PROFILE
A versatile midfielder who can play on the left side of midfield or in a central position, Russell Teibert joined Whitecaps FC's Major League Soccer roster after signing a Generation adidas contract as a Homegrown player on March 17, 2011. The native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was one of four players to join Whitecaps FC Residency during its second year of existence. He was named Canadian U-17 Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009, after joining the program on September 10, 2008, and has more than 20 senior international caps since making his debut with the men's national team in 2012. Teibert was awarded the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the Canadian Championship MVP after the ‘Caps won their first-ever Voyageurs Cup in August 2015. In 2016, he set a new club CC record in appearances. Teibert was named the 2017 WFC Humanitarian of the Year and the 2018 Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero. In 2022, Teibert hoisted the club's second ever Voyageurs Cup after the team beat Toronto FC in a penalty shootout at BC Place. The midfielder once again hoisted the coveted trophy in 2023, as the 'Caps secured back-to-back titles by defeating CF Montréal by a score of 2-1 at BC Place. That year, Teibert was the recipient of the clubs Humanitarian of the Year and Jock McDonald Unsung Hero awards.Â
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
'23: Teibert started five of his 15 appearance across all competitions, making seven appearances during the MLS regular season. On August 26, Teibert became the first player in the club’s MLS era to reach 300 appearances across all competitions as he came off the bench in a 3-2 away victory against Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers. The long-time captain was honoured for the milestone prior to the ‘Caps Decision Day clash against Los Angeles FC on October 21. Teibert was also named the 2023 VWFC Humanitarian of the Year (also won the award in 2017) and the winner of 2023 Jock McDonald Unsung Hero award. '22: Teibert recorded 24 starts and 29 appearances during the 2022 MLS regular season, adding an assist on Brian White’s goal against FC Dallas on May 18. The midfielder also set club records throughout the year for most MLS regular season appearances and starts. '21: Teibert enjoyed a career-year in 2021 as he started 29 of his 33 appearances and ranked second amongst outfield players in minutes played with 2,421 during the regular season, with all three statistics ranking as career-highs for the Niagara Falls, Ontario native. The veteran midfielder tallied his first MLS goal since 2018 in a home win against Sporting Kansas City on October 17. The Canadian also added two assists during the season. Teibert led the team in interceptions (47), recoveries from field players (146), successful passes (940) and total pass attempts (1,107) in the regular season. On November 7, Teibert tied Jordan Harvey’s club record for most regular season starts at 169 and made his 253rd Whitecaps FC appearance, putting him ninth in all-time appearances for the club dating back to the NASL era. Teibert also recorded one start in the MLS Cup Playoffs. '20: Teibert tallied 19 starts in 20 appearances for the 'Caps, as he eclipsed Jordan Harvey's club MLS record of 179 matches played. He set a new 'Caps single-season record for passing accuracy with 88.98%, eclipsing a record he set in 2019, while adding an assist in their season finale win over LA Galaxy. In addition, he started the 'Caps Round of 16 match versus Sporting KC at the MLS is Back Tournament. '19: Teibert established a new career-high with 26 starts in 27 appearances, and tallied three assists, his most since 2013. His 88.89% passing accuracy was the best in a single-regular season in club MLS history (min. 1,500 minutes played).'18: Teibert had one of his finest MLS seasons to date, stepping into a leadership role and making 17 starts in 23 appearances, helping the 'Caps to an 9W-4L-4D record when he's in the XI. He scored his first goal in five years in his homecoming at Toronto FC, and tallied two assists on the season. In addition, Teibert led the 'Caps with an 88.07% passing accuracy, was fourth with 36 interceptions, and fifth with 110 recoveries, leading to being recognized at year-end as the 2018 Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero.'17: Teibert made eight starts in 12 regular season appearances for Whitecaps FC.'16: Teibert battled injuries to his left ankle and left hamstring in 2016, limiting him to eight starts in 11 regular season appearances. He reached a personal milestone on August 27 at LA, making his 100th career regular season appearance. '15: Teibert finished the year with 15 starts in 23 regular season appearances, while ranking third in MLS with an 88.64% passing accuracy (min. 20 games played). After being named to the MLS Team of the Week for his main role in the win over LA Galaxy in Week 6, he assisted on the game-winner in the team’s first-ever win at Real Salt Lake, earning him a bench selection to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 7. '14: Teibert alternated between central midfield and left wing in 2014, making a career-high 29 appearances, including 22 starts. At the back, Teibert formed a lock-down pairing alongside destroyer Matias Laba. '13: Teibert had a breakout season, starting 19 of his 24 MLS appearances while scoring two goals. The young Canadian also recorded a team high nine assists, tying the club record in MLS play. The highlight of the season for the midfielder came against Los Angeles Galaxy on May 11, when he scored two second half goals that secured the 'Caps' first victory over the Galaxy since joining MLS. Teibert recorded six assists in four games from the span of June 1 to June 19. After returning from national team duty with Canada at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Teibert assisted on Vancouver's lone goal in a 2-1 defeat at LA Galaxy on July 20. Teibert ended the season on a high, adding one more assist in a 3-0 win over Colorado Rapids on October 27. '12: Teibert made his first appearance of the season when he replaced Camilo Sanvezzo in the late stages of the 2-1 home victory over Real Salt Lake on August 11. His first start of the season came in Whitecaps FC’s 2-0 defeat at LA Galaxy on September 1. '11: Teibert started five of his 11 appearances for Whitecaps FC during the club’s inaugural season in MLS. He made his MLS debut on the left-hand side of midfield during Vancouver's inaugural match in MLS, as Whitecaps FC defeated his former club Toronto FC 4-2 at Empire Field on March 19.
CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
'23: Teibert started all three of the club's Canadian Championship matches, including the Final against CF Montréal on June 7 as the team secured a second consecutive Voyageurs Cup. '22: Teibert started all four of the 'Caps Canadian Championship matches in 2022 en route to hoisting the club's second-ever Voyageurs Cup. The midfielder also recorded a goal against Valour FC in the preliminary round in a 2-0 win at BC Place. '21: Teibert made one appearance off the bench in the Canadian Championship against Pacific FC. '19: Teibert made one start and appearance in the Canadian Championship versus Cavalry FC. '18: Teibert was one of only three 'Caps players to play all 360 minutes of their Canadian Championship campaign, tallying an assist in the first leg of the final versus Toronto FC. '17: Teibert captained the 'Caps side in their Canadian Championship semifinal series versus Montreal Impact, playing all 180 minutes. '16: Teibert appeared in all four CC matches, establishing a new club all-time tournament record, starting in three on the season. '15: In the CC, Teibert played the full 90 minutes in three matches and was awarded the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the tournament MVP in helping the ‘Caps to their first-ever Voyageurs Cup. '14: Teibert also captained Whitecaps FC in both legs of the CC semifinal against Toronto FC. '13: Teibert started all four CC matches for Whitecaps FC. '11: Teibert also appeared in all four matches in the Canadian Championship that year, with Teibert assisting on Terry Dunfield's winning goal, as Whitecaps FC won 1-0 at North American Soccer League side Montreal Impact in the first leg of their semifinal series on April 27.
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
'23: Teibert made three appearances in the 2023 edition of the tournament, starting both quarterfinal legs against Los Angeles FC. '16-'17: Teibert started in each of his four Champions League appearances, recording an assist in the August 23 group stage win versus Sporting Kansas City. '15-'16: Teibert played in three of the four CCL matches, and was captain in the road game at C.D. Olimpia on October 22.
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER RESERVE LEAGUE
'13: Teibert scored a brace to contribute to the Caps' 3-1 win over SFU on March 19. '12: Teibert assisted on Floyd Franks’ first goal for Whitecaps FC reserves during a 2-1 victory at Portland Timbers reserves on May 27. He then assisted on Atiba Harris’ goal during a 2-1 home defeat to San Jose Earthquakes reserves on September 10. '11: Teibert started all four of his matches for Whitecaps FC reserves that season. He made his MLS Reserve League debut during Whitecaps FC reserves' 2-0 defeat at Seattle Sounders FC reserves on June 7.
UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION DIVISION-2 PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE
'10: At 17 years and 221 days, Teibert became the 10th youngest player to appear in a competitive match for Whitecaps FC, as he played the first half of the 2-2 away draw versus Carolina RailHawks on July 31.
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
'12: Teibert made one appearance in the 2012 PDL season, playing 90 minutes. '11: The midfielder’s lone PDL appearance that season was a start during Whitecaps FC Residency's 2-1 home win over defending PDL champions Portand Timbers U-23's on June 12. '10: Teibert assisted on Brayden Gant's goal during the 5-2 defeat at Washington Crossfire on June 25. He then scored a fine winning goal in the late stages of a 2-1 away win over Abbotsford Mariners on July 4 before claiming an assist during a 5-1 victory at Spokane Spiders on July 17. Teibert then scored in the 6-2 home defeat to Kitsap Pumas on July 21. In 12 appearances, Teibert played over 1,000 minutes of action during his second PDL season. '09: Teibert made his PDL debut in the Residency team's 2-1 home victory over Abbotsford Mariners on May 17. The midfielder then scored his first PDL goal in a 2-1 home defeat to Seattle Wolves on June 5. Teibert also recorded two assists during the Residency team's 6-0 home win over Spokane Spiders on June 13. Teibert started all of his 14 appearances in his rookie season in the PDL.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC RESIDENCY
'09-'10: Teibert started all five friendly matches of the Residency team's two-week trip to Spain in November 2009, scoring a goal in each of the first three games in the Spanish capital. Those strikes came against Club Atlético de Madrid, Getafe Club de Fútbol, and Torrelodones Club de Fútbol. In the spring of 2010, Teibert started all three Bracket D matches in the U-19 Super Group at Dallas Cup XXXI. Those starts came against Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt, United States national team (91/92), and Mexico national team (91/92). He also played the second half of the 1-1 friendly draw with Germany's TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on April 3. '08-'09: Teibert appeared in all five of the Residency's friendly matches during their successful 12-day tour of Japan in December 2008. He scored in the team's 4-1 victory over Takigawa Kobe U-19's on December 8. In April 2009, the midfielder started the last four U-19 Super Group matches at Dallas Cup XXX. Those starts included victories over Argentina's Club Atletico River Plate and Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as the final versus Sao Paulo FC of Brazil. In May 2009, Teibert appeared in all four friendly matches during the Residency team's two-week trip to Germany. This included games against the U-19 Junior Bundesliga sides of FC Energie Cottbus, Hansa Rostock, and Hertha Berlin. The midfielder also appeared in the 2009 INSEL-CUP junior international tournament during the trip.
TORONTO FC ACADEMY
'08: The midfielder had a brief spell with Toronto FC Academy, where he appeared for their U-16 side in the Reserve Division of the eastern-based Canadian Soccer League that summer. In July, the midfielder/forward also made three starts and one substitute appearance at the Soccer United Marketing (SUM) U-17 Cup tournament in Colorado. Teibert helped TFC Academy U-16's finish atop of Group B with three straight victories before losing 2-0 in the semifinals to eventual tournament champions Real Salt Lake.
INTERNATIONAL
Senior: Impressing as a second-half substitute, Teibert made his senior international debut during Canada’s 2-0 friendly win over Concacaf rivals Trinidad & Tobago in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 15, 2012. The young midfielder was then called up again in January 2013, starting and playing 60 minutes in a 4-0 defeat against Denmark on January 26, then starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with the United States. Later in 2013, he also featured in the Concacaf Gold Cup match versus Martinique, and friendly matches versus Mauritania, Australia, and the Czech Republic. In November 2014, Teibert came on as a second-half substitute in the scoreless friendly draw versus Panama. Teibert would have a busy 2015 in international competition, appearing in friendlies versus Iceland (twice), Guatemala, and Puerto Rico, before scoring his first senior international goal in the 2-0 win over Dominica on June 11, and then recording an assist in the 3-0 win over Belize on September 4, both in World Cup Qualifying action. He would also be called up to the fourth round of qualifiers in November but would not play due to an abdomen injury. He was also called up to the Concacaf Gold Cup, making three appearances for Canada. After missing significant time with injuries, Teibert made his return to international competition in June 2017, subbing on in the 2-1 friendly win over Curaçao, followed by a pair of appearances in the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup. He also made a pair of starts and a substitute appearance in the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League qualifying, assisting on the game-winner versus St. Kitts and Nevis. He also made a start and a substitute appearance at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. In 2020, he appeared in a two-game friendly series versus Barbados, scoring one goal. U-23: In February 2011, Teibert earned a call-up to the Canadian U-23 Olympic team for a two-week training camp in Oxnard and Los Angeles, California, in February and March 2011. The camp began preparations towards Canada's qualification campaign for the 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament in London, England. U-20: In May 2010, the midfielder was one of four Whitecaps players to earn a call-up to Canada's U-20 national team for a 12-day camp in Alkmaar, Netherlands. This included a start in a 0-0 friendly draw versus Japan in Heemskerk, Netherlands, on May 18. Teibert then joined Canada's U-20 squad for an August 2010 training camp and tournament in Valencia, Spain. This included three appearances in Group A at the XXVII Torneo COTIF in Alcúdia, Spain, as Teibert faced the youth sides of Brazil's Santos Futebol Clube and Spanish giants Valencia Club de Fútbol before meeting Equatorial Guinea's U-20 squad. He then joined Canada's U-20 squad for a camp in February 2011 before being selected to head coach Valerio Gazzola's squad for the 2011 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Guatemala. With Canada playing in Group C, Teibert started in the 2-1 victory over Guadeloupe on March 28, 2011, before appearing in the 3-0 quarterfinal defeat to eventual champions Mexico on April 5, 2011. That defeat ended Canada's hopes of qualifying for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. U-17: In November 2008, Teibert received a first-ever call-up to a Canadian national team when he joined Sean Fleming's U-17 squad for a camp in Mexico. The camp included five friendly matches against some of the top clubs in Mexico. He then started and scored in Canada's 5-2 friendly win over arch-rivals USA in St. Petersburg, Florida, on February 11, 2009, as well as the 3-2 friendly defeat to Costa Rica on April 4, 2009. Teibert was then selected in Canada's 20-player squad for the 2009 Concacaf U-17 Championship. Serving as captain, the midfielder started all three of Canada's matches in Group A in Tijuana, Mexico. This included a goal from the penalty spot in their 1-1 draw with Honduras on April 21, 2009. Subsequent defeats to the United States and Cuba meant Canada failed to qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
YOUTH/AMATEUR
Between 1997 and 2001, the midfielder/forward played in the Niagara Soccer Association before a spell in the South Region Soccer League between 2002 and 2005. In 2006, Teibert played in the Ontario Youth Soccer League for Saltfleet U-15's before joining Clarkson Comets U-15's of the OYSL in 2007. From 2004 to 2008, Teibert was also a member of the Ontario provincial team program from the U-13 to U-16 age group levels.
PERSONAL
Before joining Whitecaps Residency, Teibert was a student at Saint Paul High School between 2006 and 2008, and Saint Mary Elementary School between 1996 and 2006 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
INTERESTING FACTS
Between 1998 and 2006, Teibert played AAA minor hockey for the Niagara Falls Thunder.
