To mark Major League Soccer’s 25th anniversary, 'Caps players took a trip down memory lane and shared their first MLS memories.
‘Caps veteran midfielder Russell Teibert remembers the first professional game he played in his career. A sunny day in Vancouver at Empire Stadium, the 'Caps opened their MLS history with a 4-2 victory against Toronto FC on March 19, 2011. It was quite the unforgettable experience.
“I remember opening day, I remember Empire Stadium. I remember my heart beating like a drum, standing in the tunnel, the thundering crowd, the temporary bleachers above. I remember closing my eyes, hearing the national anthem, telling myself to take a deep breath and calm down,” said Teibert. “I remember the final whistle. I remember running hand-in-hand down the field to celebrate with our fans. It was a perfect day, it was a perfect start, and it’s forever etched in Whitecaps history. I’m so proud and so honoured to be a part of it.”
A Richmond native, 21-year-old Patrick Metcalfe recalls attending a 'Caps game with his father a few years back when he was younger.
“I recall the amazing atmosphere, I remember seeing the fans going crazy and that was kind of my first eye-opener into the professional game. The thing is that in the moment I knew that’s what I wanted to strive for in the future,” said Metcalfe.
From watching Whitecaps FC play, to signing a professional contract, hard work has paid off for Metcalfe.
“I think it was amazing not just for myself but for my family as well. To go from the stands to the pitch is an amazing experience. I’m looking forward to many more,” said Metcalfe.
Looking back on his years growing up in Montreal, goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau recalls beaming that his hometown was able to get a professional franchise. He's also added some memories with the 'Caps since.
"Two other moments that stand out to me, was my first MLS clean sheet against Seattle at BC Place, and weeks later my first MLS win against LAFC at home,” said Crépeau.
From one set of gloves to the other, Bryan Meredith reminisces his earliest memories of MLS. Meredith used to watch the Metrostars at the old Giants Stadium with his father, back when Tony Meola was starting for the team.
Meredith isn’t the only Whitecaps FC player who shares special memories of going to Metrostars games.
Fellow New Jersey native Jake Nerwinski was in attendance for a Metrostars match when he was eight-years-old with his dad, and like many other kids, his first game was an eye-opening moment for him.
“I remember walking into the stadium just feeling the atmosphere, which was incredible from the fans. Watching the game, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, I wanted to be a professional soccer player from that moment on,” said Nerwinski.
