VANCOUVER, BC –The annual friendly between Western Canada’s Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Canadian Interuniversity Sport side UVic Vikes is set for Sunday, February 16 at Centennial Stadium at 2 p.m. PT. The 2014 edition will be the ninth meeting between the ’Caps and Vikes in a tradition that dates back to 2005.
“Since the original Whitecaps, the club has enjoyed fantastic support from fans in Victoria and all across Vancouver Island,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “The annual match against the UVic Vikes is always a highlight of our preseason and an important tradition.”
TICKET INFORMATION
The preseason friendly on Vancouver Island will be Whitecaps FC’s lone match in British Columbia before the club kicks off their 40th anniversary and fourth season in MLS on Saturday, March 8 at BC Place against reigning MLS Supporters Shield winners New York Red Bulls.
The ’Caps fourth of seven preseason matches will take place between trips to Casa Grande, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson will look to use a full complement of players including a number of First Kick starters.
“It’s important for us to visit our fans on the island and give them the opportunity to see our first team players,” added Robinson. “This match will give us that chance, provided each player is fit to play.”
For UVic, the friendly follows a fall season that saw the 11W-5L-1D Vikes finish sixth in the Canada West conference. Two Vikes led the team in scoring with 11 goals, including fourth year Cameron Stokes and Whitecaps FC U-23 midfielder Cam Hundal.
“Hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC is always an anticipated and exciting atmosphere for the island’s soccer community,” said Vikes head coach Bruce Wilson. “Island fans will have the opportunity to see both our Vikes side and also the talents of Whitecaps FC, who will just be starting up their MLS season.”
At least 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.
Last year, Whitecaps FC defeated the Vikes 3-0 in front of 2,600 fans at Centennial Stadium. Since 2005, Vancouver holds the edge with a 6W-1L-1D record against UVic.
The game will kick off on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. at UVic’s Centennial Stadium. Parking in the adjacent lots is free and tickets for the match will be sold in advance as well as at the gate. Pre-sale tickets will be sold online and through the UVic Box Office until noon on Feb. 14. Pre-sale prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $7 for youth (age 7-14). Children six and under are free.
In addition, Lower Island Soccer Association group rates with a 25 per cent discount are available for sale until February 12 at noon only through Ms. Janine Prince at jlprince@uvic.ca or 250-472-4772.
Ticket sales at the gate will open at 1 p.m. and will be priced at $18 for adults, $13 for seniors and students and $10 for youth age 7-14. To purchase pre-sale tickets online visit tickets.uvic.ca or call 250-721-8480. For all other ticket and game information please visit govikesgo.com/whitecaps.
Whitecaps FC begin their 2014 MLS season on March 8 versus New York Red Bulls at BC Place. Season tickets start at just $349, subject to applicable fees. The 'Caps also offer a flexible range of ticket products, including half-season tickets ($244), 5-packs ($149), student season tickets ($199), and a youth soccer half-season ticket ($100). For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
