VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 (8W-12L-5D) face one of their toughest tests of the season on Sunday when they host Sacramento Republic FC (11W-8L-5D) at Thunderbird Stadium. WFC2 need to win versus the defending USL champions to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff race. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. and tickets are available here or at the door.
"We're looking at it one game at a time," head coach Alan Koch said. "We've been training well and there are no days off. We're looking to have a good performance on Sunday."
MUST-WIN SITUATION
The boys in the Blue and White are back home after a bye week following a four-match road trip and will need the Thunderbird Stadium faithful more than ever.
With three matches remaining on the schedule, the 'Caps need to win out and get a bit of help from other teams. It sounds daunting but we've learned this season that WFC2 will fight until the final whistle, especially since their fixtures left on the slate are all at home, where the 'Caps have been especially potent.
Koch will look for his team to continue showcasing their attacking talent on home soil. The 'Caps score 3.00 goals per game in Vancouver, compared to the 1.21-average away from home. Caleb Clarke, Marco Bustosand Victor Blasco, who have combined for half of the total goal output for the year, could figure prominently in the WFC2 attack.
HELP IS ON THE WAY
Fans could see a few new faces. Local boys and Residency graduates Kadin Chung, Thomas Gardner and Terran Campbellsigned contracts with Whitecaps FC 2 last week and it would be fun for fans to see the future of the club on display. (Chung will be away on international duty with the Canadian U-20 national team.)
THE DEFENDING CHAMPS
Republic FC roll into town undefeated in their last three outings, led by Rodrigo Lopez, who has nine goals under his belt. The midfielder was the main catalyst in the only previous meeting with Whitecaps FC 2, recording a brace in Sacramento's 2-0 victory last April 15.
Lopez also leads the team in assists with five. Octavio Guzman and Emrah Klimenta, each with three assists, are players to watch out for as well.
Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti, Jordan Haynes, Will Seymore and Sahil Sandhu (right) are expected to man the passing lanes to stymie the Republic FC attack.
After Sunday, Whitecaps FC 2 host Orange County Blues FC on Sunday, September 13 for the penultimate match of the season. Tickets are still 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.
