VANCOUVER, BC – Minutes after Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo Saturday at BC Place, Kenny Miller hopped into the stands and joined supporters group Curva Collective in song before exchanging a jersey with a fan (video above).
That level of interaction isn’t typically seen in professional sports, as Miller alluded to on Tuesday, but it was something the Scotsman was glad to do after back-to-back sell-outs at BC Place.
“They turn out in numbers every week so it’s important that we thank them for that,” Miller told reporters Tuesday at the University of British Columbia. “We appreciate it … it’s about showing that. We want them to keep turning out because what a difference it can be when you step out at BC Place and the atmosphere is absolutely rocking.”
That’s been the case in each of Vancouver’s two home matches this season – a 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls on opening day in addition to Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Dynamo.
Now, for the first time this season, the ‘Caps will play consecutive home matches when they host Colorado Rapids Saturday at BC Place.
“I said to the guys, and I usually do in every pre-game speech, that if you want the fans to get behind us, then you have to give them something to shout about,” Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson told reporters Tuesday after training.
“I believe we can win every home game this year and that will be the target that I set,” he continued. “It’s great to be home in front of our fans because not many teams like coming to play here and we have to make sure that continues.”
News and notes
- After suffering a concussion in an off-field incident early last week, midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker was back on the field Tuesday doing some non-contact training on the sidelines (listen to his media scrum below). Robinson said that Reo-Coker will continue the non-contact work on Wednesday and Thursday, and then they will reassess his status heading into the weekend.
- Midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy, who has been rehabbing from a torn ACL in his left knee, participated in Tuesday’s training session with the starters from Saturday’s match. “Mehdi’s a very good player,” said Robinson. “You can see the freedom in his movement. He’s technically very, very good with the ball. It’s nice to have him back. In the next month or so, we’ll ramp him right back up so hopefully in May he can be involved at some stage.”
- Whitecaps FC winger/striker Omar Salgado, who is currently on loan to United Soccer Leagues PRO side Charleston Battery, left Charleston’s match on the weekend with a foot injury. “We’re waiting for a second opinion, but it might not be as bad as first feared,” Robinson said. “He’s going for another cat scan today. The surgeon will have a look at the scans, and as soon as we know we’ll let you know. All of our thoughts are with Omar because he’s battled back very well. We hope it’s good news.”
Whitecaps FC season tickets start at the prorated price of just $312 and single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
