Bruce Wilson (soccer)


Bruce Alec Wilson is a former NASL and Canadian international soccer player. He played the second most games of any player in the former league, 299. 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.

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.
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.

Coaching career

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