VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 look to resume their winning ways when they conclude their three-match road swing at Oklahoma City Energy FC on Tuesday.
WFC2 (3W-5L-4D) saw their four-match undefeated streak come to an end in a hard-fought 3-0 loss at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday.
The Blue and White will have to solve the Energy FC defence that recorded their third straight shutout over the weekend in a 2-0 home win versus Timbers FC 2.
The weeknight tilt between WFC2 and Energy FC is a rematch of an entertaining 2-2 draw at Thunderbird Stadium last month. Chris Serban scored his first professional goal for the 'Caps, who also benefited from a Ben McKendry cross that registered as an own goal.
Kickoff for Tuesday's match, the fourth in 10 days for the 'Caps, is set for 5 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on whitecapsfc2.com.
WHITECAPS FC 2
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<b>WFC2 battle hard but fall to Switchbacks FC</b> |
WFC2 looked poised to continue their hot streak on the road on Saturday, before nature stopped their momentum.
The match came to a screeching halt midway through the first half as lightning struck, delaying the game for more than an hour. It was a different ballgame when play resumed as Switchbacks FC came out with three goals to take the victory and leap the 'Caps in the standings.
Despite the loss, Whitecaps FC 2 remain on the playoff bubble. A win on Tuesday would have them in a tie for the last postseason slot in the tough Western Conference.
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
ENERGY FC
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<b>Greig nets two as Energy FC win versus T2</b> |
Striker Kyle Greig registered a brace while goalkeeper Evan Newton recorded his third straight clean sheet as Energy FC won their fifth consecutive decision last Friday, defeating Timbers FC 2 at Taft Stadium.
Greig's first score came in the 56th minute when he headed in a cross from Daniel Gonzalez to put Oklahoma City ahead. He would strike again in the 78th minute, capitalizing on a sliding pass from the centre of the T2 six-yard box from forward Danni Konnig. The goal sealed the match for Energy FC and was Greig's sixth goal in as many matches.
The five-match winning streak includes two results from their 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run, where they have advanced to the fourth round.
Energy FC head coach and 2013 MLS Cup champion Jimmy Nielsen has his squad in fourth place in the Western Conference with 18 points.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
WHITECAPS FC 2 #32 Marco Bustos– The Winnipeg, MB native appears to have made full recovery from a left foot contusion injury. Koch has tabbed the electric midfielder as a substitute in the last two outings, and has provided instant spark in each.
ENERGY FC #19 Michael Harris – The defender introduced himself to the Thunderbird Stadium crowd with his acrobatic front-flip throw-ins, but his presence in the backline is also noteworthy. On offence, his athleticism provides a different dynamic as his long-distance throw-in resulted in the game-tying goal in the dying minutes against WFC2 last month.
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.
