MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Name Thordarson Inaugural MLS Head Coach

Published on September 2, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC took an important step in shaping the identity of their Major League Soccer (MLS) team today, as the club announced Teitur Thordarson as the team's inaugural head coach when it begins play as the 17th team in MLS in March 2011. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"Over the past two-and-a-half seasons, Teitur has done an outstanding job as a leader, a motivator, and a teacher," said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. "His extensive experiences as a coach and player in the top leagues in Europe have had a huge impact on our club, as a whole. Teitur has a proven history of success, while setting very high standards, both for himself and those around him."

A native of Akranes, Iceland, the 58-year-old Thordarson has enjoyed three successful seasons as Whitecaps FC head coach - having initially joined the club on December 11, 2007. In what was his first year of coaching in North American professional soccer, the former Iceland international striker led Whitecaps FC to the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) championship title following a second-place finish in the USL-1 standings with a record of 15W-7L-8D. The 'Caps won the USL-1 Championship Final with a 2-1 victory over Puerto Rico Islanders at Swangard Stadium on October 12, 2008. Thordarson also led the men's team to notable wins over MLS clubs Los Angeles Galaxy (international friendly) and Toronto FC (Nutrilite Canadian Championship) that season.

His second year in charge was just as eventful. After making several changes to the squad in the off-season, Thordarson's side endured a more difficult USL-1 regular season campaign, as they claimed the league's final playoff berth with a record of 11W-10L-9D. However, a fine playoff run saw the 'Caps make the finals for a second straight year before falling 6-3 on aggregate to Canadian rivals Montreal Impact. It was also under Thordarson that Whitecaps FC suffered heartbreak in the 2009 Nutrilite Canadian Championship after being edged to the title by Toronto FC on goal difference.

Thordarson's third season at the helm has been a more consistent campaign, with the 'Caps leading the NASL Conference in the United States Soccer Federation Division-2 Professional League (USSF D-2) with a record of 9W-3L-13D. Their form defensively, and away from home, have Whitecaps FC in a strong position to challenge for the USSF D-2 title come playoff time this October. In total, Thordarson has amassed a combined record of 44W-27L-37D with Vancouver.

"It is a great privilege and honour to be leading Whitecaps FC as their head coach in Major League Soccer," said Thordarson. "Since joining the club nearly three years ago, I have been part of many fantastic experiences, both on and off the pitch. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity and challenge that comes with being the club's inaugural head coach, as we return to the top level of professional soccer in North America."

Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Thordarson compiled an extensive coaching resume in the professional leagues of Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and his native Iceland from 1987 to 2006. The majority of his coaching career was spent in Norway's top-flight Eliteserien, where he coached for 11 seasons with clubs like SK Brann, FC Lyn Oslo, and Lillestrøm SK. He also had a successful spell at the helm of Estonian club Flora Tallinn and the Estonian national team between 1996 and 1999. For his work in developing Estonian soccer, Thordarson received a medal from the President of Estonia in February 2000. More recently, he led Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Football Club) of the Úrvalsdeild - Iceland's premier division - to a second-place league finish and a spot in the Icelandic Cup final in 2006.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Thordarson enjoyed a successful playing career as a striker for nearly two decades. Thordarson signed his first professional contract at the age of 17 with his hometown club Íróttabandalag Akraness (ÍA) in 1969 and would later play with Swedish teams Jönköpings Södra IF, Östers IF, and Skövde AIK, Swiss side Yverdon-Sport FC, and French clubs Racing Club de Lens and Association Sportive de Cannes.

It was in France that Thordarson played under two legends in the sport in former Liverpool and France national team manager Gerard Houllier, as a member of RC Lens, and current Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger, while at AS Cannes.

A former Iceland national team captain, Thordarson also had an impressive international career, as he scored nine goals in 41 appearances for his country between 1972 and 1985.

Whitecaps FC MLS season tickets deposits have surpassed the 14,000 mark and fans are encouraged to secure their seats for next season today. For more information on MLS season tickets, call 604.669.WAVE (9283) or visit whitecapsfc.com.

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