With the inaugural Whitecaps FC Alumni Match set for this Saturday, May 9 at BC Place, whitecapsfc.com will feature one member of the alumni who will be in attendance every day this week leading up to the match. Today, we chat with Vancouver native John Catliff, who is the second highest scorer in the history of the Canadian Soccer League.
Tickets to the alumni match are still available (call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 to purchase).
Previous interviews:
1. What excites you the most about the upcoming alumni match?
(Laughs) I don’t know if “excited” is the right word. I kind of dread the thought of going up against such young players. Being on the other side of 50, I may simply run away. But seriously, it’s a great chance to rekindle friendships Whitecaps FC have fostered for me for so many years.
2. How do you think the alumni will fare against WFC2?
I haven’t done much scouting but I think we’ll be up against it, to be fair. I don’t see us having the same attributes that those young fellows would. Maybe we’d have a little more mental advantage and experience. [Alumni teammates] Jay DeMerit and Jay Nolly are not far past their prime, I would say, so they’ll keep us in the game.
3. Which current Whitecaps FC player do you wish you could have played with?
That’s a good question. I would probably say
Pedro Morales
, just because he’s so creative. Also,
Octavio Rivero
because of what he brings to that striking position. In my mind, he’s in his own class when it comes to striking skills and effectiveness. I definitely would’ve loved to have played up front with him.
4. What do you miss most about your time with the club?
Training every day and the relationships with all the people in the club. When I played with the 86ers, we were a pretty tight-knit organization and smaller than it is now. Relationships with guys, from teammates to trainers and physiotherapists, are priceless.
5. What was your favorite moment with the 86ers?
Probably lifting the first Canadian Soccer League trophy in the first year I played with the club in 1988, when we played Hamilton. That was definitely a special time.
The inaugural Whitecaps FC Alumni Match will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. PT at BC Place (prior to the evening's MLS match vs. Philadelphia Union).
Season Tickets Members and those who have already purchased a ticket for the MLS match have received an email with instructions on how to purchase their tickets for the alumni match. All others who are interested in attending the alumni match can purchase by calling the ‘Caps office at 604.669.9283 ext. 2.
A limited number of tickets will also be available for purchase at the tent located at BC Place outside of Gate A. Valid ticket for the afternoon’s MLS match must be presented. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the alumni match are $5 with all proceeds being donated to the ‘Caps community partner, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
