VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are mourning the loss of former player Alex Semenets, who passed away last week at the age of 30.
Semenets arrived at the club's Residency program from Oakville Blue Stars in 2007. The midfielder/forward spent three years with the club's youth program including three seasons in the USL Premier Development League, helping the side win the 2008 Western Conference Finals, as well as three first team appearances during the 2010 season in the USSF D-2.
Following his spell in Vancouver, the former Canadian youth international would continue his career with FC Edmonton and Toronto Lynx.
Whitecaps FC offer our sincerest condolences to Semenets’ friends and family at this time. A number of former teammates and staff shared the following:
Phil Davies
I will always cherish the memories we made on the pitch, but most importantly the memories we made outside the field. We travelled the world together as young kids trying to make it in the game. You always found a way to put a smile on my face and I will always be grateful for that. My deepest condolences to the Semenets family. Rest In Peace beautiful soul.
Gagan Dosanjh
Anyone who played with or against Alex knew what an immense talent he was on the field. Those of us who got to know him off of the field were lucky to meet someone with a massive heart and someone who truly brought a smile and plenty of laughter to each and everyone’s lives he crossed. I truly wish we could joke around like we used to brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Semenets family. Rest easy Alex, you will be sorely missed.
Randy Edwini-Bonsu
I am in a complete state of shock to hear the news of our brother. The only thing Alex knew was the game and never stopped chasing his dream of playing professionally. I remember that smile of yours and your laughter. We shared so many memories together and I’m so sorry. Your residency brothers are praying for the family you left behind. I love you man and thank you for everything. I want to hear all about what you’ve been up to when we meet again. RIP my Russian Potato ❤️.
Ethan Gage
When I think of Alex, only radiant and positive memories come to my mine. His enthusiastic attitude and unique laugh would brighten up the room. His soccer abilities were no less than great. He was unparalleled with anyone I have ever played with at the time, he was like a mini Messi. It was such a pleasure to play with and against Alex. My deepest condolences go out to the Semenets family. Rest in peace Alex.
William Hyde
Alex brought as much joy to the pitch as he did to the people who were lucky enough to call him a friend. A tremendously talented player with a heart of gold and a laugh that lit up the room. Sincere condolences to the Semenets family. Know that Alex had a profoundly positive impact on all of our lives. Alex, we will all miss you, but we’ll carry you in our hearts forever. Rest easy my friend.
Marcus Johnstone
It is unfortunately one of those situations where no words can do justice to the beauty of our brother Alex. Alex was an absolute shining beacon of light during critical years of my teenage and young adult life. As many will say, he had a magical laugh and presence of joy no matter where he was. We all stood by each other, far away from home, chasing a dream and growing as young men. He was a part of an experience that I will never forget. I wish for his story to touch endless lives through the mouths of those that knew him. I know he will forever be a part of my life’s work and I pray that humanity continues to wake up and recognize the unnecessary pain and suffering that is happening on our planet. Never in vain. Forever my brother, I love you. See you in the infinite my friend.
Navid Mashinchi
Alex was one of the most gifted players I have ever witnessed in my life. Not only was he a quality player but more importantly an amazing person off the field. He always had a smile on his face and made the group laugh. He brought so much joy to the team and I will always remember him as a good-hearted person who was honest and just wanted the best for everyone. Those special memories of Alex will always make me smile. My deepest condolences to the Semenets family. RIP Alex.
Kyle Porter
My deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the Semenets family. I have too many great memories shared with Alex both on and off the field. I competed against and played with him since the age of 12/13. He has been my teammate, classmate, neighbour and friend. Memories I'll hold forever close to my heart. Rest in Peace Alex.
Antonio Rago
I first met Alex when we were 13. We began as competitors and I remember thinking I’ve never played against someone so uniquely talented. We went on to play soccer together all around the world well into our 20s. I would always try to make jokes around him just so I could hear his patented laugh. It was one of those laughs that made the rest of the room laugh even harder. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Rest easy brother. We all love you.
Gregory Smith
Alex was an amazing young man, incredible athlete and a fantastic teammate. He always created a happy, cheerful atmosphere with his jokes and infectious laughter. He will be deeply missed and my thoughts go out to his whole family. Alex will always hold a strong place in our hearts. Rest In Peace Alex.
Adam Straith
It breaks my heart to learn of Alex’s passing, my deepest condolences go out to his family and closest friends. The thing that springs to my mind first was his infectious laugh, and how he could always know when someone needed to be cheered up with one of his many hilarious stories. He will be sorely missed by us all. Rest in Peace Alex.
Russell Teibert
Deeply saddened to hear about Alex. He was a gifted player, a pleasure to play alongside and a teammate I'll always remember. My prayers and love go out to the Semenets' family. You will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Simon Thomas
I’m at a loss for words when I heard of Alex’s passing. He was an extremely talented player who loved the game, but most of all he was an even better person. His infectious smile and laugh could lighten a room and if you were fortunate enough to meet him you instantly got the best of him. I’ll cherish all the laughs and jokes we had together. My thoughts go out to all his friends and family. We’re all thinking of you, rest in peace.
Steve Meadley
I will remember Alex for his ear-to-ear smile and his genuine love for the game. Alex had excellent one-v-one dribbling skills and a strong shot. He was happiest with the ball at his feet. In training and games, I remember reminding him often that we always needed two balls - one for Alex and one for the rest of the team. The original Residency group forged a strong bond during their time with the club and I know all of his teammates and staff will miss him dearly. RIP.
Bob Lenarduzzi
I first met Alex Semenets during the 2007 U-20 World Cup. I was working as an analyst based in Toronto for CBC during the month long tournament. The Whitecaps were about to start our first fully funded Residency program that included the best young prospects from across the country. One of which was Alex. He and his family visited the CBC studio during this time. My first impression is forever etched in my mind. Alex had a grin from ear-to-ear and was a very soft spoken polite young man. Throughout his time with the Residency program his personality remained consistent. This coupled with a variety of attacking skills that included a sweet left foot. I was saddened to learn of his passing, but my memory of Alex will always be of the wide eyed young soccer player I met for the first time in Toronto.
