The first-ever Vancouver Whitecaps signing, Glen Johnson, is seen with the original ball from the team's May 5, 1974 game in the North American Soccer League. The Whitecaps celebrated their 50th anniversary with a game against Austin FC on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim officially proclaimed May 4 as Whitecaps FC 50th Anniversary Day. The club was also recognized at the Legislature by the Province of British Columbia. More than 100 alumni from across the Whitecaps’ five-decade history were welcomed to the pitch ahead of the opening kickoff.The first-ever Vancouver Whitecaps signing, Glen Johnson, is seen with the original ball from the team's May 5, 1974 debut in the North American Soccer League.
Earlier this week, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim officially proclaimed May 4 as Whitecaps FC 50th Anniversary Day. The club was also recognized at the legislature by the British Columbia government. Happy 50th anniversary @WhitecapsFC! In anticipation for the big celebration today, I was thrilled to proclaim May 4th as Whitecaps FC 50th Anniversary Day. Cheers to the team that represents our city with pride. Here's to another 50 years of unforgettable moments on the pitch!… pic.twitter.com/GGx8a7P741"I think it was just a team that the city really got behind," club legend Carl Valentine said of those early days.
It was eventually reformed again as an MLS expansion franchise in 2011, and made the playoffs the following year. Since then, the club has won three Canadian Championships — in 2015, 2022 andDan Burritt speaks to club CEO Axel Schuster and former star player Carl Valentine on the club's highs and lows over its half-century of existence before its 50th anniversary game on Saturday.
The Whitecaps currently sit in third in the Western Conference, and Schuster says that the club is being rewarded for its patience amid a tough few seasons. The fans roared early on, when captain Ryan Gauld beat Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver in the 19th minute. But the goal was called back following a video replay after a handball was identified before the shot.Austin FC's Jon Gallagher, left, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Ali Ahmed vie for the ball as Austin's goalkeeper Brad Stuver watches during the second half of their game on Saturday. The Whitecaps celebrated 50 years of being Vancouver's soccer club during the game.
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