Charles Gbeke to Sign
Published on April 30, 2003 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Vancouver Whitecaps News Release
VANCOUVER (Wednesday, April 30, 2003) - Pending league approval, the Whitecaps F.C. Men's Team will sign powerful striker Charles Gbeke (pronounced BEE-kay), a native of the Ivory Coast who grew up in Montreal. This will be the 25-year-olds' third time with Vancouver, after spells with the club in 1998 and 2001.
As he was in 2001, Gbeke was one of Vancouver's leading scorers in the preseason, with 2 goals and an assist in 3 games. In 2001, he netted 5 preseason goals in 6 games while playing as a defender. Noted for his size, power, and tremendous strength in the air, the 6' 2" Gbeke is also known for his sometimes unorthodox play and acrobatic bicycle kicks.
Gbeke moved to Vancouver from Montreal in 1997, and quickly made an impact on the local amateur soccer scene with his flamboyant style of play. He was the leading scorer in the Pacific Coast Soccer League in 1998 with the Vancouver Explorers, and at the same time became the feature performer in the Umbro-86ers Development League with the Surrey Athletics, resulting in the term "Gbeke-mania". He signed with the Vancouver 86ers that season, but didn't see league action, under coach Carl Valentine.
Gbeke has spent time overseas in France and Brazil on trial with a number of clubs. He was with French First Division side Trois during the 1999-2000 season, and in Brazil with Second Division sides Comercil in the 2000-01 season and Matsubara in the 2002-03 season.
After strong preseason play with Vancouver in 2001, Gbeke surprisingly signed with rival Seattle Sounders, but left after only one league game when the Sounders were unable to secure his US work permit. He then signed with Vancouver as a defender, under coach Dale Mitchell, but couldn't crack the starting line-up, and appeared in only three matches.
Charles Gbeke (6'2" 200 lb; 188 cm 91 kg) was born March 15, 1978 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He and his family moved to Montreal when he was 13.
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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from April 30, 2003
- The Whitecaps announce exciting new elements for their Home Opener - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Newcastle United Youngster Craig Robson to Sign with 'Caps - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Charles Gbeke to Sign - Vancouver Whitecaps
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