VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 are looking to continue their early unbeaten run at Thunderbird Stadium when they host Oklahoma City Energy FC in USL action this Sunday, May 17.
Backed by the raucous home crowd, WFC2 (1W-4L-2D) turned in entertaining draws versus rival Toronto FC II and against Cascadia contender Seattle Sounders FC 2 on consecutive weekends last month.
2013 MLS Cup champion and former Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen leads Energy FC into Vancouver with a 2W-2L-2D record in his second year at the helm.
Kickoff for Sunday’s match is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT.
WHITECAPS FC 2
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<b>WFC2 impress in Whitecaps FC Alumni Match.</b> |
The improving WFC2 side kept busy during their bye week last weekend, as they took to the BC Place pitch in the first-ever Whitecaps FC Alumni Match. The young 'Caps took advantage of their time in the spotlight, showcasing their offensive firepower with six goals against the team of past Whitecaps.
The experience could prove invaluable to the up-and-coming stars of WFC2 as they exchanged tactics with some of their predecessors who donned the Blue and White.
WFC2 appear to be on the upswing as of late, picking up points on back-to-back home matches before going toe-to-toe with Los Angeles Galaxy II in Carson, CA. They looked poised to add to their point total before surrendering an 88th-minute game-winner to Los Dos.
Strikers Caleb Clarke (Richmond, B.C.) and Billy Schuler (Allentown, NJ) pace WFC2 with two goals apiece in the young season. The two have also proven they can work well together, as the pair connected to score against Galaxy II, then again against the alumni last weekend.
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
ENERGY FC
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<b>Energy FC score twice on the road against Austin Aztex.</b> |
Nielsen has the Energy off to a steady start, having earned points in each match this season except for one. Their early signature match came in a 2-1 win against second-place Sounders FC 2 on April 18.
However, Energy FC face their toughest task to date - a two-match, three-day Pacific Northwest road swing that has them visiting two of the loudest buildings in the USL - at Seattle on Friday evening, before travelling north to Vancouver for the Sunday afternoon tilt against WFC2. In their first match of the trip of Friday, OKC fell to a 3-1 defeat against S2.
Balancing the lineup will be key for Nielsen's side as he needs to ensure he has lively legs on the pitch at all times. Energy FC have the depth to rotate two dangerous strikers in Danni Konig and Kyle Greig. Each scored in their last match, a 2-2 draw against Austin Aztex, and will have to be heavily marked by the WFC2 back line.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #49 Tyler Rosenlund – The Port Coquitlam native will likely have to be active on the ball if the 'Caps faithful are to celebrate the first WFC2 home win of the season. The Blue and White are undefeated on the year whenever the former Canadian men's national team member registers an assist.
ENERGY FC #9 Danni Konig – The Danish striker is one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the USL, ranking second in shots (3.60 per game) and goals (0.80 per game).
Sunday’s match is the first of three straight Sunday home matches for Whitecaps FC 2. They will be back at it on Sunday, May 24 when they host Real Monarchs SLC. 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.
