Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
Sports

Whitecaps Striker And Former Welsh International Robert Earnshaw Retires

The Canadian Press, 28 Jan, 2016 11:54 AM
    Vancouver Whitecaps striker Robert Earnshaw announced his retirement on Thursday.
     
    The former Welsh international played 18 professional seasons, scoring 220 goals in 520 games for clubs in England, Scotland, Israel, Canada and the United States.
     
    Earnshaw added 16 goals in 59 appearances for Wales and is the only player to record a hat trick in every professional league in England, including the FA Cup and League Cup, and for his country.
     
    The 34-year-old will remain in Vancouver as the head coach Whitecaps' under-14 team, and as the club's strikers coach.
     
    "I'm excited and ready to move on to the next stage of my life," Earnshaw said in a release. "It was important for me to retire as a player on my own terms and the opportunity to join Vancouver's coaching staff solidified my decision."
     
    Earnshaw spent one season with the Whitecaps after signing as a free agent last March and scored a 90th-minute winner in his debut against the Portland Timbers just three days later.
     
    But he was a fringe player for most of the campaign and didn't score again until the finale against the Houston Dynamo.
     
    "I had the pleasure of playing with (Earnshaw) at both the club and country level and last year as his coach," said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. "He was a model player throughout his career."
     
    He finishes his Major League Soccer career with 13 goals in 41 appearances with Toronto, Chicago and Vancouver.
     
    Born in Zambia, Earnshaw moved to Wales when he was nine and scored against Germany in his senior national team debut in May 2002.
     
    "Football has been a big part of my life since I can remember," he added. "It's been an honour to play for a living and I am fortunate to be able to continue in the sport that I love."

    MORE Sports ARTICLES

    Whitecaps Sign Defender Kendall Waston To Multi-year Contract Extension

    The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Kendall Waston to a multi-year contract extension, the club announced Thursday.

    Whitecaps Sign Defender Kendall Waston To Multi-year Contract Extension

    Lions GM Buono Says Andrew Harris' Comments Will Have 'Negative Effect' In Locker-room

    SURREY, B.C. — B.C. Lions general manager Wally Buono says Andrew Harris voicing his season-long frustration following the club's playoff exit won't impact contract negotiations with the impending free agent.

    Lions GM Buono Says Andrew Harris' Comments Will Have 'Negative Effect' In Locker-room

    Future Uncertain For Severely Injured Manitoba Junior Hockey Player Braden Pettinger

    Future Uncertain For Severely Injured Manitoba Junior Hockey Player Braden Pettinger
     20-year-old defenceman with the Portage la Prairie Terriers, took a spill in a match with the Winnipeg Blues in Winnipeg on Nov. 12.

    Future Uncertain For Severely Injured Manitoba Junior Hockey Player Braden Pettinger

    Futures Of Harris, Lulay The Biggest Off-season Questions For B.C. Lions

    Futures Of Harris, Lulay The Biggest Off-season Questions For B.C. Lions
    SURREY, B.C. — Andrew Harris sounded a lot like a player with one foot already out the door.

    Futures Of Harris, Lulay The Biggest Off-season Questions For B.C. Lions

    NHL Defenceman Clayton Stoner Accused Of Illegal Bear Hunting To Enter Plea In Vancouver

    NHL Defenceman Clayton Stoner Accused Of Illegal Bear Hunting To Enter Plea In Vancouver
    An NHL player accused of illegally shooting a grizzly bear is expected to enter a plea in a Vancouver court on Friday after several adjournments in the case.

    NHL Defenceman Clayton Stoner Accused Of Illegal Bear Hunting To Enter Plea In Vancouver

    York Striker Nour Ghoneim Captures Cis Women's Soccer Player Of Year Award

    York Striker Nour Ghoneim Captures Cis Women's Soccer Player Of Year Award
    The Aurora, Ont., native has been an offensive force for the Lions, with a career scoring average of more than a goal per game in conference play — 56 goals in 53 games.

    York Striker Nour Ghoneim Captures Cis Women's Soccer Player Of Year Award