Tribute to YP Lee

While the weather might be overcast outside, the reception given to former Whitecap’s player YP Lee was nothing short of warm.

At the young age of 36 he is now a retired South Korean footballer who had outstanding speed as well as dribbling skills.

Lee started his pro career at FC Seoul, which was then known as Anyang LG Cheetahs in the Korean K League Classic) and then spent two years playing with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands.

While here he earned high accolades from the PSV Coach Guus Hiddink, who previously coached Lee and South Korea during the 2002 World Cup.

Recognized as the best left-back in Holland after the 2004–05 season, Tottenham signed him and he officially transferred to Tottenham in August 2005.

While being watched and influenced by several individuals in 2006 personal trainer advised him to move to an Italian team.

August of 2006 saw Roma of Italy’s Serie A try to sign him, but he backed out at the last minute for what were told “personal reasons.”

it is reported that religion played a part in his decision to reject the transfer offer and refuse to move team, which were quickly denied by YP himself.

During the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Lee captained the national team twice after the substitutions of the regular Korean captain, Park Ji Sung.

Lee became a member of the Whitecaps in December/11 and went on to score his first MLS goal for Vancouver on 28 April 2012 off a free kick against the Columbus Crew.

Lee was a crucial part to Vancouver’s 2012 season and was played as a right back and was considered to be one of their best players on the team during that season.

Lee received Vancouver’s 2012 Player of the Year on 21 October 2012 after helping the team to become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs in the history of the club.

He played his final professional game on 27 October 2013 in Vancouver at BC Place in a 3–0 win against the Colorado Rapids.

After scoring the first and eventual game-winning goal, 2013 MLS Golden Boot-winner Camilo Sanvezzo presented Lee with the ball during the goal celebration
Camilo is no longer with the club as he chose to leave in the off-season, which stirred much controversy.