VANCOUVER, BC – Whitecaps FC 2 (4W-7L-4D) are back on the road this weekend when they travel south to face Orange County Blues FC (5W-6L-1D) on Saturday.
The 'Caps are hoping their momentum carries on from last weekend's thrilling 3-2 win over Cascadia rival Timbers 2.
Blues FC face a short turnaround after a rough 5-0 road loss against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday evening.
Kickoff on whitecapsfc2.com is set for 7 p.m. PT.
With the two teams locked in a three-way tie with Arizona United SC one point outside of the playoff picture, here are the storylines to watch out for.
ATTACK ON THE UPSWING
When the WFC2 offence is clicking like last Sunday, they are just an absolute joy to watch.
With crisp passing and balance on the pitch, the 'Caps found the net thrice - the most since the April Fools' Day win in Austin.
It was definitely due after the recent three-match slide when the Blue and White could not seem to get their attack going.
The 'Caps appear to be back in the groove and look to have found rhythm featuring the explosive frontline of Marco Bustos, Brett Levis and Caleb Clarke.
HOMEGROWN PRODUCTION
Homegrown 'Caps McKendry, Bustos and Sampson score versus T2.
What made last week's offensive outburst extra special was that all three goals were scored by Homegrown 'Caps.
Ben McKendry got things started, then Bustos joined in, before Ethen Sampson slotted in the eventual game-winner.
This came a day after Residency product Kianz Froese scored his first MLS goal - the deciding tally in the 2-1 Whitecaps FC win at Red Bull Arena.
Midfielder Sahil Sandhu, who developed through the Whitecaps FC Residency program in his youth, has played well all season. Could he be next to find the net?
WHERE'S THE (CALIFORNIA) LOVE?
The Golden State has not been very welcoming to Whitecaps FC 2.
So far this year, the 'Caps have yet to secure a point in three road matches in California, losing at LA Galaxy II, Sacramento Republic FC and these same Blues.
Last April 12, WFC2 failed to hold the fort against Orange County after Sampson was shown his second yellow card in the first half.
Can the 'Caps reverse the trend and rain on the Blues parade in the sunny state? Tune in on Saturday.
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
WFC2 are back in town to host Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Thunderbird Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
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.
