The Abbotsford News from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada • 14

A14 The Abbotsford Mission News Saturday, March 8, 2003 MARINER VICTORY fir FRASER VALLEYcv9 HOMEI 3L rirf GARDEN SHOW Friday, March 14th WIN! A Toro self-propelled lawnmower, valued at $489! Abbotsford Mariners under-15 player Nick Thiessen looks for a play against a Burnaby Spartans defender in recent soccer action. The Mariners won the game 3-1 with two goals from Cam Mackinnon. Whats in a name? Lots Saturday, March A Weber Silver CEA Barbecue, Sunday, March 16 WIN! A NEW VALUED AT And shell have plenty of company, as we expect to sign several more U-19 stars shortly. Bob Lenarduzzi is Director of Soccer Operations for the Vancouver Whitecaps. For Seasons Tickets and Summer Camps, ufiu summer iumps, ir visit www.

whitecapssoc- BOB LENARDUZZI MARCH 14-16 at TRADEX ABBOTSFORD Pi I hkJIL 15 WIN! valued at $649! VISIT HOME DEPOT for discount admission tickets while they last (Abbotsford store only), and the show every day for your chance to WIN one of these fabulous prizes from HOME DEPOTI 0 Ssrcton t- Free Kicks Doors (si MlSWAlTOH. visit Plreustl Fiyijooa Plumbing An Important step in the evolution of Vancouver pro soccer took place recently, with the unveiling of the name Whitecaps FC, the banner under which our mens, womens, and youth teams will all operate. More than just a simple renaming, this is part of a long-term commitment to establishing a European-style club structure, similar to those of such famous clubs as Manchester United, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. There had been a lot of build-up and speculation surrounding the name change of the Breakers womens team, and we received a great number of catchy suggestions in our Rename the Team contest. In the end, we felt that a more comprehensive and unifying approach was called for, and so we took the name Whitecaps, with all its proud history and universal appeal, and broadened it to encompass our entire organization.

Now, instead of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Breakers, we have the Whitecaps Mens Team and Whitecaps Womens Team, just as we have the Canadian National Mens and Womens Teams. Its a move that just seems right, and it becomes more and more natural with every passing day The name Whitecaps has nearly thirty years of tradition, and is recognized the world over. Our womens team now gets to share in that heritage. And with their superb play over the past two seasons, not to mention their bright prospects for the coming year, they are certainly a credit to the name Whitecaps. Speaking of bright prospects, they dont come much brighter than Vancouvers latest new signing in 16-year-old National Team superstar Kara Lang.

This talented midfielder from Ontario has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in the past year, starting with her early successes on the National Team and then reaching iconic status with Canadas much-celebrated U-19 squad. Langs skill on the ball and devastating shooting prowess speak for themselves on the field, but Im equally impressed with how well spoken this youngster is off the field. Whether its running at pace with the ball at her feet, or standing in front of a camera in an interview, J-ang is an unbelievably mature and poised individual. Its no wonder shes quickly become one of the most popular female athletes in Canada, a role which she handles remarkably well. Kara Lf ng is sure to be a huge fan-favorite at Swangard this season.

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