VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 take their show on the road when they visit Real Monarchs SLC at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday.
WFC2 (3W-4L-3D) are riding a two-match winning streak and are undefeated in their last three games, including a 2-1 win at home versus Monarchs SLC on May 24.
The Blue and White are playing with confidence after a pair of entertaining performances at Thunderbird Stadium. The rematch with the Real Salt Lake affiliate will be a good test for head coach Alan Koch's young squad to see if they can continue their steady improvement on the road.
Monarchs SLC (1W-6L-4D) are more dangerous than their record suggests, especially when playing in front of their fans at the RioT, where they've allowed only five goals in six matches.
Kickoff for Wednesday evening's match is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT and will be webcasted live on whitecapsfc2.com.
WHITECAPS FC 2
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9qDerj-QqnE"></a> |
<b>WFC2 defeat Arizona United SC 2-0 in Long Tan's return.</b> |
For the second straight week, Whitecaps FC 2 got a major boost from their Canadian players as Caleb Clarke (Richmond, BC) and Brett Levis (Saskatoon, SK) scored for the home side in the 2-0 shutout against Arizona United SC on Sunday, May 31.
Business picked up after halftime when Clarke pounced on a rebound off a strike from Kianz Froese (Brunkild, MB). It was Clarke's team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Levis would follow suit in the 78th minute with a brilliant individual play. Starting from the half line, the former Whitecaps FC U-23 player displayed incredible ball control and maneuvered his way through pressure into the opposite side, before launching a strike as he entered the box, leaving no question about the insurance goal.
WFC2 goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi, who was one of nine players on loan from the MLS team, registered a clean sheet.
The 'Caps will be boosted on this trip by two MLS loaned players who could see their first action of the season, midfielders Marco Bustos and Andre Lewis.
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
MONARCHS SLC
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lqxIDyScjTM"></a> |
<b>Monarchs SLC and Republic FC play to a 1-1 draw.</b> |
Real Monarchs SLC showed what they are capable of as they went on the road and earned a 1-1 draw versus defending USL champions Sacramento Republic FC on Sunday, May 31.
Striker Max Rauhofer scored on a penalty kick for Monarchs SLC after midfielder Ricardo Velazco was taken down inside the box in the opening minutes.
Republic FC struck back not long after when midfielder Ivan Mirkovic broke free along the right goal line and drew three SLC defenders, leaving striker David Estrada unmarked for the 18th-minute equalizer.
Sacramento had a golden chance to take the lead in the 35th minute on a penalty kick, but Monarchs SLC goalkeeper Eric Osswald read Republic FC striker Cameron Iwasa's intentions perfectly to parry the attempt away.
Monarchs SLC are now undefeated against the titleholders as they had previously beaten Republic FC at home on April 29.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #50 Sahil Sandhu– The versatile attacking Residency product has been one of Koch's most reliable midfielders. After coming in as a late substitute on Sunday, the Surrey, BC native should have lively legs despite the quick turnaround.
MONARCHS SLC #18 Lucas Baldin – The Brazilian midfielder is second on the team in both goals (2) and assists (1). He figured late in the match versus WFC2 on May 24 when he calmly scored a goal on a penalty kick for the lone SLC tally.
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.
