VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that head coach Teitur Thordarson and goalkeeper coach Mike Salmon have left the club with immediate effect.
“Teitur and Mike have served the club extremely well in recent seasons, but we feel that today’s changes are necessary in order to accelerate the process of turning around our difficult start to the season,” said Paul Barber, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “We wish Teitur and Mike well for the future.”
Whitecaps FC also announced today that current director of soccer operations, Tom Soehn, has assumed responsibility as head coach for the remainder of the 2011 season. Soehn will be supported by assistant coaches Denis Hamlett, who joined Whitecaps FC at the start of the season, and Colin Miller, now in his second season with the club.
“Tommy brings extensive experience in Major League Soccer, and in the past year, has immersed himself in the culture of our club. Supported by Denis Hamlett and Colin Miller, we have an excellent balance of Whitecaps and MLS knowledge and expertise,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president.
For biographies of Whitecaps FC technical staff, visit whitecapsfc.com/technical-staff.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. This year, Whitecaps FC began their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field and will move into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver in early October.
