'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 2013 matchup between the 'Caps and LA Galaxy.
We caught up with one of the fan favourites from the early MLS years, Gershon Koffie, who donned the Blue and White from 2010 to 2015. Following his trade to New England Revolution prior to the 2016 season, he went on to play for Hammarby IF in Sweden, then for Al-Fahaheel in Kuwait. Currently, he is with Hapoel Kfar Saba in Israel.
What was it like being a member of the 'Caps during the early years?
Gershon Koffie: I feel really blessed. To be honest, I was comparing myself to the big guys - Bob Lenarduzzi, Carl Valentine. I was there before the move to MLS. They were there a long time ago and they made history. For me to be part of the team from the second division (USSF Division 2) to MLS and keep playing, moving from one stadium to another stadium, it's a privilege to be part of the team for that long. I would never regret any single day that I got to put on that jersey.
Any specific memories that stand out from this game?
GK: I remember assisting on Russell's second goal. I couldn't forget it. We build up from the back. He gave me the pass, I got a very good balance of Omar Gonzalez. I passed it back to Russell so he finished it. It was a special night for the fans. I heard them throughout the game beginning with warmups, and when we got back to the locker room, we could hear them from the locker room. It was crazy.
Do you still keep in touch with any of your former ‘Caps teammates? Do you know any of the new 'Caps?
GK: Yeah, through social media. Kekuta (Manneh), Erik Hurtado, Pa-Modou (Kah), Kendall (Waston), Nico (Mezquida). I played against Leonard Owusu in Israel one time. My teammate told me he was going to Vancouver. Here's the crazy thing. I used to go to this place in New Westminster to get my haircut when I was in Vancouver. (Owusu) went there, and they called me on video, so I got the chance to meet him and I gave him some tips.
What's your fondest memory from your years in Vancouver?
GK: Winning the Canadian Championship in 2015. That season was great, that was the first year the team got to the MLS Cup Playoffs semifinal in the conference. Winning the Voyageurs Cup, I can never forget that night, it was a day after my birthday. I felt that this is where I want to be with the Whitecaps. It was my dream to win the Canadian Championship and the MLS Cup, so winning the Canadian Championship was the first step. Before this, we would always lose in the final, and I couldn't take it anymore. Winning it that night was everything to me.
