Metro Gerela
Metro Gerela is a Canadian soccer coach and former professional soccer player.
Born: | April 22, 1941 Sarrail, Alberta, Canada |
---|---|
Career information | |
Position(s) | Kicker |
College | none |
Career history | |
As player | |
1968 | Montreal Alouettes |
In 1953, during the first Vancouver Sun Tournament of Champions (Youth Provincial Cup Competition Finals) played in Callister Park, Gerela (Powell River) was chosen to be the first "Sun Soccer Boy".[1]
On October 17, 1964, Gerela led the New Westminster Royals to a 5 – 1 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds with two goals.
Gerela was head coach of the Capilano College Blues women's soccer team from 1992 to 1994.[2] He held the position of technical director at the Wesburn youth soccer club in 2004.[3] He was the coach of the Croatia Sports Club soccer team in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League's Premier division.[4]
He is married to Silvana Burtini, a police officer and formerly with the WUSA's Carolina Courage and a past member of Canada women's national soccer team.[3]
He was a member of the 1979 Vancouver Whitecaps, who in 2011 were recognized as a Canada Soccer Hall of Fame Team of Distinction. Gerela was the head scout.[5]
Gerela played two games (as a punter) for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 1968.[6]
His two brothers were also football placekickers: Ted Gerela played with the British Columbia Lions and Roy Gerela with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.
References
- Fryatt, Dave (2002). "THE PCSL - When did soccer have its beginnings in British Columbia?". pcsl.org. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
- "Metro Gerela". capilanou.ca. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
- Mackin, Bob (17 September 2003). "Girls Got Game". Vancouver Courier. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
- Berridge, Tom (31 March 2007). "Croatia can clinch berth Saturday". burnabynow.com. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
- Honouring the 1979 NASL champion Vancouver Whitecaps
- "Montreal Allouettes all-time roster (alphabetical)" (PDF). Montreal Alouettes. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
External links
- Fleming, Andrew (16 February 2011). "Dogged pursuit pays off". burnabynow.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.