VANCOUVER, BC
– Looking to build on their success from a two-match home stand at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) are back on the road this Sunday, May 3 as they travel to Southern California to take on LA Galaxy II in their first-ever meeting in USL action.
The upstart WFC2 (1W-3L-2D) are riding the momentum off their last two outings. After earning a draw in their sold-out inaugural home-opener against rival Toronto FC, head coach Alan Koch’s side notched another point against Seattle Sounders FC 2 last Sunday, April 26.
Galaxy II (2W-3L-1D), who enter the match with a two-game winning streak, will provide an early formidable road test for the young WFC2 squad that is rounding into form.
Kickoff for Sunday’s match is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT at StubHub Center and will be webcast live on whitecapsfc2.com.
WHITECAPS FC 2
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<b>WFC 2 earn a 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders FC 2.</b> |
The ‘Caps USL side fielded six Canadian players in the starting lineup in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Cascadia rival Sounders FC 2. The match also showcased seven first-team players, headlined by Robert Earnshaw, who provided a spark on offence early for the Blue and White.
In the 16th minute, the savvy Earnshaw telegraphed a lackadaisical back pass and tipped the ball in the net to put WFC2 on the board.
S2 responded not too long after that. In the 24th minute, defender Nick Miele found himself in the receiving end of a corner that was headed into his direction by teammate Andy Craven. Miele capitalized by tapping the ball with the inside of his right foot past WFC2 goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi to knot the match before halftime.
Both sides had multiple chances to score in the second half. Kianz Froese displayed his brilliance with the ball in the 63rd minute when he used his footwork to split two S2 defenders along the right baseline, before launching a strike that got past Seattle goalkeeper Charlie Lyon but was cleared off the line by Oniel Fisher.
"Seattle came to play and was aggressive but we held our own. Overall, we were probably the better side and we showed some good plays," said Earnshaw after the match.
Whitecaps FC 2 current roster:
Goalkeepers:Spencer Richey, Mark Village
Fullbacks:Jordan Haynes, Chris Serban
Centre backs:Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti
Centre midfielders:Ian Christianson, Mitch Piraux, Tyler Rosenlund
Wide midfielders:Victor Blasco, Jovan Blagojevic, Brett Levis, Sahil Sandhu
Strikers:Mackenzie Pridham, Billy Schuler
GALAXY II
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<b>LA Galaxy II win against Real Monarchs SLC in extra time.</b> |
The Galaxy II side comes into the match fresh off a dramatic stoppage-time road win versus Real Monarchs SLC at Rio Tinto Stadium last Saturday, April 25.
The match was a defensive struggle before Los Dos defender Bradley Diallo broke the game open with a left-foot strike from the left flank, giving Galaxy II their second straight win.
After giving up eight goals in three games, the Galaxy II defence appears to have settled in, allowing only one goal in their recent winning streak. Head coach Curt Onalfo also has his passing game running smoothly, registering nine assists so far in the season, tied for second-most in the USL.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #41 Jackson Farmer – The Edmonton native has been a steady presence in the WFC2 backfield. A product of the Whitecaps FC Residency program, Farmer’s nose for the ball will be instrumental in stopping the Galaxy II passing game.
GALAXY II #57 Alejandro Covarrubias – The 6-foot-1 midfielder showed he can score last year but has yet to find the back of the net this season. If he sees an opening, he won’t be shy to pull the trigger and will have to be closely marked by the WFC2 defenders.
Following Sunday’s match, WFC2 are back at home for three straight Sunday home matches, starting on Sunday, May 17 against OKC Energy FC. 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.
