'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 features the 2011 Cascadia clash between the 'Caps and the Sounders.
Or otherwise known as, The Eric Hassli Game.
We caught up with the former 'Caps forward, who played in Vancouver in 2011-12. He went on to play for Toronto FC, FC Dallas, the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions, and the MASL's Las Vegas Legends before calling it a career following the 2014 season.
What's the latest with Eric Hassli?
Eric Hassli: We moved here in Montana after I finished playing. We spent a week here on vacation almost three years ago. My wife has a bunch of cousins here and they all ride horses and stuff like that. They convinced her to try to move up here. She had been following me all over the place so I said, 'let's go, let's see how it goes.'
How are you enjoying life post-retirement?
EH: It's different from all the other cities I've lived in. A lot of outdoors stuff. My kid loves it, my wife loves it. It's been really good for us so far.
What's your fondest memory from your years in Vancouver?
EH: The entire year and a half I was there was the highlight. The first day I discovered Vancouver - all the lights, the city was amazing. The first week of training with the guys. And of course, the biggest highlight for me was the first game for the Whitecaps, for sure. 100 per cent. That was one of the biggest moments of my career.
Any specific memories that stand out from the goal at Seattle?
EH: It was towards the end of the game. If you look at it, you can see the big effort that Camilo was doing pressuring the defence. Instead of pressuring inside for the defender to go outside, he was pressuring them to go outside so the guy had to go inside to make that pass. (Osvaldo) Alonso missed his first touch and I'm right there behind him waiting for him to miss the ball. The rest was instinct and lots of luck.
Do you still keep in touch with your former 'Caps teammates?
EH: I just talked to Davide (Chiumiento) yesterday. We talk a couple of times a month. I miss him, he's my best friend. Other than that, (VWFC Head of Operations & Facilities) Ed Georgica.
What do you want to tell the 'Caps fans who cheered you on in Vancouver?
EH: I miss them. Be patient with the team. It's not easy because the season is off right now. Be patient and believe. They've always been supportive. I spent such an incredible time in Vancouver. I miss them dearly.
Catch the rebroadcast of the 2011 'Caps-Sounders classic on whitecapsfc.com on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. PT.
