Preview: WFC2 look to keep momentum rolling against Orange County Blues FC

VANCOUVER, BC – After securing their first win in team history, Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) are back in action on Sunday as they travel to California to take on Orange County Blues FC at Anteater Stadium.

Head coach Alan Koch and his squad rebounded from their season opening defeat in fine style, earning their first United Soccer League (USL) win in team history last Wednesday. Residency graduate Caleb Clarke scored the first goal in team history, followed by second half goals from Craig Nitti and Billy Schuler to give WFC2 a 3-0 win over Austin Aztex.

• Craig Nitti named to USL Team of the Week

Now the 'Caps take that momentum into a two-match road swing in California against Orange County Blues FC on Sunday, followed by defending USL champions Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday.

• CONTEST: Enter to win WFC2 Season Tickets

After finishing their fourth straight match on the road to open the season, WFC2 will return home to host their historic first ever home match on Sunday, April 19 against Canadian rivals Toronto FC II at Thunderbird Stadium.

Whitecaps FC 2 current roster:
Goalkeepers:Spencer Richey, Marco Carducci, Mark Village
Fullbacks:Jordan Haynes, Ethen Sampson, Chris Serban
Centre backs:Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti
Centre midfielders:Ian Christianson, Ben McKendry, Mitch Piraux, Tyler Rosenlund
Wide midfielders:Victor Blasco, Jovan Blagojevic, Brett Levis, Sahil Sandhu
Strikers:Caleb Clarke, Mackenzie Pridham, Billy Schuler
*WFC player on-loan to WFC2

ORANGE COUNTY BLUES FC

Orange County Blues FC will be looking for their first win of the season after dropping their opening match 2-1 at home to Arizona United SC. Blues striker Chris Cortez scored in the first half to answer goals from Dennis Chin and Robbie Derschang, but it was not to be for the home side.

Opponents to watch:

Winger – Denzel Slager: The Dutchmen started his career with his hometown team, FC Utrecht in 2011. He moved to RKC Waalwijk, which was then in the Eredivisie, in 2012 where he made 15 appearances for the Dutch first division side. Slager also played in 20 matches and notched 16 goals with the RKC Waalwijk U21 team. In 2014, the striker signed with English side Coventry City where he appeared three times, including in the F.A. Cup, before eventually coming to Orange County. Slager has also played with Dutch top league teams AZ Alkmaar and SC Heerenveen.

Midfielder – Luka Petricevic: The 22-year-old midfielder began his youth career with Montenegrin team FK Budućnost Podgorica in 2003 and at the age of 12 was the youngest player to sign a contract in his home country. In 2010 he joined POAK FC from the Greek Superleague and after two years was loaned out to FC Agrotikos Asteras where he made 18 appearances. Petricevic also made appearances for Serbia & Montenegro national teams at the U13 and U15 age groups, as well as the Montenegro national team at U17 and U19.

California Dreams
WFC2 will remain in California after the match as the team play defending USL Champions Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday, April 15 with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT. Following that match, the team returns to Vancouver for their first ever home match against Toronto II on Sunday, April 19 at Thunderbird Stadium.

Come and see the next generation of Whitecaps FC stars as USL arrives in Vancouver. With Season Tickets available for as low as $118, WFC2 matches will be 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.