THIS IS 50 TOGETHER

Below you will find key moments, alumni, and club history from our 50 years together. For five decades, we have stood side by side, forging a legacy that has left an indelible mark on Canadian soccer. From the cheers that echoed through Empire Field, the championships at Swangard Stadium, to the unforgettable moments at BC Place, your unwavering support has been the foundation of our journey.

1974-1978

1979-1984

1986-1992

1993-2000

2001-2010

2011

50_th Anniversary Partners

Through the Years

December 11, 1973

Where it all Started

Denny Veitch and Herb Capozzi officially announced the Vancouver Whitecaps franchise on the top floor of a downtown Vancouver Davie Street hotel as the club began life in the original North American Soccer League (NASL).

May 5, 1974

First Match

The Vancouver Whitecaps played their first ever match on May 5, 1974, when they fell to a 2-1 home defeat to San Jose Earthquakes. Though the first match was a loss, the crowd saw defender Neil Ellett write his name in the history books that day by scoring the club's first-ever goal in the league.

September 8, 1979

Soccer bowl Champions

The ‘Caps became the city’s first professional sports team to win a major North American Championship when they defeated Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Upon return to Vancouver on Sept. 9, 1979, as many as 100,000 people lined Vancouver’s Robson Street to salute their heroes during a championship parade, arguably creating the most historic moment in Whitecaps history.

June 20, 1983

BC PLace

Vancouver Whitecaps play the first sporting event at newly-built BC Place Stadium, defeating rivals Seattle Sounders 2-1 in front of a crowd of 60,342.

July 26, 1986

Vancouver 86ers

Following the demise of the NASL, the Vancouver 86ers were launched in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) by the West Coast Soccer Society, led by many of the same names from the NASL era including Tony Waiters, Les Wilson, Buzz Parsons, and Bob Lenarduzzi. Unsuccessful attempts were made to purchase the Whitecaps name. Vancouver 86ers were named to commemorate the year of the team’s founding, the 86 principal contributors, Expo '86, and the year the city of Vancouver was founded (1886).

June 5, 1988 - August 8, 1989

Setting records

The 86ers set a North American professional sports record by going 46 games unbeaten (37 wins and nine draws), at the time eclipsing the Montreal Canadians (28), Philadelphia Flyers (35), and even the English football record set by Nottingham Forest (42).

October 6, 1991

Champions

Vancouver 86ers defeat Toronto Blizzard 5-3 at Swangard Stadium to win their fourth straight MITA Cup as CSL champions. They dominated the league, winning the title in four of the six seasons from 1987 to 1992.

October 26, 2000

BAck to Whitecaps

After widespread public support, the 86ers formally changed their name back to the Whitecaps after their new owner, David Stadnyk, purchased the naming rights from former NASL Whitecaps director John Laxton.

August 6, 2006

W-LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Whitecaps women claim their second W-League title in three seasons, defeating Ottawa Fury 3-0 at Swangard Stadium. They won their first title on August 8, 2004 when they defeated New Jersey Wildcats in a shootout at the W-League Finals in Ottawa, Ontario. In 2006, they repeated by beating Ottawa Fury at Swangard Stadium.

October 12, 2008

2 titles. 3 seasons.

The Whitecaps men win their second USL First Division title in three seasons, defeating Puerto Rico Islanders 2-1 at Swangard Stadium. They won their first title on September 30, 2006 when they beat Rochester Raging Rhinos 3-0 on the road.

March 18, 2009

major league soccer

MLS commissioner Don Garber announces that Vancouver would be the home of the 17th team in Major League Soccer (MLS).

March 19, 2011

first mls match

Vancouver Whitecaps FC play their inaugural match in MLS, defeating fellow Canadian side Toronto FC 4-2 in a riveting match at Empire Field. Eric Hassli scores the club’s first goal in their MLS history.

June 7, 2023

run it back

Whitecaps FC win the Canadian Championship for a third time, lifting the Voyagerus Cup after defeating CF Montreal 2-1 at BC Place. The ‘Caps also won in 2022 when beat Toronto FC in a shootout, and in 2015 when they won 2-0 in the second leg over the then-named Montreal Impact.

TROPHY CASE

NASL SOCCER BOWL

1979

The 'Caps became the city’s first professional sports team to win a major North American Championship when they defeated Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1 on September 8, 1979.

CSL CHAMPIONSHIP

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

From 1988 to 1991, the Vancouver 86ers established themselves as a powerhouse in the Canadian Soccer League, winning an unprecedented four-straight league championship titles.

North American Club Championship

1990

Vancouver 86ers, champions of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL), defeated American Professional Soccer League (APSL) champions Maryland Bays 3-2 at Swangard Stadium on September 26, 1990 to win the North American Club Championship.

USL W-LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

2004, 2006

The Whitecaps FC women became the first Canadian team to win the USL W-League in 2004, going unbeaten and defeating the favoured New Jersey Wildcats in the final. They won again in 2006, again going unbeaten and winning the final over Ottawa Fury at Swangard Stadium.

USL CHAMPIONSHIP

2006, 2008

The ‘Caps men won their first-ever USL championship in 2006 after a fourth-place finish in the regular season. The club won it all again in 2008.

CASCADIA CUP

2004, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2023

The Cascadia Cup is contested between Vancouver, Portland, and Seattle. It is awarded annually to the team with the best head-to-head record over their Pacific Northwest rivals in the regular season.

VOYAGEURS CUP

2015, 2022, 2023

The Voyageurs Cup was created by the Voyageurs Canadian soccer supporters. Since 2008, it has been awarded to the winner of the Canadian Championship, who qualifies for the Concacaf Champions Cup. The 'Caps have won the title three times.

Introducing The 50 jersey

Immerse yourself in a half-century of ‘Caps heritage with The 50 Jersey.

More than just a jersey, this is where past meets present. It symbolizes both the rich history and promising future of our beloved club, and is a reflection of our shared passion. Here’s to the last fifty years of unforgettable moments, on and off the pitch.

Wear yours with pride and get ready for the next fifty.