One Year To Go: Whitecaps Countdown Event Kicks Off New MLS Season

The MLS got underway this evening with new boys Philadelphia Union heading west to take on Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field and going down 2-0 in the process.

Watching the game tonight, it was hard not to get excited, as one year from now it’s going to be us that’s going to be the MLS new boys and hopefully making a better entrance into the League than Philly.

The Caps held a series of events today to mark the one year countdown to our joining the MLS, culminating in some very enjoyable festivities at a sold out event at The Transcontinental in Vancouver this evening.

Club President Bob Lenarduzzi, Director of Football Operations Tom Soehn and Club CEO Paul Barber were all present and the proceedings were MC’d by the wonderful legend that is Carl Valentine.

A number of Southsiders were also in attendance and it was a great opportunity for us to see current fans mingling with guys going back to the NASL days and what are going to be some of our future fans.

As the speeches were made, the excitement in the room was palpable. Memories of the NASL glory days were relayed and for someone like myself who wasn’t around in the city at the time, it was a joy to hear. Just what the Caps meant to the city of Vancouver back then was very evident and to be part of bringing that back to a city, forever changed by such a positive Olympics experience, is one we should all look forward to.

The event also gave us the opportunity to pick up our season tickets for this year and let’s not forget that we still have a season to look forward to before joining the North American top flight once again.

It’s a fact which Bob Lenarduzzi certainly hasn’t overlooked and it was pleasing to hear that the Club aren’t treating this season as just one of transition. They want this season to be one of success and advancement and Bobby set the goals of winning both the USSF-D2 Championship and the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

This season will give us the chance to hit the ground running when we go into MLS. We have the opportunity to be the best prepared of any of expansion teams to date and with the enthusiasm, commitment, knowledge and experience that is now clearly guiding the Whitecaps organisation, we have a lot to look forward to.

For now, let’s put all this MLS talk aside though and focus on the current season ahead, kicking some Division 2 butt and returning another Championship to Vancouver. Then we can start taking our new opponents apart.