VANCOUVER, BC – Fans welcome back a favourite from the inaugural MLS squad as former Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Long Tan and Arizona United SC visit Whitecaps FC 2 at Thunderbird Stadium this coming Sunday, May 31.
WFC2 (2W-4L-3D) are playing their best soccer in the young season, posting their first home win against Real Monarchs SLC on Saturday, May 24. Midfielder Ben McKendry (Vancouver, BC) registered the game-winner and was voted to the USL Team of the Week for his efforts.
United SC (4W-4L-1D) are currently tied for fourth in the Western Conference and are looking to bounce back from a 5-0 shutout at the hands of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Kickoff for Sunday’s match is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT. Festivities at the match include bubble soccer, food trucks, live music and face-painting.
WHITECAPS FC 2
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<b>Hometown boys lead WFC2 to first win at Thunderbird Stadium.</b> |
Last Sunday was a treat for the home crowd as local boys McKendry and Caleb Clarke (Richmond, BC) starred for the young 'Caps on the historic day. Having earned draws in each of their first three home matches, head coach Alan Koch's side was intent on securing their first home win in front of the lively crowd of supporters and families.
WFC2 got rolling in the 21st minute when right back Chris Serban (Calgary, AB) and midfielder Tyler Rosenlund (Port Coquitlam, BC) combined to set up Clarke for a high deflected shot that was placed perfectly beyond the reach of Monarchs goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez.
The aggressive home side doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Victor Blasco (Vancouver Island University) controlled a rainbow diagonal throughball on the right side while in full stride before setting up the trailing McKendry for the eventual game-winner.
The visiting Monarchs made things interesting in the 80th minute as they capitalized on a penalty kick, but the outcome would not change as the 'Caps stymied the late rally to gift the Thunderbird crowd with the three points.
Ten Canadians donned the Blue and White in the match, including seven in the starting lineup.
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
Wide midfielders:Victor Blasco, Jovan Blagojevic, Brett Levis, Sahil Sandhu
Strikers:Mackenzie Pridham, Billy Schuler, Caleb Clarke
On loan from WFC MLS roster
UNITED SC
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<b>Long Tan goal for Whitecaps FC vs. DC United</b> |
Arizona United SC boasts an offence led by the homecoming Tan, but their backline has been penetrable, allowing 2.00 goals per game, second-most in the USL.
This was most evident in their last match on Saturday, May 23 when Switchbacks FC got through with five goals in the second half alone, including three in a span of four minutes.
Head coach Michael Dellorusso may have to rely on a shootout and try to outscore the home side. Tan, who scored a goal and two assists in his 17 MLS matches with Whitecaps FC, has a team-high four goals for United SC. Brad Stisser, Jonathan Top, and Jose Cuevas are also all capable of finding the net for the visitors and will be looked upon to apply pressure on the 'Caps.
Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski will be key if United SC are to regain its form that started the year with three wins, all on the road.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #42 Jordan Haynes– A Whitecaps FC Residency graduate, Haynes has had a terrific season at left back for the 'Caps. Not only has he been strong on the defensive end, but also a key to the team's attack while jumping up on the wing.
UNITED SC #17 Brad Stisser – The 5-foot-10 striker has a team-high two assists but is also capable of blasting one into the net. In July 2014, Stisser was honoured with the USL Goal of the Month. He is a product of the Loyola Marymount University, the same NCAA Division I program that produced WFC2 defender Craig Nitti.
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.
