Over the course of the history of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a number of players who have played for the club at one point or another have also represented their country at the FIFA World Cup. As we approach the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we will feature players of years’ past who made it to soccer’s pinnacle event.
GERRY GRAY
Gerry Gray was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to Canada when he was 12-years-old. Outside of Vancouver, Gray also played in the NASL for Montreal Manic, New York Cosmos, and Chicago Sting. In the CSL he played for Ottawa Intrepid, Hamilton Steelers, and Toronto Blizzard.
For club
From 1980 to 1982, Gray made 82 appearances for the NASL version of the Whitecaps, scoring 13 times. He was named an NASL North American All-Star in 1982.
For country
Gray made his senior national team debut in 1980. In total, he appeared in 34 international matches for Canada, scoring twice. He started Canada's final two matches at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
FUN FACT: Gray scored for Canada in a 1-1 draw against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in a World Cup qualifying match on November 16, 1980. The 108,000 fans in attendance is believed to be the largest crowd ever to see a Canadian team play, in any sport or place.
