VANCOUVER, BC – Same rivalry, just a different league.
Whitecaps FC2 (3W-7L-4D) welcome a familiar foe in Timbers 2 (5W-6L-2D) as they host the Cascadia rivals at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT. To celebrate Father's Day, all dads will get in free with the purchase of at least another ticket. Click here for more information.
The 'Caps are looking to get back to their winning ways at home, where they were undefeated before last weekend's loss to LA Galaxy II.
T2 march into Vancouver fresh off a 3-1 win over Austin Aztex at Merlo Field over the weekend.
It will be another fun day of footy, with bubble soccer, food trucks and face-painting to keep the whole family entertained.
With so much on the line, here are the storylines for the Father's Day affair.
THE RIVALRY
We can look into the numbers in the season so far, but in a rivalry match, you can throw all of that out of the window.
The two Pacific Northwest outfits could face each other for a friendly, and you know you can expect testy play and cards shown left and right.
What more when they meet each other for the first time in a new league? Both sides are in their inaugural season in USL play and are each trying to make a name for themselves.
The side who does a better job of focusing on execution rather than the extra-curricular action is likely to come out victorious.
FINISHING HALVES
Speaking of execution, it's the minute details that often make a world of difference in the beautiful game.
The Blue and White must complete the job especially when finishing the half.
Last week, the 'Caps were caught off-guard by Galaxy II in the 44th minute, allowing a goal just before the whistle.
T2 are more than capable of exploiting holes on the backline. In their win against the Aztex last weekend, midfielder Blair Gavin and striker Fatawu Safiu each scored in the final five minutes of the first half, taking the life out of their opponents going into the intermission.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9_XSgx9QAx8"></a> |
<b>Rosenlund finds Clarke for a goal versus Monarchs SLC</b> |
PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS
This is the time when you start scoreboard-watching, keeping an eye on results from around the league as you look to climb up the standings.
Fortunately for WFC2, they can easily make ground on T2, who currently hold the final playoff spot that Vancouver covets. Sunday's meeting is the first of three between the two sides and it will be crucial to get the first leg up.
The 'Caps will look upon their leaders to set the tone. Striker Caleb Clarke and captain Tyler Rosenlund will be key in getting WFC2 off to a fast start, while fullbacks Chris Serban and Jordan Haynes are likely to shoulder much of the load on the backline.
The Timbers 2 attack will be spearheaded by striker Kharlton Belmar, who has six goals on the year. Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson is among the league's best, averaging 4.09 saves per game.
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. 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.
