It looks like the Sounders' arch rival maybe on the ropes. We certainly hope Vancouver can find a new source of capital to keep our Pacific Northwest/Canadian Southwest rivalry alive.
From: Alan_Douglas@mindlink.bc.ca (Alan Douglas) Date: Wed, 18 Sep 96 12:30:11 -0800 Subject: NAS Vancouver 86ers likely to fold :-( A long long time ago I can still remember how that team used to make me smile And I knew if I had my chance That I could make those people chant And maybe they'd be happy for a while. But this morning makes me shiver With every email I deliver Bad news on the doorstep I can't take one more step. I can't remember if I cried When I read how much the owner tried But something touched me deep inside The day the Sixers died. Vancouver 86ers owner Milan Ilich, having been unsuccessful in attracting new investors and facing losses of $350,000 this season and $1,500,000 since he took over the team 7 years ago, has told a local newspaper reporter that he will be withdrawing his involvement with the team. Ilich is currently away on a business trip and an official announcement is expected next week. It seems unlikely at this point that a new owner can be found or that the West Coast Soccer Society, the community owned organization that started the team in 1986, can raise sufficient funds to keep the 86ers operating, although efforts to save the team are under way. This is a very grim day for North American soccer. The 86ers have averaged close to 4500 fans, won 11 major trophies over 10 seasons, play in a beautiful little stadium on an immaculate pitch, get good coverage from the media, and have very modest salaries. If they can't stay afloat, then I have trouble seeing how most of the other A-League teams will manage. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go throw up now. Cheers, Alan/
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