As the world gears up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa on June 11, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be celebrating 'The Beautiful Game' with a series of exciting events during the second week of June.
The festivities begin this Sunday, June 6, at Swangard Stadium when the Whitecaps play the newly-formed FC Tampa Bay Rowdies in United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) action at 4 p.m. PT. Though Vancouver last played a Rowdies side during the 1993 season, most fans will remember the 1979 Soccer Bowl when the Whitecaps became North American Soccer League champions following a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on September 8. To help mark that historic victory in club history, the Whitecaps and The Vancouver Southsiders supporters group will be encouraging fans to get into the spirit by dressing in their best 70’s apparel and retro Whitecaps kit. Fans should also keep an eye out for some in-match surprises during Sunday's game at Swangard.
Meanwhile, the Whitecaps women's team will also be in action, having started their 2010 United Soccer Leagues W-League season with a 2-1 home win over Colorado Force FC in Coquitlam, BC, on Sunday afternoon. This weekend, Hubert Busby Jr.'s side travel to the U.S. state of Colorado for a return clash with the Force on Sunday, June 6, before meeting Colorado Rush for the first time on Tuesday, June 8.
Tuesday will also be a landmark day in the history of the Whitecaps, as the club will make two important announcements regarding their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS). The first is the unveiling of the new brand that will lead the 36-year-old club into a new chapter as an MLS outfit, with the new logo being presented to the local media at the Vancouver Convention Centre at 8:30 a.m. PT. Tuesday's brand launch and media conference will be broadcast live online at
vancouvermls2011.com/announcement
. The Whitecaps will also announce important information on the availability and pricing of MLS season tickets for the 2011 season.
Also on Tuesday, The Southsiders will celebrate the unveiling of the new club logo at Cinema Public House (901, Granville Street, downtown Vancouver) at 7:30 p.m. PT. The evening will include a Q&A session with Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber, prizes, and much more. For additional information, please contact
events@vancouversouthsiders.ca
.
On Wednesday, June 9, the Whitecaps men's team are back in action when NASL Conference rivals Carolina RailHawks make their last-ever regular season visit to Swangard. Kickoff of this USSF D-2 clash is set for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Then on Thursday, June 10, a select number of contest winners will join Whitecaps alumni, staff, and members of the local media for a special fan bus trip to Seattle, Washington, to take in Thursday night's MLS clash between Seattle Sounders FC and D.C. United at Qwest Field. Thursday will also mark the final day for entries to be submitted towards the $1 million
Whitecaps World Soccer Challenge
contest.
Soccer fans on the Lower Mainland should also keep an eye out for special World Cup viewing parties at
Whitecaps Preferred Pubs & Restaurants
throughout the months of June and July.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, the Whitecaps created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, the Whitecaps have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Vancouver will play their inaugural season in Major League Soccer.
