VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC continue preseason preparations this coming Sunday, February 15 as they travel to Vancouver Island to face the University of Victoria Vikes. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. PT at Centennial Stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as Whitecaps FC players will hold an autograph session on the concourse from 12 to 12:30 p.m. PT.
WATCH THE LIVE STREAM AT 2 P.M. PT
Fans can receive a 20% discount on Harbour Air Seaplanes flights when they wear a Whitecaps FC jersey or show their ticket to the match. This offer is only available the day before, day of, and day after the match. The discount will be applied at check-in.
The 2015 edition will be the 10th meeting between the ’Caps and Vikes in a tradition that dates back to 2005. Last year, Whitecaps FC defeated the Vikes 1-0 at Centennial Stadium. Since 2005, Vancouver holds the edge with a 7W-1L-1D record against UVic.
Youth players from the Whitecaps FC Island Academy will also be in attendance to watch the 'Caps first team. For more information on joining the Island Academy, visit whitecapsfc.com/islandacademy.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
Whitecaps FC are fresh off of a 10-day training camp in Tucson, Arizona, which included three preseason matches against MLS opposition. First up was a 2-0 victory over New England Revolution thanks to two second-half goals from Octavio Rivero.
Next came two closely contested matches, first was a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes. Kekuta Manneh scored the equalizer for the ‘Caps in the second half. The final preseason game the Blue and White played in Tucson, was a 1-0 defeat to Western Conference newcomers Houston Dynamo.
As the ‘Caps play their fourth official preseason match this weekend, head coach Carl Robinson will bring a strong squad to Victoria.
Whitecaps FC travel roster vs. UVic Vikes
Goalkeepers:
Paolo Tornaghi
, Spencer Richey
Defenders:
Kendall Waston
,
Diego Rodriguez
,
Steven Beitashour
,
Sam Adekugbe
,
Christian Dean
, ^
Jackson Farmer
,
Tim Parker
,
Ethen Sampson
Midfielders:
Pedro Morales
,
Matias Laba
,
Russell Teibert
,
Ben McKendry
,
Marco Bustos
,
Kianz Froese
, ^
Mitch Piraux
Strikers:
Octavio Rivero
,
Erik Hurtado
,
Caleb Clarke
, ~Robert Earnshaw
Unsigned draft pick
^Residency graduate
~Trialist
UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA VIKES
The Vikes are coming off a 2014 season that saw them lose 2-0 in the Canada West semifinals to the University of Saskatchewan and finish with a 8W-1L-3D conference record. Cameron Stokes led the Vikes with 8 goals, finishing second conference scoring. Four Vikes were named to Canada West First Team All-Stars Stokes, former Whitecaps FC U-23 player Cam Hundal, Alex Redpath, and goalkeeper Noah Pawlowski who was also named a CIS First Team All-Canadian.
Sunday will be a big event for the Victoria community, as they welcome the only Major League Soccer club in Western Canada.
"This is an important event that my players and the island community looks forward to every year," said Vikes head coach Bruce Wilson. "It's great to be able to showcase a CIS and MLS match up in Victoria and it is a unique experience and opportunity for our team to be able to compete at this level."
No less than five Vikes have previously played professional soccer with Whitecaps FC including Jamie Lowery, Chris and Nico Craveiro, Geordie Lyall and current men’s soccer coach Wilson. In fact, the Vikes head coach was an original member of the North American Soccer League Whitecaps, having played four seasons in Vancouver from 1974 to 1977.
RECENT MATCH UPS
Feb. 16, 2014: UVic Vikes 0, Whitecaps FC 1 (Andre Lewis, 90')
Feb. 16, 2013: UVic Vikes 0, Whitecaps FC 3 (Camilo Sanvezzo, 36'; Erik Hurtado, 39'; Tom Heinemann, 77')
Feb. 19, 2012: UVic Vikes 1, Whitecaps FC 2 (David Chiumiento, 11'; Matt Watson, 52')
TICKET INFORMATION
Ticket sales at the gate will open at 12 p.m. and will be priced at $18 for adults, $13 for seniors and students and $10 for youth age 7-14. Parking in the lots adjacent to Centennial Stadium will be free.
NEXT UP
Following Sunday’s match, the ’Caps will return to training at UBC before departing to Portland, Oregon for the Simple Invitational. Their first match will be on Sunday, February 22 against hosts Portland Timbers, followed by a match against Norwegian side Stabaek on Wednesday, February 25. The ‘Caps then wrap up the tournament against MLS side Chicago Fire on Saturday, February 28. All matches will be played at Providence Park.
Participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver! The 2015 Whitecaps FC season kicks off on March 7 versus Toronto FC at BC Place. Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are now on sale. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, Student Half-Season Tickets, and a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket. For more information on 2015 Season Tickets, visitwhitecapsfc.com/tickets.
