Sporting a retro Vancouver Whitecaps jerseys…from about 40 years ago, my very good friend Gord Barrett and I took off to the Vancouver Whitecaps/San Jose Eartquake soccer match. This sure brought back memories for when I went to the games as a 10 year old at Empire Stadium. Back in those days, the stadium was outdoors and metal bleachers – old school. The players were exciting and engaging in the game.
Fast forward to today with indoor high tech stadium with cutting edge turf and fast footed players. There is something about watching a soccer/football match. The fans get into it more than any sport I have ever seen. We were in the Southside section where you don’t sit, you stand, there are all these chants and hand waves and oh so colourful language. I think my son Ishaan would walk out of there speaking in a language that we would rather he not learn for a while.
The match…we could not have picked a more exciting game. San Jose is the number one team in the league and we are a respectable top third. When San Jose scored first, I got a bit nervous but soon after we got the equalizer. During injury time and with literally seconds left, we scored to win the game. You could not have scripted it better.
Sure I do miss the old days of the outdoor stadium and the likes of hearing names like Lenarduzzi, Valentine, Whymark, Parks when we did well and won Soccer Bowl. We would sing: “White is the colour, soccer is the game…” I had a great time at BC Place and the new age soccer. Some things don’t change like the guy who was next to me who was very animated and colourful with his language and wound up spilling his beer twice. You have to have those types of fans ? It is all part of the experience.
I was very excited to hear that John Furlong has taken the top position with the Whitecaps. I had the pleasure of working for him during the 2010 Bid, I am sure that he will take a great product and make it that much better. This man has vision, passion and skill. He will inspire the organization, team, fans and league. He is a great addition.
50/50-2012 means reliving the past and fast forwarding to the present. This one was Gord and I both moving forward and trying to relive the past ? Will have to take in a few more matches just so I can learn the new songs and slang. I encourage all to join in and be supporters. Glad I could share this with Gord.