WHITECAPS FC IN THE NEWS:
The stars were out in full-force yesterday at the 84th Annual Academy Awards, with top-honours going to silent-film 'The Artist'. Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, Whitecaps FC shone equally as bright while showing some of their own artistry in a 1-0 win against Houston Dynamo in Orlando, Florida. The result guarantees the 'Caps a spot in next Saturday’s Disney Pro Soccer Classic final at 5 p.m. PT.
With so many quality films in 2011, it was hard to pick the winners at last night's academy awards. Having that kind of depth of talent is a problem that 'Caps coach Martin Rennie is also happy to have this season. As one Marc Weber writes, "Additions like Young-Pyo Lee, Sebastien Le Toux and future designated player Barry Robson have understandably made headlines, but the biggest difference for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2012 might be their improved depth." (Marc Weber - The Province)
'Caps Keeper Joe Cannon wasn't making any award-show speeches yesterday, but he certainly knows what it's like to be a winner. The two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has seen it all in his 14-years as a shot-stopper in Major League Soccer (MLS) and remains highly optimistic about the approaching season, telling one journalist, “I know this team is capable of some great things.” (Martin MacMahon - MLSsoccer.com)
One player hoping to see a long run this season is striker Long Tan. Like the stars on the red carpet last night, Tan also got a lot of camera time this weekend, making the highlight reels in both Whitecaps Disney Pro Soccer Classic matchups. So if movies are your thing, then grab some popcorn, turn the lights down low and try and think of these highlights from yesterday's match against Houston as a trailer for the season to come. (MLSsoccer.com)
A great movie that was overlooked at this year's Oscar's is Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story. While it may not have made it to tinseltown (yet), it remains a must watch for any Whitecaps fan. A recent review on ESPN called it, "A remarkable source of inspiration for anyone who has ever doubted their will to succeed at doing something they love." (Jack Graul - ESPN)
WHITECAPS FC PODCASTS & RADIO:
‘Whitecaps FC Daily’ with Peter Schaad is back in its usual 3:00 p.m. timeslot on TEAM 1410 sports radio! For those of you who may have missed past episodes, you can find them HERE!
The show airs every Monday to Friday at 3 p.m. PT on TEAM 1410.
You can always get your soccer fix every Sunday night from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. PT by tuning into ‘Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show’ with Tyler Green and Mike Martignago on TEAM 1040.
West Coast Soccer Weekly is a new podcast hosted by Canadian Soccer News writers Pierce Lang and Michael McColl. For all things soccer on the best coast, including up to date coverage of Whitecaps FC, Highlanders, Men's and Women's Canadian national teams, and local community clubs be sure to listen in HERE!
Have you heard about ‘The Soccer Show’ with Nigel Reed and Bob Iarusci? Make sure to listen HERE!
WHITECAPS FC IN THE HOUSE:
They say the third time’s a charm, and yesterday's match against Houston was certainly that as they tallied their third win in a row this preseason. Simon Fudge has all the details on the weekend victory in the sunshine state. And if you missed it HERE's the recap from Friday's winner against Montreal Impact as well. (Simon Fudge - whitecapsfc.com)
If there was a category at the Oscar's for best promo shoot then TSN's one for Whitecaps FC would have gone home a winner. Their creative use of a steady-cam on a segway alone should be worth an award. Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes footage of Whitecaps FC players busy styling for TSN. (Zac Ratcliffe - whitecapsfc.com)
One person who's definitely pumped for the March 10 season opener is Josh Nanavaty. Check out his two-week countdown to First Kick HERE. (Josh Nanavaty - whitecapsfc.com)
