VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 (4W-8L-4D) are back at home this Saturday as they face Seattle Sounders FC 2 (9W-5L-2D) in a highly-anticipated Cascadia rivalry tilt at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.
The 'Caps are looking to make it two derby wins in a row, after an exciting 3-2 win over Timbers 2 last June 21in their last home match.
Sounders FC 2 are fresh off a rivalry win as well, defeating Timbers 2 at Portland 2-0 on Monday.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. PT.
Fans can look forward to a live band, face-painting, food trucks and the popular bubble soccer at halftime.
On the pitch, here are what WFC2 supporters can keep an eye out for.
BEST IN THE WEST
The Rave Green come into town boasting the top record in the wild Western Conference.
The S2 backline also appear to be playing their best soccer in the year, with a current shutout streak of over 200 minutes.
However, the 'Caps offence is expected to test the Sounders FC 2 defenders time and again. With five goals in the last two matches, the WFC2 attack appear as potent as they have all year.
With both sides firing on all cylinders, plus Cascadia bragging rights on the line, fans are in store for another Thunderbird Stadium classic.
BUSTOS AND CLARKE ON A ROLL
The WFC2 offence clicks in 3-2 win over Timbers 2.
Homegrown players Caleb Clarke and Marco Bustos enter the match each having scored points in the last two matches.
What makes the duo dangerous is their ability to inflict damage on the opposition either by creating their own shot or by luring defenders before setting a teammate up.
Will they be able to solve the S2 backline that has registered shutouts in the two previous matches?
Joining the attack is Brett Levis, whose relentlessness and elusiveness with the ball causes major problems for any defence.
CONTAINING ANDY CRAVEN
There's not a single opposing player in the USL that has been a bigger thorn to the 'Caps side than S2 striker Andy Craven.
In their two matches so far, Craven has assisted thrice and found the net once.
The tall task of reining him in may have to be done by committee. Fortunately for WFC2, they have depth in the back. Jordan Haynes, Ethen Sampson, Christian Dean, Chris Serban and Craig Nitti may all get their opportunities to mark the dangerous S2 striker.
Either Spencer Richey or Marco Carducci is likely to get the nod to start in the net for the Blue and White. Richey, who has started the last two matches, has impressed and has come up huge when called upon.
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
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. Flex packs are 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.
