TUKWILA, WA – The 40-year Cascadia rivalry spills over to the USL this weekend when Whitecaps FC 2 visit Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. PT live on whitecapsfc2.com.
Supporters of both clubs are still talking about the resounding 3-0 'Caps MLS win at CenturyLink Field last week and the 1-1 draw in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League opener on Wednesday as the clubs' respective USL sides take to the pitch on Saturday.
Fresh off an impressive 3-1 win at Tulsa Roughnecks FC, WFC2 (7W-10L-5D) continue their month-long road trip against the top-ranked S2 (11W-7L-3D).
Here are the things to watch out for as the young 'Caps try to make it an undefeated week for the club against their Seattle-based rivals.
CHARTING THE SQUAD'S GROWTH
Whitecaps FC 2 have gradually made strides throughout their inaugural season in the USL and a closer look into the matches against S2 provides a good case study.
The 'Caps opened their campaign at Starfire Sports Complex on March 29, where they were given a baptism by fire to USL football in the form of a 4-0 loss to S2.
A month after at Thunderbird Stadium, with a few matches under their belt, WFC2 showed they were here to stay with a 1-1 draw against S2.
The 'Caps broke through against their nemeses from south of the border when they met again in Vancouver, providing the offensive fireworks in a 3-1 win on the Fourth of July match.
Saturday will be the ultimate test as they go back to where it started and see how they've progressed when they take to the Starfire Sports pitch once again.
CLICKING ON THE ROAD
The road had not been friendly to the ‘Caps in the early part of this season but the floodgates opened last Friday at ONEOK Field.
Marco Bustos got things started and Andre Lewis found his teammates at the right spots. Billy Schuler was aggressive and Victor Blasco sealed the deal with some breakaway brilliance. On defence, Sahil Sandhu, Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti, and Jordan Haynes were stout, with support from Will Seymore.
“Everybody was on the same page and we set ourselves up for success well,” head coach Alan Koch said. “If we do that, we should be in good shape.”
It will be interesting if the ‘Caps have solved their issues away from home with three huge road matches left on the schedule.
PLAYOFF RACE
There will be a lot to play for in Saturday's match as the season reaches its homestretch.
The 'Caps are five points behind the Roughnecks for the last playoff spot in the West so every week looms bigger and bigger.
S2, while currently at the top of the standings, are only three points ahead of fifth-place Sacramento Republic FC.
Both team will be treating Saturday as a must-win situation.
Strikers Pablo Rossi and Sam Garza provide the offence for S2. Much like WFC2, Sounders FC 2 bolster their lineups with MLS players like Andy Craven and Darwin Jones - both of whom have already made their damage against the 'Caps earlier this season.
"We expect it to be a very even game and we're looking forward to the challenge," Koch said.
The 'Caps continue on the road next week when they visit another Cascadia rival in Timbers 2. WFC2 are back at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday, September 6 for their final homestand of the season when they host defending USL champions Sacramento Republic FC. Tickets are available here.
Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. WFC2 matches are a unique and affordable experience for fans, families, students, and supporters. Flex packs are also available to fit your schedule – get seven tickets to use any way you want, to any matches you want. For more information on all WFC2 ticket options, call 604-484-7862 or e-mail wfc2@whitecapsfc.com.
