Teitur Thordarson coached the Vancouver Whitecaps to the United States Soccer Federation title in 2008. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press) Teitur Thordarson will continue to coach the Vancouver Whitecaps when they begin play in the Major Soccer League next season, the organization announced Thursday.
Thordarson's contract is for one year, with a team option for 2012.
Thordorson coached the Whitecaps to the United States Soccer Federation title in 2008 and a finals appearance last season.
Currently first in their conference in the USSF's Division 2, the Whitecaps were awarded an MLS expansion team in March of 2009.
"To have the chance to play in the top league in North America is a tremendous opportunity for everyone involved," Thordarson told a news conference Thursday. "Our aim is to be successful from the first kick.
"I am really excited about what lays ahead."
Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi explained Thordorson earned the position with his success at the club thus far.
"We sat down and weighed the pros and cons of should we establish a search," said Lenarduzzi. "We felt Teitur has been successful with us and he has the international experience.
"All of those things considered, why would we tempt fate?"
Before coming to Vancouver, Thordarson coached for 11 years in Norway. He also coached the Estoniannational team between 1996 and 1999.
Vancouver, and Portland, Ore., will be the 17th and 18th franchises to join the league when the new season in next March.
Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot heads the ownership group for Vancouver's MLS team, which also includes:
- NBA star Steve Nash, whose younger brother, Martin, currently plays for the team.
- Jeff Mallett, an owner of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
- Steve Luczo, a part-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics.
