B.C.'s soccer greats an impressive lineup

By Bob Mackin

Welcome, world.

Or at least the Jordanians, Spaniards, Uruguayans and Zambians here for the opening round of the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium.

While we see some of the future stars of the global game, it's worthy to step back and consider the contemporary "all-time XI" of British Columbia.

Up front:

John Catliff was the blond West Side, private school kid. Domenic Mobilio was the black-haired East Side working class kid. These opposites attracted extra attention from opposing defenders whenever they hit the pitch with the Vancouver 86ers. Both were Canadian Soccer Hall of Famers (Catliff 2004 and Mobilio 2007). Mobilio, who died after a 2004 heart attack, was all-time Canadian Soccer League scoring champ with 81 goals in 121 games. He retired with 170 goals in 286 games over 15 years.

Christine Sinclair set a Canadian record with her 72nd goal in 93 career international games earlier this month. She was voted NCAA's top female athlete last year and led Vancouver Whitecaps to their second W-League championship.

In the middle

Dale Mitchell (2002) was capped 55 times for Canada and spent much of his career with the Portland Timbers of the NASL in between time with the Whitecaps and Montreal Manic. One of the original 86ers, he eventually became coach and is now charged with leading Canada's bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa-after he completes his duties next month with the under-20 team.

Manchester-born Carl Valentine (2003) was perhaps the most successful and beloved Whitecaps' import. He not only made the city his home, but became a Canadian citizen. "Chalky" had 31 caps, including 1986's World Cup appearance, and was an original 86er.

Soccer people don't call Martin Nash "Steve's younger brother." They call him one of the United Soccer Leagues' top midfielders.

At the back

Bob Lenarduzzi (2001). Need we say more? The only Whitecap to play all 11 NASL seasons and founding playing head coach of the 86ers. He's now president of the USL First Division version of the blue and white wave.

Bruce Wilson (2000) was Canada's captain in 1986 and the only Canadian on CONCACAF's team of the century. A stay-at-home defender, his NASL tour of duty included stints in Vancouver, New York, Chicago and Toronto.

Height made Ian Bridge (2003) a valuable defender for Seattle Sounders, Whitecaps and MISL's Tacoma Stars. He played for three CSL teams, including Victoria Vistas, and enjoyed five years in Switzerland's first division. Now he imparts his defensive knowledge to Canada's women's program as U-20 head coach and senior assist head coach.

Chris Franks played a dozen years for the 86ers and Whitecaps and may have played longer if injuries hadn't intervened. As it happens, he became a physiotherapist and now mends the team he once played for.

In goal

You'll have to flip a coin to decide the all-time goalkeeper. Craig Forrest came from Coquitlam but was rarely seen in these parts because of his lengthy career in England's Premier League. He backstopped Canada in its 2000 Gold Cup championship. "Dolie the Goalie," meanwhile, was an 86ers' mainstay. He made his World Cup debut at age 20 and nearly shut out France.

On the sidelines

Tony Waiters coached the Whitecaps to their only NASL Soccer Bowl in 1979, led Canada to the 1984 Olympic quarterfinals and into its only World Cup appearance in 1986. Players like Mitchell, Valentine, Lenarduzzi, Bridge and Wilson eventually became coaches themselves.

published on 06/29/2007