Preview: WFC2 take on defending USL champions

VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) are back on the field Wednesday as they travel to Bonney Field for their first ever match against defending USL champions Sacramento Republic FC.

The ‘Caps USL side face a short turnaround and another big test in the second match of their two game California road trip.

On Sunday, WFC2 fell 2-0 to Orange County Blues FC at Anteater Stadium. Goalkeeper Marco Carducci started his first match in net for WFC2 and came up with some big saves, but a 34th minute red card to defender Ethen Sampson left the Blue and White in a precarious position as Orange County scored twice in the second half to take the victory.

WFC2 currently have four MLS players on loan: Carducci, Caleb Clarke, Ben McKendry, and Tim Parker. Christian Dean and Kianz Froese have returned to Vancouver to rejoin the first team, while Sampson sits out due to suspension from his red card.

Following Wednesday’s match in Sacramento, WFC2 return home for their historic first home match at Thunderbird Stadium as they take on Toronto FC II this coming Sunday, April 19. Kickoff will be at 3 p.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC 2 current roster:
Goalkeepers:Spencer Richey, Marco Carducci, Mark Village
Fullbacks:Jordan Haynes, Chris Serban
Centre backs:Jackson Farmer, Craig Nitti, Tim Parker
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

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Upon joining the league last year, Sacramento Republic FC immediately became a force to be reckoned with. It’s no secret that the upstart club has ambitions to join MLS, and they’ve backed it up both on and off the field. Not only did Sacramento win the USL championship in their first year, but they’ve also regularly packed Bonney Field with exuberant fans.

Republic FC are led by head coach Preki, who formerly coached both Chivas USA and Toronto FC in MLS. So far this season the defending champs have gotten off to an up-and-down start. They’ve had a pair of road losses to newcomers Sounders FC 2 and Timbers 2, but have also earned two wins over LA Galaxy II – including a 3-1 win this past weekend in front of 10,906 fans in their home opener at Bonney Field.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ben McKendry, WFC2 #30 – The Vancouver native is one of only two players to have been on the field for every minute so far this season, along with defender Jackson Farmer. McKendry is a stable force in the centre of the field who’s work may go unnoticed, but is key to the success of the team.

Rodrigo Lopez, Sacramento Republic FC #8 – Widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in the league, Lopez was USL Championship MVP last year and has returned in fine form in 2015. Already this season, the creative playmaker has scored two goals and recorded one assist. For his efforts versus LA Galaxy II this past weekend, Lopez was named to the USL Team of the Week.

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.