Established
2009
City
Vancouver
League History
2011 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2011 – Present / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Nickname
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC is one of the most iconic teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). But what’s the story behind their nickname? How did they come up with such a unique and creative name?
The team was founded in 2009, making them one of MLS’ newest franchises. Initially, several names were being considered for Vancouver’s new soccer club. Some suggestions included “White Sharks” and “ThunderCaps." Ultimately, it was decided that "Whitecaps" would best represent the city's maritime heritage.
The term 'whitecap' is derived from white-capped waves – a common sight along British Columbia's coastlines due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. In addition, this name also pays homage to Canada's national sport: hockey! As many may know, Vancouver has been home to two NHL teams over time: The Canucks and Giants; both have white caps as part of their logo designs!
It should also be noted that while some people think Whitecaps FC is named after BC Place Stadium (which features an iconic roof made up entirely of white panels), this isn't true. Instead, it's simply coincidental timing since they share similar colors & logos! Regardless though - fans can rest assured knowing that when cheering on their beloved team at matches or watching them play on TV/online streams; they are supporting something extraordinary which has deep roots within Canadian culture & history alike 🙂
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2011 – Present / BC Place
2011 / Empire Field
Owner
2009 - Present / Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett and Steve Nash
- 2006
- 2011
- 2015
- 2020
- 2022
-
Vancouver Whitecaps club Wins USL First Division Championship
In 2006: The club wins its second trophy, the USL First Division Championship, by defeating Rochester Rhinos 3–0 at PAETEC Park. -
Whitecaps FC Team Formation
An ownership group in Vancouver was granted the seventeenth Major League Soccer franchise on March 18, 2009, by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. While no name was provided at the Vancouver announcement, over a year later the club confirmed it would keep the Whitecaps name. In preparation for its first MLS season, the Whitecaps brought in executive talent from around the ... -
Vancouver wins 2015 Amway Canadian Championship
Five times a runner up, historic club Vancouver Whitecaps FC won the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship after a 4-2 aggregate win in the national final. At last, Vancouver have won their prize. Five times a runner up, historic club Vancouver Whitecaps FC won the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship after a 4-2 aggregate win in the national final. The Whitecaps now ... -
Vanni Sartini – Head Coach of Vancouver Whitecaps FC
On 8 September 2020, he was appointed as the head coach of the club’s U-23 team, as well as the Academy’s director of methodology. On 27 August 2021, Sartini took over as interim coach of the Whitecaps’ first team, after the sacking of Marc Dos Santos. On 29 August, Sartini took charge for the first time as Whitecaps’ head coach ... -
Vancouver win Canadian Championship
The Vancouver Whitecaps are the champions of the 2022 Canadian Championship after defeating Toronto FC 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Monday’s Final in Vancouver. With the victory, Vancouver have qualified for the 2023 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, which will be the club’s third appearance in the tournament and their first since 2016-17. The Whitecaps’ best ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a professional Major League Soccer (MLS) soccer team. The club was founded in 2009 and has been playing since then. They are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and play home games at BC Place Stadium.
The team's history dates back to 1974, known as the Vancouver Royal Canadians before becoming the Whitecaps FC in 2011. Since joining MLS, the team has had some success with two Cascadia Cup titles and one Canadian Championship title. In 2015 they made it to CONCACAF Champions League Finals. Unfortunately, they lost on penalties after an epic battle against Mexican side Club America which ended 3-3 on aggregate scoreline over two legs.
The following year saw them qualify for playoffs for the first time. They reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Seattle Sounders' 1-0 aggregate scoreline over two legs, yet again ending up just short of glory!
In recent years, despite having limited resources compared to other teams around the league, Whitecaps had managed to remain competitive thanks primarily due their academy system producing quality players such as Alphonso Davies, who went on to become one of the most expensive transfers from MLS into Europe when he joined Bayern Munich last year for a reported fee close 22 million dollars! This shows how far this club has come since its inception only 11 years ago, proving that anything can be achieved if you put your mind towards it – something any sports fan should appreciate immensely!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history