Trio of owners seek buyers on the eve of the playoffs The ownership group of the Vancouver 86ers has sent out an SOS that it wants to sell the team, as the A-League playoffs loom. Club president Milan Ilich, who purchased the 86ers from the non-profit West Coast Soccer Society in 1989, has decided to give up the ghost after seven seasons at the helm, during which the team reportedly lost $1.5 million. Ilich had coaxed business associates Gord Robson and Ken Mahon to come on board last winter, selling each a 25 percent share in the franchise, but the trio decided enough was enough. “It was a difficult decision and took a lot of soul-searching but we think it’s time for us to let go,” said Ilich. “It’s no secret that I haven’t been happy with the financial losses for the last few seasons and, although the deficit will be smaller this season, it will still be substantial.” The 86ers have been averaging around 3,500 fans per game at Swangard Stadium this season and are projecting a loss of about $200,000, down from the $350,000 lost in each of its last two seasons. Don’t blow Taps yet though, a couple of potential investors have already come forward and the team is hopeful that things can be worked out before any deadline the A-League might invoke. Minority partner Robson is optimistic that a transition can be made. “All three of us agree it’s very important for the club to continue to operate and we’re all prepared to continue to be corporate sponsors in the future,” Robson said. “But at this time we feel someone else will be able to do a better job of operating the franchise.” Meanwhile, player-coach Carl Valentine is trying to keep the team on course. “We were reluctant to make the announcement at this time because we didn’t want to do anything to distract coach Valentine and his players from the job at hand as they prepare for the playoffs,” Ilich said. “But, as our decision has been made, we think it’s better for the team if we get the word out now. Once people realize the club is on the market, it will increase our chances of finding new investors and carrying on for years to come.”


Valentine juggles his roster

As it stands Valentine has plenty on his mind entering the playoffs. “We were looking pretty good a couple of weeks ago,” Valentine said. That was during a four-game win streak that put the 86ers within grasp of first place in the Pacific Division. Since, the team went on a California road swing that saw it lose twice, to Orange County 1-0 Aug. 24 and 2-0 to the California Jaguars Aug. 29. The two losses came just after the ownership group’s announcement to curtail its involvement with the team. “Especially against Orange County [the announcement] was a distraction,” Valentine said. “We weren’t focused and ready to play and it cost us first place.” Now, the 86ers enter the playoffs on the road as the third/fourth seed and with injuries and suspensions. Midfielder Paul Dailly has a hurt knee, defender Steve MacDonald has an injured shoulder and 19 caution points (21 and you sit out a game), and Todd Rattee has been out for four weeks with back and knee injuries. Add the suspensions of central defender Richie Sumner and midfielder Craig Dalrymple, both due to caution points, and the international call-up of striker Garret Kusch, whose 28 points are second on the team to Domenic Mobilio’s 31, and goalkeeper Paul Dolan to the Canadian national team for qualifiers against Jamaica Sept. 7 and El Salvador Sept. 14 and Valentine is left in a tight spot. But he is up to the challenge. “If we can get as many people as possible healthy for the playoffs,” said Valentine, “I think we have a good shot at going all the way.” by Soccer America Associate Editor Poul Swain