Whitecaps WIN HOME OPENER

While many pondered the thought of professional soccer returning to the City, ownership had other ideas.

The City’s been “pumped” for the past while and the day of reckoning is proof that Vancouver is as professional as any other.

I watched the opening ceremonies and one thing was missing – a fly-pass by the Canadian Snowbirds would have put this “over the top”.

One has to wonder if any BC Lions brass were in attendance and how they can top this for the home opener on Wednesday June 22^nd.

Some were pondering the weather conditions, while others were more focused on how the team will do in the inaugural season, which no-doubt is on the minds of several in town.

The minor soccer community is “stoked” that this day has finally arrived and in recent conversation with Delta resident Steve Cooper he say’s ‘this is only the start of many great things to happen within the soccer community in BC”.

The first historic goal of the match came in the 15^th minute as Hassli put in a cross pass to centre crease to send it low past a confused Toronto tender Stefani Frei.

This goal is number 7,999 in the history of the MLS and what better place to have it other than Vancouver. While the crowd looks for history making 8,000 it came of Toronto’s Dwayne De Rosario in the 20^th minute.

One should mention that following the Cap’s goal hundred’s of white packages of rain-wear were thrown on the pitch from the upper section.

The Caps were on a roll and had 7 Terry Dunfield grab a cross pass to put it under the Toronto tender for the second goal of the game.

Half time was set up so for the media to have a one-on-one with Steve Nash who flew in from Phoenix for this event.

Steve was please to be in Vancouver for this historic game, but was unable to stay for the BC Boy’s Basketball AAA Championship in Langley as he has to fly out, as he plays tomorrow in Phoenix. Tough life!!!

The second half saw the Whitecaps force the play from a corner kick which hit the head of a Toronto defender followed by a low kick by Harris for goal / 3 in the 65^th minute.

The high-light of the match had to be when the Caps got goal number four in the 72^nd minute from Hassli who was in clear to give the home squad this huge lead.

Not to be outdone saw Toronto grab the second goal of the game in the 74^th minute as Santos managed to get them within two. Toronto FC were given a corner kick in the 76^th minute and tried to set up a wall for the block.

The kick was high and over the net all to the dismay of De Rosario. In the 81^st minute the Caps changed Hassli which drew a huge cheer from the crowd.

With time running out for Toronto, the crowd started the `Hey-Hey` chant, mostly directed to the large contingent of Toronto supporters on hand.

The second half saw the referee add a minimum of four (4) additional minutes of play, mostly due to “ponchos being thrown on the field”.

These were the ones that the Whitecaps had placed on the seats for the fans in case it rained, but it never.

The announced attendance was 24,500 and everyone left for home, satisfied that we now have a professional soccer club.

Following the game I had a chance to talk to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robinson, who was ecstatic at not only the crowd, but the talent that the Whitecaps have managed to put together.

In the same suite as Mr. Robinson was Phoenix Sun’s Superstar and BC product Steve Nash.

He (Steve) took part in the opening ceremonies along with newly elected (by the Liberal membership) Christy Clark.

This game was a win-win for the team, the community and the future of soccer in BC.