This coming Saturday, June 15 is Alumni Night at BC Place, with approximately 75 members of the 'Caps family on hand to watch Whitecaps FC battle New England Revolution at BC Place (Tickets:ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc). Leading up to Saturday's match, we take a look back at a few of their careers and find out what they're up to now.
WHERE HE WAS: Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, ‘Dolie the Goalie’ made 126 appearances for Vancouver 86ers from 1990 to 1998, helping the team to two Canadian Soccer League (CSL) championships. Already a veteran goalkeeper when joining the 86ers, Paul Dolan went on to become the club’s all-time leader in goalkeeper appearances (223) and victories (126). “I was happy to play behind an incredible team of talented players, including many national team starters. We believed we could beat anybody we stepped out on the park against,” said Dolan.
Dolan was also a member of Canada’s youth national teams before making his senior Canadian national team debut in 1984 against Cyprus. A highlight for Dolan was playing in Canada’s opening game of the 1986 World Cup against France, where he became the youngest goalkeeper to play in a World Cup at the time when he was only 19-years-old. Dolan earned 53 caps for his country and represented Canada in 15 FIFA World Cup qualification matches during four World Cup qualifying campaigns.
WHERE HE WENT AFTER: In 2004 Paul Dolan was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame.
Even before retiring from soccer, Dolan was looking ahead to his future and began working for Umbro, where he still works as head of BC sales and marketing.
Given Dolan’s background, it was inevitable that he would venture towards radio and television. Prior to joining Peter Schaad as the colour commentary man on radio for the Team 1410 ‘Caps broadcasts, Dolan also worked with CBC.
WHERE HE IS NOW: Following his time with TEAM Radio, Paul has now recently moved on to Sportsnet, which broadcasts 23 'Caps MLS matches this season. He had this to say about his new gig, “I’m very excited. It’s a huge opportunity with a station that is committed to Whitecaps FC and to the sport of soccer”. Amidst his new duties, Dolie will also still regular appearances on Whitecaps FC Daily with Peter Schaad on TEAM 1410 radio.
Paul Dolan continues to be an asset to the game of soccer on and off the pitch, and we can be thankful here in BC that he strives to give something back to the game he loves. You can follow him on Twitter @DolieTheGoalie.
