OT: 2024 Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps Thread

[SeawaterOnIce]

Would be a sad development, at basically the same time as the World Cup comes to Vancouver--that they lost their MLS team. Not a great look for local soccer.

At one time, Vancouver was seen as a 'soccer hotbed' in North America. But that was 'then' and this is 'now'.

There's just too many things going against the viability of an MLS franchise here. You need year after year growth and that requires a population that can emotionally and financially invest into the sport. A lot of locals who were born and raised here are solely invested in the Vancouver Canucks.

Ultimately we are a small market franchise in a league that has seen insane growth. Markets down south have the diverse population that can sustain stable revenue and can afford to bring in established stars that can sell tickets. It's really unfortunate because I was pulling for South Asian talent to emerge from the WCFC academy or for us to maybe sign Sunil Chhetri. It would have been a huge shot in the arm into tapping into a market but alas....it just hasn't happened.

 

[VanJack]

There's just too many things going against the viability of an MLS franchise here. You need year after year growth and that requires a population that can emotionally and financially invest into the sport. A lot of locals who were born and raised here are solely invested in the Vancouver Canucks.

Ultimately we are a small market franchise in a league that has seen insane growth. Markets down south have the diverse population that can sustain stable revenue and can afford to bring in established stars that can sell tickets. It's really unfortunate because I was pulling for South Asian talent to emerge from the WCFC academy or for us to maybe sign Sunil Chhetri. It would have been a huge shot in the arm into tapping into a market but alas....it just hasn't happened.

I was looking at the MLS Clubs list. And while I agree that Vancouver isn't exactly a 'big market' MLS team, they're not nearly the smallest either.

I'm looking at teams in Austin, Texas; Cincinnati; Charlotte; Salt lake City; Portland and Nashville and they aren't exactly big places. And even St. Louis and Kansas City aren't as big cities as they used to be. And a lot of these markets have fierce competition from the NFL, the NBA, College Football and the NHL.

I don't profess to know why Vancouver's MLS team is losing so much money. And why they can't draw more fans to B.C. Place. Vancouver was a soccer hotbed back in the day.....but it slowly just faded away.

 

[Jroach]

Daniel Ríos to Vancouver Whitecaps? Experienced striker joins on loan from Chivas

The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to sign Daniel Ríos on loan from Liga MX side Chivas. The 29-year-old Mexican striker is currently in Vancouver to complete his medical and is supposed to push current [...]

www.transfermarkt.us

I like the Rios acquisition. Having a competent backup striker behind White rather than a guy like Levonte Johnson who provided pretty much nothing but speed/athleticism is pretty big. Good to get some experienced striking talent, even if it's not going to be 'class', it should give White some competition there.

 

[Fatass]

I was looking at the MLS Clubs list. And while I agree that Vancouver isn't exactly a 'big market' MLS team, they're not nearly the smallest either.

I'm looking at teams in Austin, Texas; Cincinnati; Charlotte; Salt lake City; Portland and Nashville and they aren't exactly big places. And even St. Louis and Kansas City aren't as big cities as they used to be. And a lot of these markets have fierce competition from the NFL, the NBA, College Football and the NHL.

I don't profess to know why Vancouver's MLS team is losing so much money. And why they can't draw more fans to B.C. Place. Vancouver was a soccer hotbed back in the day.....but it slowly just faded away.

BC Place is a horrid venue for soccer (and football).
Caps (and Lions) would be doing so much better if the waterfront stadium proposed several years ago was allowed to be built. Imo the Caps will be sold and relocated.

 

[Frostage]

I know it has been said time and time again but Aquaman's willingness to spend and impatience would work well in the MLS, especially with the new "cash for player" rule. He could buy a number of quality players in one off-season.

As for declining viewers/attendance the Whitecaps don't seem to do themselves any favours with their marketing. Additionally, as remarked on above, BC Place is not a great venue and has stupid clear bag rules and mandatory bag checks which annoy people.