As the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate a half-century of soccer history, Brian White has carved out a spot in the clubB次元官网网址檚 record book.
Last Saturday, the New Jersey native scored in the 15th minute of the 1-1 road draw against the New York Red Bulls, the club that traded White to Vancouver on June 2, 2021.
The goal was the strikerB次元官网网址檚 44th with the Whitecaps across all competitions, moving him ahead of Camilo Sanvezzo as the clubB次元官网网址檚 leading scorer of the Major League Soccer era.
B次元官网网址淚 was very happy for him because he did it in his hometown, in front of his family and friends, and even against his former team that maybe didnB次元官网网址檛 believe in him a lot, so they traded him,B次元官网网址� said Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini. B次元官网网址淢aybe that had even a little extra spice to put in the game.B次元官网网址�
White has been a consistent producer since arriving in Vancouver. This year, the Whitecaps (5-2-2) are averaging two goals a game through their first nine contests. White leads the way in both goals (five) and shots (19).
B次元官网网址淚 think IB次元官网网址檝e always been confident how I can play and how I can perform,B次元官网网址� White said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just a matter of being fit, being healthy and being in a good place mentally. I think IB次元官网网址檓 at that spot, so hopefully I can continue to work hard for the team and produce goals and assists and good performances.B次元官网网址�
White will bring a four-game scoring streak into SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 50th anniversary celebration match against Austin FC (4-3-3), a squad that has surrendered just one goal in its last three outings.
B次元官网网址淭hey became, if we compared them with last year, a much more fast team,B次元官网网址� Sartini said. B次元官网网址淭hat allows them to defend a little low, close to the goal, and then counterattack.
B次元官网网址淲e need to be extremely focused when we have the ball to maintain our structure. WeB次元官网网址檙e always good, tactically, when we donB次元官网网址檛 have the ball. We have to be very good, tactically, when we have the ball too. If we lose the ball, they can be a threat.B次元官网网址�
More than 30,000 fans are expected at BC Place on Saturday, for the celebration of the clubB次元官网网址檚 history that stretches back to the original Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League in 1974, through the era of the Vancouver 86ers at BurnabyB次元官网网址檚 Swangard Stadium, to the return of the Whitecaps in 2000, and on to the organizationB次元官网网址檚 debut as the 17th franchise in Major League Soccer on Mar. 19, 2011.
The Whitecaps are expecting more than 50,000 fans when Lionel MessiB次元官网网址檚 Inter Miami CF visits BC Place on May 25. But Sartini has seen the home crowds double since the Whitecaps resumed play after the pandemic pause in 2021. This season, numbers have consistently topped 20,000, and the opportunity to set a new MLS-era attendance record on Saturday has special significance.
B次元官网网址淚t was hard to bring it back people in the stadium,B次元官网网址� Sartini said. B次元官网网址淲e worked a lot B次元官网网址� through having good results, playing good football, trying to be as close as we can to our fans. And the response of our fans has been fantastic.
B次元官网网址淭he fans really love us. And with them behind us B次元官网网址� itB次元官网网址檚 not going to be easy, but itB次元官网网址檚 going to be easier, trying to win.B次元官网网址�
AUSTIN FC (4-3-3) AT VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC (5-2-2)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., B.C. Place (Apple TV, TSN)
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS B次元官网网址� The WhitecapsB次元官网网址� first-ever match in the North American Soccer League was a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes at Empire Stadium on the PNE Grounds on May 5, 1974.
CELEBRATING HISTORY B次元官网网址� More than 110 alumni are expected to take part in SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 pre-match ceremony celebrating the clubB次元官网网址檚 history. Other festivities will include a street party. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 7:15. Other 50th anniversary theme nights are planned through the season.
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