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VANCOUVER, BC – After a weekend off, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency return to action this Saturday March 21. The ‘Caps travel to Arizona to take to the field against Real Salt Lake AZ and then to California for Sunday’s matches with FC Golden State, as both the U-18 and U-16 teams continue their United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) seasons.
The U-18 teams will play the opening matches on Saturday with kickoff set for 10 a.m. PT. The ‘Caps U-16 Residency side will play the second match of the day, as they take on the Timbers at 12 p.m. PT. Sunday the teams travel to Glendora, California with a 10 a.m. PT kickoff for the U-18s and a 12:30pm PT kickoff for the U-16s.
U-18
Whitecaps FC U-18 (15W-3L-3D) will be hoping for another strong defensive weekend. The Blue and White currently have nine shutouts on the season. This weekend’s matches mark the only meetings Vancouver will have with Real Salt Lake AZ and FC Golden State this season
In their last match on March 7 at Portland Timbers, the U-18s played confidently up front while being backed with solid defensive play to earn a 1-0 victory through a William Grayson 65-minute marker. Goalkeeper William Diaz had strong distribution and great saves when called upon, helping the rest of the ‘Caps work tirelessly enroute to winning this Cascadia match.
Real Salt Lake AZ (20W-3L-3D) are currently first in the Southwest Division and second overall in the USSDA. Last weekend, Real Salt Lake AZ won 10-1 against Strikers FC, extending their USSDA leading goals total to 98 on the season.
FC Golden State U-18 (6W-17L-1D) are currently ninth in the Southwest Division. Last weekend, FC Golden State earned a 1-0 win against San Diego Surf.
“The players are excited to play RSL on Saturday. They are an excellent side and play good football,” noted U-18 Residency head coach Rich Fagan "Golden State are new to the USSDA, we don't know much about them, but I do know every team wants to play their best against Whitecaps FC, which is always a welcom challenge."
U-16
Canadian U-17 national team goalkeeper Luciano Trasolini, defenders Matthew Baldisimo and Kadin Chung, midfielder Munir Saleh, and strikers Terran Campbell and Daniel Sagno have all returned to the team after representing the Red and White at the 2015 CONCACAF U-17 Championship tournament.
Whitecaps FC U-16 (14W-3L-4D) currently sit atop the Northwest Division and eighth overall in the USSDA. Whitecaps FC striker Daniel Sagno has scored 14 goals this season and currently ranks seventh among USSDA U-16 players.
In their first of four consecutive road matches, Vancouver fell 1-0 to Portland Timbers on March 7. Struggling in the first half, the Blue and White found a renewed confidence for the second half. The ‘Caps will be hoping to carry their second half play into this weekend’s matches.
Real Salt Lake AZ (11W-9L-6D) drew 1-1 last weekend against Strikers FC. Currently, Real Salt Lake AZ are fourth in the Southwest Division and only a few points back of a wildcard position.
FC Golden State U-18 (10W-11L-3D) won 3-1 against San Diego Surf in their last match. The California club boasts 17 different players who scored at least one goal.
“Two big tests this weekend,” said interim U-16 head coach Carl Valentine. “We’re looking to bounce back from our last match with two positive performances to get the team back to winning ways”
