Re: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS Greatest Empire Moments Fans share their fondest memories of Empire Field http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/09/farewell-empire
Re: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 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/article/2011/09/29/whitecaps-excited-test-high-tech-surface-bc-place
Re: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 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/201...s-portland-timbers-bell-pitch-downtown-return
Re: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 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/article/2011/10/04/whitecaps-idea-unbalanced-schedule-2012
Re: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 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
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/article/2011/10/13/whitecaps-co-owner-nash-soaks-home-win-vs-dc
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/artic...road-futility-2011-reaches-record-proportions
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/201...weep-weekend-results-versus-crossfire-premier
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=player_embedded&v=HB-fXdUZQVs
THE SOUTHSIDERS ARE JOINED BY TWO NEW SUPPORTER GROUPS La 12 Vancouver Fortunately, the Whitecaps have a group of fans that rain or shine go to the stadium carrying more equipment than a Pink Floyd roadie in the late 80's. Yes sir, in a Football afternoon, close to the stadium you will see a line of devoted guys carrying big drums, flags, banners, small drums, güiros, trumpets and many other fine articles to the section 222 of the Empire Stadium. That is the section of “La 12 Vancouver” http://la12vancouver.blogspot.com/ THE NORTHGATE ULTRAS The North Gate Ultras are a european-style supporters group of the Vancouver Whitecaps F.C in the MLS. http://whitecapsngu.blogspot.com/
DeMerit sees bright future for 'Caps after debut season Vancouver skipper disappointed, but reflects on progress made VANCOUVER, B.C. – Disappointing season, exciting future. Those were Jay DeMerit’s sentiments following the Vancouver Whitecaps final match of their first Major League Soccer season. “It was a frustrating year, there’s no hiding that fact,” DeMerit told MLSsoccer.com after Saturday’s finale. “But the fans that stayed back, and waited for us to come and praise them, shows us what we have here, and that’s a bright future.” DeMerit explains that although the future is bright, he had hoped for a little more success in the side’s inaugural campaign. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/10/25/demerit-sees-bright-future-caps-after-debut-season
DeMerit documentary gets November theatrical release MLS to help distribute film to 130 theaters, all league markets Ever since its trailer began grabbing attention on blogs and Twitter feeds this spring, Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story has been slowly gathering momentum toward a theatrical release. The 92-minute film, which was shot and produced by longtime friends of the Vancouver Whitecaps defender, spent the summer screening at select film festivals around the country and is now slated for nationwide release on Nov. 3. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-documentary-gets-november-theatrical-release
Colin Miller knew it was a matter of time before the axe fell Whitecaps clear the deck for incoming head coach Martin Rennie as pair of assistants given walking papers Colin Miller was "gutted" but not surprised. The affable Vancouver Whitecaps assistant coach was fired Wednesday - along with fellow assistant Denis Hamlett - as the Caps cleared the way for incoming head coach Martin Rennie to bring his own assistants. Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/... before fell/5615176/story.html#ixzz1c7rrIKAM
Behind enemy lines Take a journey with the 'Caps traveling fans. Whitecaps FC were fortunate enough to not only to have some of the best fans in the league at home, but also on the road. It was rare for the club to travel to an away stadium where at least a few 'Caps supporters did not make the trip. Whether it be family and friends of players or loyal supporters of the team, Whitecaps players on the pitch could always count on some friendly voices in the stands. It was not just in the Cascadia games in Seattle and Portland where fans made the trek, but to almost every stadium in the league. The following video is a glimpse into the sights and sounds of Whitecaps supporters making their presence felt in hostile territory. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp_M8R2AQiE&feature=player_embedded
A new era Rennie set to kick off first camp Martin Rennie is now in town to begin a new era with Whitecaps FC, as he runs his first training camp starting Wednesday at Burnaby Lake. This is a chance for players to stake their claim to a roster spot for next year. The coach and players will take this time to get to know each other on and off the field, as coach Rennie will be looking to do some one-on-ones as well as evaluate and critique their performances in each practice session. It is a key time for both coach and players, as first impressions are always important, especially when knowing that major decisions are being made on a day-to-day basis. While the process could be stressful, I feel that Martin’s communication skills with his friendly approach and desire to get to know the players individually that each member of the squad will know exactly where they stand and what is expected of them. The trick is for them to go out and get it done on the field. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=En2pFB9ZyCI
Paul Ritchie named Whitecaps FC assistant coach Ex-Scotland international reunites with Rennie The two will be hoping to continue a fruitful relationship that has made the RailHawks one of the most feared sides in second-tier North American soccer. The pair navigated Carolina to a USSF D-2 playoff final last year, and an NASL regular season title this season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gYDCmJ_fiY&feature=player_embedded
Evaluation camp gives Whitecaps' Nolly shot at redemption Veteran 'keeper tries to work his way back to starting' role for 'Caps VANCOUVER, B.C. – Goalkeeper Jay Nolly has been with the Vancouver Whitecaps for four seasons. He’d like to make it five. The 6-foot-3 Orlando native was a big part of the club’s success in the lower tiers of North American soccer prior to Vancouver’s move to MLS in 2011. He helped the ‘Caps claim a USL-1 Championship in 2008, and his individual excellence earned him the USSF D-2 Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2010. But 2011 was a different story. When former head coach Teitur Thordarson lost his job, director of soccer operations Tom Soehn stepped in as interim head coach and benched Nolly in favor of Joe Cannon. With Martin Rennie now at the helm and holding an evaluation camp this week, the 29-year-old netminder has a chance to get back in his coach's good graces. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...on-camp-gives-whitecaps-nolly-shot-redemption
Morfaw and Elmasri leave Whitecaps after camp Rennie makes first tough decisions as Vancouver head coach Incoming Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Martin Rennie wanted to start molding his squad from the get-go, and on Monday, that process officially began. The Whitecaps announced that midfielder Alexandre Morfaw has been waived and defender Omar Elmasri’s loan spell will not be renewed. Morfaw (above) had been a member of the Whitecaps since joining the squad midway through their 2010 USSF Division-2 campaign, after previously playing for Swedish side Bodens BK. The Cameroonian made six appearances during that season, and appeared twice in Vancouver’s 2011 MLS campaign. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/11/07/morfaw-and-elmasri-leave-whitecaps-after-camp
Whitecaps FC intrasquad match ends in a goalless draw Rennie watches MLS squad in game action Team White and Team Blue each recorded clean sheets, as they played to a 0-0 draw in a Vancouver Whitecaps FC intrasquad match in front of several supporters at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC, on Saturday. The match featured two 40-minute halves, with the club's MLS roster mixed into two squads. Assistant coach Paul Ritchie manned the sidelines for Team Blue, while Residency technical director Richard Grootscholten was on the bench for Team White. Head coach Martin Rennie observed from the sidelines at the halfway line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM0tusC26A4&feature=player_embedded
Whitecaps FC conclude off-season camp with second intrasquad match 2-2 draw; Team White wins on penalties With the off-season camp now at an end, Rennie's squad will take a break for the Holidays before returning to Vancouver in mid-January for preseason training camp ahead of the 2012 MLS campaign. Team Blue Jay Nolly; Jordan Harvey, Greg Janicki, Jonathan Leathers (Camilo 35'); Russell Teibert, Philippe Davies, Shea Salinas; Michael Nanchoff, Mustapha Jarju Team White Joe Cannon; Alain Rochat, Michael Boxall, Jeb Brovsky; Ben Fisk, Bryce Alderson, Gershon Koffie, Long Tan; Caleb Clarke http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/11/whitecaps-fc-conclude-season-camp-second-intrasquad-match
