and Surrey, BC native Alen Marcina, and set a club record for number of draws with twelve. A run of games at home to end the season in seventh place (in the playoffs due to a 2007 format change) and the resolution of injuries left the Whitecaps competitive in the second season of the playoffs. They lost a close playoff series to rival Portland Timbers with a 1–0 home leg getting overturned in a much closer than the score indicated 3–0 second leg loss (in which right back Geordie Lyall suffered a broken leg) to finish their disappointing season. Coach Bob Lilley was released at the end of the playoffs before the LA Galaxy friendly. [1]

Contents

Local rivals Seattle (2005 Champion) and Portland both had strong seasons with Seattle capturing league and playoff titles. The schedule was not balanced; it was home and away versus each side with additional matches against Seattle, Portland, Minnesota, and expansion side San Francisco based California Victory. Average attendance increased again and remained above 5,000. Three double-headers were played with the Whitecaps Women, the USL W-League. The season's results for both the men's and women's teams may have been disappointing compared to the club's historical competitive norm, but off the field the club was strengthening its foundations.

2007 club growth

A number of factors raised the profile of the Whitecaps beginning in 2007. First after reaching the semi-final stage a number of times, the Whitecaps USL-1 championship in 2006, the first since the CSL four-peat in the early 1990s, gave the club a higher profile. Second Canada hosting the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was significant for building media credibility and soccer infrastructure across the country with stadiums built in Toronto (National Soccer Stadium), approved in Montreal (Saputo Stadium opened in 2008), and partially approved in Vancouver (Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium approved by City of Vancouver pending resolution of Port of Metro Vancouver land transfer). [2] Third the start of play and off-field success of Toronto FC encouraged speculation that Vancouver would pursue a Division 1 MLS franchise. [3] [4] Fourth one of the two local rivals of the Whitecaps, the Seattle Sounders, over the course of 2007 had more and more credible rumors of being announced as a 2009 MLS expansion side; this was announced November 13, 2007. [5] [6] Fifth David Beckham signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy giving soccer significant and sustained North American media attention as well as national legitimacy. [7] Sixth helped by connections to the LA Galaxy coaching staff, there was ongoing speculation in the local newspapers about a LA Galaxy-Whitecaps friendly almost from when the David Beckham signing was announced. [8] On April 17 Whitecaps announced the friendly against David Beckham and the LA Galaxy for October 3 at 60,000 seat BC Place Stadium. Despite marketing impacts from an August injury, he played, and it was a 0–0 draw played in front of 48,172 spectators. [9] Seventh the Whitecaps started a club for local business leaders to advise and advocate for the team called Kickstarters. [10]

The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup impacted the Whitecaps' season with a six-game road trip from June 22 to July 7 kicked off a lull in form where the team went 1-7-5 (W-D-L) and didn't recover until a six-game home stand beginning in mid August. [11] However, as well as media exposure, the U-20 World Cup also spurred $300,000 upgrades to Swangard Stadium including 1,500 individual seats with backs and 36 VIP seats replacing a section of the grandstand's bleachers, better stadium lighting, and better access and egress within the stadium. [12] [13] The upgrades in seating and access/egress reduced Swangard Stadium's capacity from 5,722 to 5,288. [14]

Schedule and results

Tables

  Commissioner's Cup, quarterfinal round of playoffs
  Quarterfinal round of playoffs

PosClubPtsPldWLTGFGAGD
1 Seattle Sounders 542816663723+14
2 Portland Timbers 512814593218+14
3 Montreal Impact 502814683221+11
4 Atlanta Silverbacks 432812974030+10
5 Rochester Raging Rhinos 4228121063936+3
6 Puerto Rico Islanders 4028108103534+1
7 Vancouver Whitecaps 392897122724+3
8 Carolina RailHawks 322881282434−10
9 Miami FC 312891543141−10
10 Charleston Battery 302881463239−7
11 Minnesota Thunder 2628512113235−3
12 California Victory 192841771743−26
OverallHomeAway
PldPtsWLTGFGAGDWLTGFGAGDWLTGFGAGD
283997122724 +35361513 +24461211 +1

Last updated: April 26, 2010
Source: uslsoccer.com
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

Exhibition

  Win  Draw  Loss

The preseason schedule was announced March 14, 2007 along with a four-week training camp at Simon Fraser University. [15]

March 27, 2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 7–1 Fraser Valley Soccer League (FVSL) All-Stars Surrey, British Columbia
19:00 PST Sita-Taty Matondo Soccerball shade.svg2'Soccerball shade.svg
Martin Johnston Soccerball shade.svg
Adam Day Soccerball shade.svg
Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svgSoccerball shade.svg
Alfredo Valente Soccerball shade.svg		 Report Drew Jertin Soccerball shade.svg30'Stadium: Newton Athletic Park
Attendance: 500
March 31, 2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–1 University of Washington Ladner, British Columbia
14:00 PST Report Raphael Cox Soccerball shade.svgStadium: Holly Park
Attendance: 0
April 12, 2007 VMSL All-Stars 0–2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coquitlam, British Columbia
19:30 PST Martin Nash Soccerball shade.svg56'
Jason McLaughlin Soccerball shade.svg90'		Stadium: Percy Perry Stadium
Attendance: 400
April 15, 2007 (2007-04-15)Preseason Cup Portland Timbers 0 – 0
(5 – 4 p)		 Vancouver Whitecaps Milwaukie, Oregon United States
16:00 (PDT) Report Stadium: Alder Creek Middle School
Attendance: 200
Penalties
Gregor Soccerball shad check.svg
Bagley Soccerball shad check.svg
Griffin Soccerball shad check.svg
Kreamalmeyer Soccerball shade cross.svg
Harrington Soccerball shad check.svg
Morrison Soccerball shad check.svg		Soccerball shad check.svg Gjertsen
Soccerball shade cross.svg Cann
Soccerball shad check.svg McLaughlin
Soccerball shad check.svg Montz
Soccerball shad check.svg Smith
Soccerball shade cross.svg Johnston
November 7, 2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0–0 LA Galaxy Vancouver, British Columbia
Report Stadium: BC Place
Attendance: 48,172

USL-1

Results by round

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728
Ground H H A A A A H H A A H A A A A A A H A H H A H H H H A A
ResultWDDWWWWLDLWWDDDLLLLDDDDLWWDD
Source: uslsoccer.com [16]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
April 21, 20071 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–0 Seattle Sounders Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg55' Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 4,948
Referee: Dominic Scali
April 28, 20072 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–2 California Victory Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg3'
Martin Nash Soccerball shade.svg69'		 Report Mike Munoz Soccerball shade.svg41'
Josh Hansen Soccerball shade.svg69'		Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 4,931
Referee: Carol Anne Chenard
May 12, 20075 Seattle Sounders 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Seattle
22:05 ET Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar Soccerball shade.svg48' (Pen.) Report Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg37'
David Testo Soccerball shade.svg50'
Tony Donatelli Soccerball shade.svg87'		Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 2,577
Referee: Ramón Hernández
May 19, 20076 California Victory 1–3 Vancouver Whitecaps FC San Francisco
22:00 ET Josh Hansen Soccerball shade.svg13' Report Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg6', 10'
Adrian Cann Soccerball shade.svg69'		Stadium: Kezar Stadium
Attendance: 1,067
Referee: Dion Telting
May 20, 20077 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 Rochester Rhinos Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Joey Gjertsen Soccerball shade.svg39'
James Alberts Soccerball shade.svg70'
Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg82'		 Report Johnny Menyongar Soccerball shade.svg67' (Pen.)Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,073
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
May 25, 20078 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0–1 Carolina RailHawks Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Report Connally Edozien Soccerball shade.svg57'Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,117
Referee: Drew Fischer
June 1, 20079 VC Montreal Impact 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Montreal
20:00 ET Report Stadium: Claude Robillard Sports Complex
Attendance: 12,103
Referee: Domenic Scali
June 7, 200710 California Victory 1–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC San Francisco
22:00 ET Yuri Morales Soccerball shade.svg16' Report Stadium: Kezar Stadium
Attendance: 563
Referee: Colin Arblaster
June 10, 200711 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–0 Minnesota Thunder Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Tony Donatelli Soccerball shade.svg74' Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,420
Referee: Jonathan Lavergne
June 22, 200712 Miami FC Blues 1–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Miami
20:00 ET Report Eduardo Sebrango Soccerball shade.svg87'Stadium: Tropical Park Stadium
Attendance: 1,353
Referee: Sandra Serafini
July 3, 200715 Carolina RailHawks 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Cary, North Carolina
20:00 ET Report Stadium: SAS Stadium
Attendance: 5,189
Referee: Jeff Gontarek
July 7, 200716 Atlanta Silverbacks 2–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Atlanta
19:55 ET Warren Ukah Soccerball shade.svg20', 83' Report Stadium: Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Attendance: 2,462
Referee: Richard Sanchez
July 12, 200717 Seattle Sounders 1–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Seattle
22:00 ET Sebastian Le Toux Soccerball shade.svg24' Report Stadium: Qwest Field
Attendance: 2,263
Referee: Colin Arblaster
July 14, 200718 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–2 Miami FC Blues Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Jason Jordan Soccerball shade.svg3' Report Zinho Soccerball shade.svg53'
Sean Fraser Soccerball shade.svg65'		Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,539
Referee: Carol Anne Chounard
July 19, 200719 Portland Timbers 2- 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Portland, Oregon
22:00 ET Andrew Gregor Soccerball shade.svg29'
Lawrence Olum Soccerball shade.svg52'		 Report Martin Nash Soccerball shade.svg18'Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 7,123
Referee: Colin Arblaster
July 27, 200720 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–2 Seattle Sounders Burnaby, BC
23:00 ET Tony Donatelli Soccerball shade.svg41' (Pen.)
Alen Marcina Soccerball shade.svg85'		 Report Roger Levesque Soccerball shade.svg16'
Greg Howes Soccerball shade.svg90'		Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,288
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
August 11, 200722 Portland Timbers 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Portland, Oregon
22:00 ET Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 8,652
Referee: Ian Anderson
August 12, 200723 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–1 Minnesota Thunder Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Alfredo Valente Soccerball shade.svg8' Report Own goal Soccerball shade.svg45'Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,017
Referee: Jonathan Lavergne
August 18, 200724 VC Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0–2 Montreal Impact Burnaby, BC
19:00 ET Report Patrick Leduc Soccerball shade.svg45'
Matthew Palleschi Soccerball shade.svg90'		Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,145
Referee: David Gantar
August 25, 200725 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–0 Charleston Battery Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Jeff Clarke Soccerball shade.svg69' Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 4,561
Referee: Drew Fischer
August 30, 200726 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–0 Minnesota Thunder Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Martin Nash Soccerball shade.svg16' Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,137
Referee: Carole Ann Chenard
September 7, 200727 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–1 Atlanta Silverbacks Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Tony Donatelli Soccerball shade.svg81' Report Tony Mcmanus Soccerball shade.svg88'Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,347
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
September 9, 200728 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0–0 Portland Timbers Burnaby, BC
19:00 ET Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,389
Referee: Silvio Petrescu

Post-season

September 14, 2007Quarter-Final Leg 1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–0 Portland Timbers Burnaby, BC
22:00 ET Jason Jordan Soccerball shade.svg76' Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 4,761
Referee: Dave Gantar
September 16, 2007Quarter-Final Leg 2 Portland Timbers 3–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Portland, Oregon
20::00 ET Justin Thompson Soccerball shade.svg27'
Andrew Gregor Soccerball shade.svg70'
Jaime Ambriz Soccerball shade.svg82'		 Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 8,522
Referee: Jair Marrufo

Voyageurs Cup

Voyageur Cup standings

Prior to 2008, from when it has been awarded to the Canadian Championship winners, the men's title was decided on regular-season matches between Canada's USL First Division sides.

PosTeam
PldWDLGFGAGDPts
1 Montreal Impact 211020+24
2 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 201102−21
Source: [ citation needed ]

Cascadia Cup

2007 Standings
Team
PldWLDGFGAGDPts
Seattle Sounders (U)420274+38
Vancouver Whitecaps401323−13
Portland Timbers401324−23
Source: [ citation needed ]
(U) USL–1 Champions


Staff

Bob Lenarduzzi succeeded John Rocha in the off season as president. John Rocha stepped down in August 2006 to focus on the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup as Vancouver site chairman while continuing to support the Whitecaps in a consulting role. [17]

Soccer operations

Business operations

Youth program

Event management

Current roster

It was a low-scoring year with many players used over the 28 game schedule. Only three players logged 2000 minutes or more; Tony Donatelli led the Whitecaps with 27 appearances. Eduardo Sebrango led the Whitecaps with seven goals and was in a six-way tie for seventh among the USL-1 goal scorers while Martin Nash was tied for third in the USL-1 with six assists in the league. [18]

Player movement

Centre back Ryan Suarez retired due family commitments; in 2006 he was a late season addition to a defense that allowed no goals in playoffs. [19]

Victoria, BC native and eight year Whitecaps right back Geordie Lyall signed a contract with League 2 side Walsall F.C. in December 2006. [20] He wasn't playing with Walsall FC towards the end of their season however and by mid May was being pursued by the Whitecaps. [21]

Defender Lyle Martin from California was announced on March 26. [22]

Due to injury recovery to forwards Joey Gjertsen and Jason Jordan, the Whitecaps signed forward Joel Baily as insurance on March 29. Baily had been a strike partner of Eduardo Sebrango's previously in Montreal under coach Lilley. [23]

The Whitecaps traded Sita-Taty Matondo back to Montreal Impact for Jason McLaughlin just as preseason was concluding. [24]

With the transition in the back line given the losses of Ryan Suarez and Geordie Lyall plus early season injuries to Steve Klein, the Whitecaps also brought in centre back Narcisse Tchoumi-Tchandja on April 12, 2007. [25]

The signing of two local players defender Nigel Marples of North Delta and Surrey goalkeeper Tyler Baldock was announced April 24. [26]

Goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanović was signed April 27 by Division 1 side Toronto FC after a one-week trial to back up Greg Sutton. [27] The Whitecaps signed former Toronto Lynx goalkeeper Richard Goddard to the new backup goalkeeper position on April 27.

As of the end of the season. [28]

Goalkeeper stats

No.Nat.PlayerTotal USL-1 Playoffs
MINSVGAGAASOMINSVGAGAASOMINSVGAGAASO
1 Flag of England.svg Tony Caig 9903290.81839903290.8183
1 Flag of the United States.svg Matthew Nelson 4501440.803270710.3332180731.501
29 Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Richard Goddard 96826100.929496826100.9294
29 Flag of Germany.svg Lutz Pfannenstiel 292540.1.2321292541.2321

Updated to match played October 20, 2013
Source: 

Player statistics

No.Pos.NameAppsMinutesGoalsAssistsShotsFouls Yellow card.svg Red card.svg
1GK Flag of England.svg Tony Caig 11990000000
1GK Flag of the United States.svg Matthew Nelson 5450000000
2DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jeff Clarke 26224910122760
2MF Flag of the United States.svg Steve Klein 24(2)2209114911
4DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Adrian Cann 26(1)7420011420
6MF Flag of the United States.svg James Alberts8(13)80221121010
7MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Martin Nash 26(1)217936233630
8DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Steve Kindel 23(1)203503132440
9MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alfredo Valente 15(11)124622273350
11FW Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Alen Marcina 5(2)408115410
11MF Flag of the United States.svg David Testo 13(3)101211103200
12FW Flag of Cuba.svg Eduardo Sebrango 13(5)113971321610
13MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Geordie Lyall 11(4)9610171310
14MF Flag of the United States.svg Tony Donatelli 24(5)211142472920
15MF Flag of the United States.svg Jason McLaughlin 5(16)59501132220
16DF Flag of Cameroon.svg Narcisse Tchoumi-Tchandja6(3)4700011720
17MF Flag of Brazil.svg Ze Roberto 86590081010
17MF Flag of the United States.svg Joey Gjertsen 15(4)136531361110
18DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Graham Smith 0(4)85000000
18MF Flag of the United States.svg Josh Hansen 8(1)5190081010
19FW Flag of the United States.svg Martin Johnston0(2)13000000
20DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg David Morris 7(13)6640071610
22DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Nigel Marples 1(1)7400000
23FW Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Joel John Bailey 6(8)60301112410
24DF Flag of the United States.svg Lyle Martin 19(5)15670061820
25MF Flag of the United States.svg Sola Abolaji (1)29000000
26FW Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jason Jordan 5(7)3902110510
27MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Stefan Leslie 1(5)10600300
28DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Diaz Kambere 10(6)933003940
29GK Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg Richard Goddard 11968000000
29GK Flag of Germany.svg Lutz Pfannenstiel 3(1)292000000
—–Opponent Own goals ––1–––––
Updated February 28, 2014 [29] [30]
  • Note this list includes only players that have dressed in the eighteen.
  • Note brackets indicate substitute appearances.
  • Note statistics are for league and playoffs (not preseason).

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver Whitecaps (1986–2010)</span> Defunct Canadian soccer club

The Vancouver Whitecaps were a Canadian professional soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1986, the team played its final year in the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid in the NASL Conference of the USSF Division 2 Professional League coached by Teitur Thordarson. The team played its home games at Swangard Stadium in nearby Burnaby, British Columbia. The team's colours were blue and white.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver Whitecaps FC (women)</span> Soccer team

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC women was a Canadian soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia that played in the USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team was formed in 2001 under the name Vancouver Breakers following a merger of the Vancouver Lady 86ers and Vancouver Angels. In 2003, they changed their name to the Whitecaps to match the men's team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cascadia Cup</span> North American soccer trophy

The Cascadia Cup is the name of the trophy created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps, which is awarded each season to the best soccer team in the Pacific Northwest. The cup is named for the Cascadia region. The Timbers, Sounders, and Whitecaps have roots dating to the days of the original North American Soccer League. It was first contested in 2004, and was claimed by the Whitecaps. In 2011 the competition continued with the now Major League Soccer (MLS) sides Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers (2001–2010)</span> Soccer team

The Portland Timbers were an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of the 2010 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC, both based in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, with both cities reviving expansion teams, and has carried into lower-level leagues, including the A-League and USL First Division. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in American soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver Whitecaps FC</span> Soccer club in Canada

Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Vancouver. They compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member club of the league's Western Conference. The MLS iteration of the club was established on March 18, 2009, and began play in 2011 as the 17th team to enter Major League Soccer while replacing the USSF Division 2 team of the same name in the city, making them a phoenix club and the third to carry the Whitecaps name. The club has been owned and managed by the same group since their USSF days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers</span> Soccer club in Portland, Oregon, United States

The Portland Timbers are an American professional men's soccer club based in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member club of the league's Western Conference. The Timbers have played their home games at Providence Park since 2011, when the team began play as an expansion team in the league.

The 2009 Portland Timbers season was the ninth season for the club in the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1), the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid. The first competitive game of the 2009 season was played on April 25 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC which the Timbers lost 1–0. Following that loss the Timbers went on a 24-game unbeaten streak in the league on their way to securing the Commissioner's Cup for finishing the regular season atop the table. In a hard-fought, two-legged series, Vancouver Whitecaps FC knocked Portland out of the playoffs in the semifinals by an aggregate score of 5–4. In the U.S. Open Cup the Timbers hosted Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer in the third round but were eliminated by their bitter rivals 2–1 in front of 16,382 spectators at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon.

The history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a professional soccer team based in Vancouver, Canada, spans over four decades. The first team to use the "Whitecaps" name was the Vancouver Whitecaps of the now-defunct North American Soccer League, playing from 1974 to 1984. After two years while the core of the players were focused on preparations for the 1986 World Cup, a second version of the club was founded in 1986 as the Vancouver 86ers. This team bought back the Whitecaps name in 2000 and has operated continuously in various leagues since 1986. A Whitecaps FC team began play in Major League Soccer starting in 2011 making it the first time since 1984 that a "Whitecaps" team played in the top tier of soccer in the United States and Canada.

The history of the Portland Timbers stretches back to 1975, when the original Timbers club joined the North American Soccer League, to the present club that plays in Major League Soccer.

The 2007 Portland Timbers season was the 7th season for the Portland Timbers—the 3rd incarnation of a club to bear the Timbers name—of the now-defunct USL First Division, the second-tier league of the United States and Canada at the time.

The 2014 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the Whitecaps' fourth season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of soccer in the United States and Canada.

The 2009 Vancouver Whitecaps season was the club's 24th year of existence, as well as their 17th and 2nd last year as a Division 2 club in the franchise model of US-based soccer leagues. Vancouver was officially named an MLS expansion city on March 18, 2009. Following the end of the 2010 season, the Whitecaps FC joined MLS, becoming the second Canadian club and 19th overall to enter the league.

The 2008 Vancouver Whitecaps season was the club's 23rd year of existence, as well as their 16th as a Division 2 club in the franchise model of US-based soccer leagues. With games against well supported MLS side Toronto FC in the Voyageurs Cup and local rival Seattle Sounders selling 22,000 season tickets for MLS in 2009, the Vancouver Whitecaps were marketed as one of the leading markets for a 2011 MLS expansion side. This included expanding the ownership to include Victoria, BC raised NBA star Steve Nash in July. The Division 1 MLS speculation along with the higher profile that came with public negotiations with Vancouver City Council and the Port of Metro Vancouver to develop the Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium gave a boost to media coverage and game attendances. The privately financed stadium, first proposed in 2006, appeared to be reaching its final government land use approvals in 2008.

The 2006 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the club's 21st year of existence, as well as their 14th as a Division 2 club in the franchise model of US-based soccer leagues. 2006 was Bob Lilley's second season as head coach, and they started the season with many draws while the team sorted itself out. In the last ten games after some player additions, the Whitecaps lost only two of their last ten games. In the playoffs Vancouver went on a run as the fourth seed. They first had a play-in round series against Miami FC Blues and Romário before upsetting regular season champion or Commissioner's Cup winner and Canadian rival Montreal Impact with two second half of overtime goals in the second leg away in La belle province. The first goal scorer was Eduardo Sebrango, a striker out of favour in Montreal in 2005 that Vancouver signed in the off season. In the single championship game at the regular season runner-up Rochester Rhinos' new home, PAETEC Park, the Whitecaps scored via an own goal just before half time and then put the game out of reach with two more goals to win 0 – 3.

The 2005 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the club's 19th year of play, as well as their 13th as a Division 2 club in the franchise model of US-based soccer leagues. They played in the now defunct USL First Division which in 2005 was rebranded from A-League and was the highest level of Canadian club soccer. 2005 was Bob Lilley's first season as head coach after Tony Fonseca was released to take on the new District Development Centre Technical Director position with the BCSA. Under Tony Fonseca the Whitecaps had playoffs qualifications three straight years and advanced to the semifinals once. Part of the re-organization of BC youth soccer involved the Whitecaps expanding their youth program to ten Super Y League teams. The Whitecaps were one of only a few US or Canadian clubs with a complete youth system. MLS teams in 2005 did not have as extensive a club structure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitecaps FC 2</span> Soccer club in Vancouver, British Columbia

Whitecaps FC 2 is a professional soccer team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada that serves as the reserve team of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer.

The 2015 USL season was the fifth season of the United Soccer League (USL) and the first under its new name. This season represented a substantial expansion from 14 teams in 2014 to 24 teams in 2015, and the division of the league into two conferences. It is also the 29th season of third-division soccer in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spencer Richey</span> American professional soccer player (born 1992)

Spencer McNair Richey is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both based in the Cascadia region of United States and Canada. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, and later carried into successor leagues through the 1980s and the 2000s, including the A-League and USL First Division, with both cities reviving expansion teams. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in North American soccer.

References

  1. ↑ "Wawrousek reviews 2007 USL-1 season". whitecapsfc.com. September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  2. ↑ "caps have image to cultivate and project to sell". The Vancouver Province. April 23, 2007. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  3. ↑ Stinson, Dan (November 7, 2007). "BC trails Seattle in MLS expansion". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  4. ↑ Jamieson (August 8, 2007). "Whitecaps unaware of MLS talks – Major League Soccer has Vancouver in its gunsights". The Vancouver Province. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ "It's official: Seattle to get MLS team in 2009". The Seattle Times. November 14, 2007. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  6. ↑ Moroney, Laurence (November 13, 2007). "MLS announces expansion in Seattle". Major League Soccer. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  7. ↑ Galindo, Erick (May 16, 2013). "Measuring David Beckman's impact on American soccer". twcsportsnet.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ "About that friendly game". The Vancouver Province. January 12, 2007. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  9. ↑ Soccer United Marketing – Major League Soccer pg 16. "2011 Whitecaps Media Guide" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ "Everything's coming up roses for Lenarduzzi". The Vancouver Province. February 23, 2007. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ "World Cup under-20s force Caps to adjust". The Vancouver Sun. January 26, 2007. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Whitecaps open in April at upgraded Swangard". Vancouver Province. January 26, 2007. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Playoff format overhauled". The Vancouver Sun. April 20, 2007. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  14. ↑ Soccer United Marketing – Major League Soccer pg 150. "2011 Whitecaps Media Guide" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ↑ Demosphere International (March 14, 2007). "Championship 'Caps set preseason schedule". uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
  16. ↑ "USL First Division 2007 Full Schedule". Demosphere International. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Preparations run full steam ahead". Vancouver Province. December 27, 2006. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  18. ↑ Demosphere. "USL First Division–Top 10 Stats Leaders". uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Whitecaps will defend USL championship without Suarez". The Vancouver Province. November 23, 2006. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  20. ↑ Ewen, Steve (December 21, 2006). "Loss of Lyall Leaves Lilley Unfazed". The Vancouver Province. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  21. ↑ Stinson, Dan (May 16, 2007). "Lilley eyeing Lyall". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Whitecaps secure two more players". The Vancouver Sun. March 26, 2007. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Vancouver adds depth on forward line". The Vancouver Province. March 30, 2007. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  24. ↑ Stinson, Dan (April 11, 2007). "New Cap hopes to stay here for at least a little while". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  25. ↑ Stinson, Dan (April 21, 2007). "Door opens for fleet feet". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  26. ↑ Stinson, Dan (April 25, 2007). "Whitecaps wannabe requires patience". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  27. ↑ Stinson, Dan (May 2, 2007). "Wait-and-see turns into gig with Toronto FC". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on May 30, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
  28. ↑ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 12, 2014.
  29. ↑ "2007 Statistics". Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Full Schedule". Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.