Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the loss of former player Peter Lorimer, who ranks fifth all-time in assists for the club.
"You could always hear Peter in the changing room, and he led by example on the pitch" said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC club liaison. "He originally came to us from Toronto Blizzard through his Leeds connection with our coach John Giles, and was a player/assistant coach here in Vancouver. One memory I have was when he scored on the opening kickoff in a friendly match against Malmø. He asked Peter Beardsley to lay it off to him and he launched it from halfway, catching the goalkeeper out. Not only did he have an incredible shot, but he could also play with a huge passing range. He will be long remembered by teammates, club members, and fans."
"I had fond memories of watching Peter playing for Leeds, and it was an honour to play with him in Vancouver," added Carl Valentine, Whitecaps FC club ambassador. "He was still a brilliant player at the late stages of his career. I will always remember his late free kick over the wall to win against Seattle at the Kingdome. My condolences go out to his family and friends."
Lorimer had an illustrious career. At Leeds United, he made 705 appearances over two spells and is the club's record goal-scorer with 238 goals in all competitions. He is also the youngest player in club history having made his debut at 15 years, 289 days in 1962. He won every major domestic honour in England with Leeds, including the League Cup in 1968, First Division in 1969 and 1974, the Charity Shield in 1969, and the FA Cup in 1972.
In Vancouver, he played from 1981 to 1983 in the North American Soccer League (NASL), scoring 22 goals in 80 matches and sitting fifth all-time with 39 assists. He earned the nickname "thunderfoot" from his teammates for his incredible shooting power, with supporters at Leeds also calling him "hotshot" and "lasher".
For his country, Lorimer appeared in 21 matches and scored four goals for Scotland, including at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
He would also have stints playing for Toronto Blizzard, Cape Town City, York City, UCD Dublin, and Hapoel Haifa.
Lorimer passed at the age of 74 following a long-term illness. Whitecaps FC offer our sincerest condolences to Lorimer's family and friends at this difficult time.
