VANCOUVER, BC – The fast-improving Whitecaps FC 2 put their four-match undefeated streak to the test when they visit Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Sand Creek Stadium on Saturday.
WFC2 (3W-4L-4D) are in the middle of a road trip through the Southwestern states, coming off a 2-2 draw versus Real Monarchs SLC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday.
The Blue and White offence appear to have hit their stride, finding the net twice in each of their last four matches. A win on Saturday would put the young 'Caps in the playoff picture in the tightly-contested Western Conference race.
Switchbacks FC (4W-5L-0D) come into the meeting searching for consistency, having alternated wins with losses since April 17.
Kickoff for Saturday's match is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on whitecapsfc2.com.
WHITECAPS FC 2
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<b>Andre Lewis scores a goal on his first match back from injury</b> |
WFC2 looked to have wrapped up their third straight win on Wednesday, before giving up a goal to Monarchs SLC midfielder Lucas Baldin in added time.
Striker Caleb Clarke (Richmond, BC) again starred for Vancouver, finding the net for the third straight match. He slotted in his team-leading fifth goal of the year in the 13th minute after a brilliant display of footwork and ball control inside the 18-yard box that had the defender losing his footing.
Monarchs SLC answered shortly after halftime when midfielder Maikon Orellana headed a perfect cross from Sebastian Saucedo to set up striker Max Rauhofer for the equalizer.
Midfielder Andre Lewis, making his first appearance of the season after being out for the past year with a torn ACL, factored in as a second-half substitute. In the 84th minute, he was the beneficiary of a clever back-heel feed from striker Billy Schuler, which Lewis promptly pounced on to give the 'Caps the lead.
This set up the late-game heroics from Baldin, who tied the match in the dying seconds off another assist from Saucedo to help the home side escape with the draw.
Whitecaps FC 2 current roster:
Goalkeepers:Spencer Richey, Mark Village, Marco Carducci
Fullbacks:Jordan Haynes, Chris Serban
Centre backs:Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti
Centre midfielders:Ian Christianson, Mitch Piraux, Tyler Rosenlund, Ben McKendry, Marco Bustos, Andre Lewis
Wide midfielders:Victor Blasco, Jovan Blagojevic, Brett Levis, Sahil Sandhu
Strikers:Mackenzie Pridham, Billy Schuler, Caleb Clarke
On loan from WFC MLS roster
SWITCHBACKS FC
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<b>Coach Steve Trittschuh analyzes Switchbacks FC loss</b> |
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are looking to bounce back after a 2-1 road loss to LA Galaxy II on Saturday, May 30
Switchbacks FC got off on the right foot when striker Miguel Gonzalez got behind the defence and connected with the back of the net, putting Colorado up, 1-0.
However, Switchbacks FC would let Galaxy II back in right before the halftime whistle, when defender Daniel Steres capitalized on a pass from midfielder Andre Auras for the equalizer in added time.
Colorado appeared to have sealed a difficult draw on the road, but gave up another goal in the closing moments. Striker Raul Mendiola came through with the heroics for Galaxy II, after being set up perfectly by defender Dave Romney and striker Jack McBean.
“We did enough to get a result out of this game,” said Switchbacks FC head coach Steve Trittschuh. “But giving up a goal late in each half hurt us.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #55 Chris Serban– The Calgary, AB native has been a solid presence in the backline for head coach Alan Koch. He's active defensively on the right flank but has also shown he can provide offence, scoring a goal in the 2-2 draw versus Oklahoma City Energy FC on May 17.
SWITCHBACKS FC #4 Luke Vercollone – The Colorado offence starts and ends with the Seton Hall product. The midfielder leads his side with five goals and four assists, and is dangerous when paired with attack-minded Aaron King.
WFC2 are back at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday, June 14 for Bark at the Bird. Bring your dog to the match as the ‘Caps take on LA Galaxy II. Tickets are only $15.
The following week is Father’s Day as dads get in for free with a purchase of another ticket as the ‘Caps take on Cascadia rival Portland Timbers 2 on Sunday, June 21.
Tickets for all WFC2 home matches are available at whitecapsfc.com/wfc2tickets.
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. Season Tickets start as low as $118, with prorated prices available. 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.
