MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Head Coach Vanni Sartini Signs Two-Year Extension

Published on October 21, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - In front of over 24,000 fans at BC Place on Saturday night, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the club has signed head coach Vanni Sartini to a new two-year contract through 2025.

"We are thrilled to officially announce in front of our amazing fans that we have reached an agreement with Vanni to extend his contract," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "Vanni's dedication and passion has shown he can take this club to new heights. He has successfully implemented a strong philosophy and style of play with the team as the leader. Not only has Vanni made an impact in the locker room and on the pitch, but he also continues to energize our club with his enthusiastic personality. He has embraced Vancouver and built strong relationships with our supporters, as well as our staff. We are very pleased to have Vanni as our coach as we look to continue to win trophies and make history."

Whitecaps FC head coach Vanni Sartini

Two-time Canadian Championship winner in 2022 and 2023

Qualified for MLS Cup Playoffs in 2021 and 2023

Qualified for 2023 Concacaf Champions League and 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup

Won the club's seventh Cascadia Cup in 2023

Advanced to the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 and went undefeated

28W-9L-12D home record across all competitions with Whitecaps FC

Highest goals scored per game average in club's MLS history with 1.5

In his first two plus seasons with Whitecaps FC, Sartini has led the club to back-to-back Canadian Championship triumphs and qualified for the 2021 and 2023 editions of the MLS Cup Playoffs. By winning the Canadian Championship twice, the native of Florence, Italy secured qualification for the 2023 Concacaf Champions League and the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. Sartini also managed Whitecaps FC to the Round of 32 of the Leagues Cup and clinched the club's seventh Cascadia Cup title earlier this season.

"I am happy, actually ecstatic, to extend my contract with Whitecaps FC," added Sartini. "Vancouver has become home for me and my wife, and we are very excited to continue to live in this fantastic city. Since the day of my interim appointment, through the two years as head coach, the fans have been amazing both in memorable nights like our two Canadian Championships or the wins against our Cascadia rivals, and at the same time always behind the team and myself in every moment of difficulty. The team has developed and grown a lot over the last two seasons, and I am convinced we are trending towards even more great achievements and special nights. Andiamo!"

Under Sartini, the Blue and White have compiled a record of 38W-31L-27D across all competitions since the Italian took over as interim head coach in August 2021, averaging the highest goals scored per game in the club's MLS history with 1.5. In 2023 alone, the 'Caps have scored a club-record 75 goals across all competitions, with Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate Ryan Gauld and MLS Golden Boot contender Brian White leading the way as the team's main offensive contributors.

Sartini has made BC Place a fortress during his time with the club, posting a 28W-9L-12D home record across all competitions. In MLS regular season action, Sartini sits third in the league in home wins with 24, fifth in the Western Conference in goals scored with 116, and tied for ninth in the league for wins with 31 since being named interim head coach. The 'Caps have also gained the fifth-most points from losing positions in the league with 30 and sit 11th in clean sheets with 20 during that span.

Sartini, who was permanently named head coach in November 2021, originally arrived in Vancouver as a first team assistant coach prior to the start of the 2019 MLS season. Following two years as an assistant, Sartini's role evolved to lead the club's academy program as the director of methodology and U-23's head coach. Sartini oversaw the implementation of development, training and coach education philosophies used throughout the club.

Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Sartini was head coach of A.S. Mezzana for three seasons, an assistant coach with A.S. Livorno Calcio - whom he helped earn promotion to Serie A - and an assistant coach with S.S.C. Bari. He later worked in opposition analysis for the Italian youth national teams at the U-17, U-19, and U-21 levels, and was a coach educator for both the Italian Football Federation and U.S. Soccer.

Sartini holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification available, and is fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, and Japanese.

- whitecapsfc.com -

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