The Vancouver Whitecaps have re-signed one of their most popular and talented players from last season, the linchpin of their defence, Rick Titus of Mississaugua.
With training camp still six weeks away, Titus becomes the latest, and perhaps biggest, in a series of early signings by Director of Soccer Operations and General Manager Bobby Lenarduzzi of Vancouver, as the Whitecaps continue their drive to put together a championship contender for the 2001 season.
"Rick had an immense impact on our club when we brought him on board last year," said Lenarduzzi, "we were looking for a player who could be slotted into the sweeper position and marshal our defence with skill and authority, and that's exactly what he did. He also has the confidence and ability to play the ball out of the back with a fair degree of style."
Titus signed with Vancouver on June 13, 2000, and went on to play every minute of every game for his new club through both the regular season and playoffs. He was the only Vancouver player to be honoured at the A-League post-season awards when he was named to the Second All-League Team, which is the end-of-season equivalent of the mid-season All-Stars. He was also named Vancouver's Defensive Player of the Year at the team awards ceremony.
Titus started his career at the age of 18 playing in Ontario's semi-professional National Soccer League and also spent time in the Canadian Soccer League with the Toronto Blizzard. After many years playing in the NSL, he broke into the A-League with the Toronto Lynx in 1997. He joined the powerful Hershey Wildcats in 1999, but was traded midseason to the Staten Island Vipers for cash and a 1st round draft pick. The Vipers subsequently folded in the off-season, making Titus a free agent when he came to Vancouver. Titus has played exactly 100 A-League games to date, scoring one goal and two assists.
Rick Titus, (6'1" 175 lbs; 185cm, 80kg) was born March 10, 1969 in Mississaugua, Ontario. He learned his youth soccer in Toronto, and played varsity soccer for the University of Toronto.
Rick Titus' Vancouver Playing Statistics (includes playoffs)
Year GP GS Min G A Pts GWG C E
2000 21 21 1969 0 1 1 0 0 0