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Canadian soccer player, coach (b. 1941) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Metro Gerela is a Canadian soccer coach and former professional soccer player.
Born: | April 22, 1941 Sarrail, Alberta, Canada |
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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.