Hassli with a Howitzer

Since this website is called “French Football Weekly” we tend to stay with the football in and around France and the National teams. However we like to think we support players that once graced the French leagues.

So with that in mind we have to doff a beret in the direction of Eric Hassli of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Eric was born in Sarreguemines just off the French-German border. After spending three years at FC Metz with a loan spell at Southampton in-between. Three goals weren’t enough for Hassli to stay in France so he moved to Switzerland with Neuchâtel Xamax.

The winter signing then moved to Servette in the summer and his five goals in only 13 games led to another move, this time to St Gallen. This time he stayed for a whole season finding the net 18 times. His success led to newly promoted Valenciennes FC signing Eric for their debut season in Ligue 1.

His second spell in France wasn’t very successful; having to make do with appearances from the bench Hassli only managed two goals in nine starts and was back off to Switzerland. In over 100 games for FC Zurich he scored an impressive 35 goals as his side went on to win two Swiss Super League titles.

In March Hassli became the Vancouver Whitecaps designated player and the fans were blown away with Hassli’s MLS debut. Scoring the opening and closing goal in a 4-2 win over Toronto FC at Empire Field. He was then sent off against the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution.

Hassli was saving his greatest moment for the big derby against the Seattle Sounders. After opening the scoring from the penalty spot the Sounders came back to take a 2-1 lead. Hassli then brought the 500 away fans to their feet with this….

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With six goals in ten games Hassli has started his life in Vancouver very well and the Whitecap fans have a new hero. They will be hoping for more of the same from the big Frenchman.