Bruce Wilson (soccer)


Bruce Alec Wilson (born June 20, 1951) is a former NASL and Canadian international soccer player. He played the second most games of any player in the former league, 299 (276 regular season and 23 playoff). He also captained the Canadian team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup finals. In 2012 as part of the Canadian Soccer Association's centennial celebration, he was named to the all-time Canada XI men's team.[1]

Bruce Wilson
Personal information
Full name Bruce Alec Wilson
Date of birth (1951-06-20) June 20, 1951
Place of birth Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Fullback
Youth career
Norburn
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1970 Vancouver Spartans
1970–1971 Vancouver Columbus FC
1971–1972 Vancouver Inter-Italia
1973–1974 Vancouver Italia
1974–1977 Vancouver Whitecaps 92 (4)
1978–1979 Chicago Sting 60 (0)
1980 New York Cosmos 18 (0)
1981–1984 Toronto Blizzard 106 (3)
1985 Toronto Inex Canada
National team
1974–1986 Canada "A" 57 (0)
1974–1984 Canada "B" 10 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

After starting his career as an attacking player, he switched to outside fullback where his career flourished in the NASL. He played for the Vancouver Whitecaps from 1974 to 1977, the Chicago Sting in 1978 and 1979, the New York Cosmos in 1980, and the Toronto Blizzard from 1981 to 1984. He was a six-time all-star selection, including three first-team selections (Vancouver in 1977, Chicago in 1979, Toronto in 1984).

Wilson made 57 international "A" appearances for Canada, a record he held at retirement until it was surpassed by Mike Sweeney. In 1998, he was selected to a CONCACAF "team of the century", the only Canadian to receive the honour. Wilson also represented Canada at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics at a time when lower-ranked countries were allowed to field professional players. The Canadian team reached the quarter-final stage, losing to Brazil.

Wilson became player-coach of the post-NASL Blizzard in 1985 when they were known as Toronto Inex. The Wilson led Inex played one season of friendlies against touring sides including Linfield and Everton before shutting down. Wilson became head coach of the University of Victoria men's soccer team in 1987. He also coached the Victoria Vistas in the Canadian Soccer League.

In 2000 Wilson was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2003, he was also elected to the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame.[2]

Coaching career

Bruce has been head coach of the University of Victoria Vikes for over three decades.

References
  1. "Association announces All-Time Canada XI - men's team - Canada Soccer". www.canadasoccer.com.
  2. "National Soccer Hall of Fame Announces Induction Class of 2003". www.ussoccer.com.


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