Last weekend was a big week for soccer fans in Vancouver. Having been granted Major League Soccer status as an expansion team in 2009, for Vancouver Whitecaps fans March 19th 2011 was the day everyone had been waiting for. Since the fixture list was announced and the opening match of the season was confirmed as Toronto FC, the anticipation in Vancouver began. Ticket sales for the match reached sell out capacity with the emphasis on the fans creating an atmosphere to become the Whitecaps ‘12th man’. Outside the stadium before the match was a real carnival atmosphere with many of the fans getting in to the spirit singing, chanting and blowing horns. With a pre game ceremony involving NBA star Steve Nash (who is a co owner of the ‘Caps), the national anthem sung by ‘Whitecaps Idol’ competition winner Marie Hui, fireworks and drummers, the crowd were well and truly worked up before the first ball was even kicked. The fans fulfilled their duty creating as much noise as possible, singing and getting fully behind the team. The first goal scored by new signing Eric Hassli caused a delay to the game as the fans threw their free ponchos (left on every seat by sponsors) on to the pitch in delight! A great game developed with the ‘Caps claiming a historic 4-2 win over Toronto FC.
We wish the Whitecaps luck for the rest of their first MLS season and hope there will be many more memorable days like this to follow for the team and the supporters.
Vancouver’s TEAM 1410 was present outside in their capacity as the official voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps looking very stylish with their Expand A Sign branded Canopy and Fitted Table Cloth
