'Caps Primetime is a nightly variety of entertaining programs featuring current and former players, coaches, and your favourite ‘Caps personalities. On Thursdays, 'Caps take a trip down memory lane with a weekly rebroadcast of all-time classic matches.
This week's Throwback Thursday brings us back to the 40th anniversary match versus San Jose Earthquakes in 2014.
We caught up with Andy O'Brien, one of the most beloved players to don a 'Caps uniform.
What's new with Andy O'Brien?
Andy O'Brien: My wife Kerry and I welcomed our first little boy, Leo Thomas O’Brien into the world on July 6 last year, and life has been amazing since his arrival! We are expecting our second baby boy this May so we are very excited despite the worrying times we are all experiencing at the moment. We live in Harrogate (in England) where I was born and raised, and our parents are nearby which is a great help with our expanding family.
How has retired life been like?
AO: Life has been great. My day usually starts at either 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., prep the milk and feed the baby, then my turn, I have a coffee and biscuit. We then all go for a walk together and get some fresh air, then I will do some work. Then dinner, put Leo to bed, and in bed myself by 8 p.m. I’d like to make it sound more exciting but this is what’s known as a Dad Life!
What's your fondest memory from your years in Vancouver?
AO: I’ve a load of great memories from my time in Vancouver and representing the club. I loved the city and the coffee shops, riding the Skytrain to work and getting around the city! The way the supporters and public would greet me when I was out and about was both refreshing and humbling. At the club, the people I worked with mainly Martin Rennie, Jake DeClute, Greame Poole, Jake Joachim, Jon Poli, Dr. Jim Bovard, Rick Celebrini, Dr. David Cox, Jon MacGregor and last but not least my best mate Marty (McDermott, VWFC equipment manager)!
What's some of the biggest changes that you experienced at the 'Caps?
AO: Prior to joining the club, I wasn’t in the best place but I will be forever grateful to the club and supporters for making me feel at home, allowing me to concentrate on my football and in time be able to actually feel confident to open up. I actually received a message on social media thanking me for a little talk I did after a home game, the message said that what I had to say had helped them to cope with some of their issues.
Any specific memories that stand out from the 40th anniversary game?
AO: I remember Scooter (Kekuta Manneh) scoring early on and playing a one-two off the post to finish off to make it 1-0. The second came from the spot when Darren (Mattocks) chopped his man in the box and Pedro (Morales) finished it off. The third, the pick of the goals was from Pedro from distance. San Jose were given a soft pen and then a clearance from myself which had the height but not enough distance, came back in to the box and a shot was deflected by David (Ousted) late on.
Do you still keep in touch with any of your former ‘Caps teammates?
AO: I keep in touch with Sam Adekugbe, Christian Dean, David Ousted, Sebastian Fernandez, Steve Beitashour, Marty Mac, Joe Cannon, Kekuta, Ethan Sampson and Erik Hurtado. I mainly talk to them over social media or text.
Would you like to share a message for VWFC fans?
AO: Hopefully, see you again one day.
Catch the rebroadcast of the 'Caps vs. Quakes match from 2014 on whitecapsfc.com tonight at 7:05 p.m. PT.
