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.
RANDY SAMUEL
A Trinidad-born, Canadian raised international defender, Randy Samuel had a storied professional career that spanned three separate decades. His work on the pitch took him to domestic leagues in North America, Netherlands, England, and Norway over the course of his career that began in 1983 and ended in 2001.
For club
After growing up in Richmond, BC and graduating from McNair High School, Samuel was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 1981 NASL draft. He would instead begin his pro career with Edmonton Eagles of the Canadian Professional Soccer League before joining the Whitecaps in 1984.
Following time abroad, Samuel returned to Vancouver in 1998 to play with the 86ers, scoring two goals in 21 appearances.
For country
Samuel had a lengthy international career for Canada, making 82 appearances for his country over 14 years. He played in four World Cup qualification runs, and started in all three matches for the Red and White at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
FUN FACT: Samuel’s 82 international caps were a Canadian national team record up until 2010, when he was surpassed by Paul Stalteri.
