Ex-Fiji striker in Whitecaps charity game
The Vancouver Whitecaps team that were inducted into Britain Columbia Sports Hall of Fame will play in the Legends and Stars charity game next month.
Former Fijian football striker Ivor Evans who was a member of the golden generation history making 1989 team that set a North American sports record on their way to a Canadian Soccer League Championship will team up with the legends at the BC Place Stadium. The 1988 edition of the Vancouver 86ers, before the name change, had won the CSL title and when the 1989 campaign began the team kept winning.
Over two seasons, from June 5, 1988 to August 8, 1989, the team remained undefeated in 46 games (37 wins and nine ties).
Ivor says the Vancouver Whitecaps FC has announced the alumni roster for the September 15 match.
“It will be a great opportunity to be on the pitch with the former teammates who were the names in Vancouver soccer”, he said. “I missed out last year as the Caps’ had lost all my contact but I’m glad for the invitation to be a part of this year’s game”.
Fijian Flesh, a name Ivor earned for adroit and silky skills, said he was grateful to former Vancouver resident and scout, Praveen Singh for identifying him during the 1986 Inter-District Championship in Fiji and arranging a tryout with the Vancouver 86ers.
Ivor had an 11-year professional hiatus, earring countless awards in an illustrious career including club record 9 MVP awards, 8 Players Choice award and consecutive 7 Fans Choice award. “Timely break, and the desire to play the sport was the reason I made the team.
“It was some run, playing with and against some of the world’s best footballers between 86- 97, including Italians’ Franko Baresi and Paolo Maldini, Dutchmen Rudd Guilt, Frank Ricard and 1990 World Cup winners, Stefan Reuter, Thomas Habsler and others on the President’s XI tour to Canada in 1991”. The former midfield sensation said the coming together of the alumni is a celebration for a worthy cause as all the funds raised from the event will benefit the BC Children’s Fund.
“I applaud the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the respect and the foresight for helping the needy”, said Ivor.