Jaclyn Sawicki has spent most of her life scoring goals and terrorizing goalkeepers on soccer pitches around the city of Coquitlam. A product of Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club, her homegrown skills have seen her rocket through the ranks of youth soccer and into university, international, and this year, W-League action. Now the 18-year-old, in her first year with the ‘Caps first team, returns to the city where she learned the game when the Whitecaps FC women's squad face Seattle Sounders Women at Percy Perry Stadium this Sunday, May 22, starting at 4 p.m. PT in a game hosted by Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club.
“I am really excited about our upcoming game in Coquitlam,” remarked the ‘Caps forward. “It is always nice to play in my hometown, especially for the Whitecaps and in front of friends and family that might not get to see me play that often.”
It will not be Sawicki’s first time in a Whitecaps FC kit however, as she joins the W-League roster after winning the PCSL Women’s Premier Women’s regular season championship and league cup with the Whitecaps FC U-18 Prospects team last season. She is quick to credit the Whitecaps FC Development system with her quick rise to the women’s first team. “By training within a high level environment on a daily basis with older and more experienced players, I can only improve from this point on,” said Sawicki. “The team is made up of very technical, physical, and experienced players who’ve come from across North America and even outside of it. Having said that, this season is a positive challenge for me in terms of learning and developing.”
The shifty forward recently completed her first year playing with the University of Victoria in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) play, recording a team high four goals in 14 appearances for the Vikes while being named Rookie of the Year. She also has international experience, having suited up with Canada’s U-20 team in the past, as well as with B.C.’s Canada Games entry that came away with Gold in 2009.
Playing again in Coquitlam, Sawicki revisits her old stomping ground with a new test in front of her, and if her past is any indication, she’ll continue to make her hometown proud.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2011 Whitecaps Women’s Soccer Series presented by Kia. Individual match tickets are available for the affordable price of $12 online at whitecapsfc.com/wtickets. Groups and teams can receive special ticket pricing and benefits by contacting Hugh Hamilton at 778.330.1360 hhamilton@whitecapsfc.com. Tickets will also be available at the gate.
In 2011, defending W-League Western Conference champions and two-time W-League champions Whitecaps FC will play their regular season home schedule at seven different home venues throughout the province of British Columbia, as part of the Whitecaps Women's Soccer Series presented by Kia - in partnership with the Girls Metro Soccer League (GMSL).Whitecaps FC will kick off their 2011 home schedule on Sunday, May 22, at 4 p.m. PT, when they battle Seattle Sounders at Percy Perry Stadium in Coquitlam, BC- hosted by Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club. Five days later, the 'Caps host Colorado Rush at Chilliwack's Exhibition Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT – hosted by Chilliwack FC.
Whitecaps FC women’s and youth programs are made possible by the support of the Whitecaps Foundation. For information on the Whitecaps Foundation and how to become a donor, visit whitecapsfoundation.org.
