VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC are pleased to confirm the club’s annual friendly match against the University of Victoria Vikes men’s soccer team. This year’s match is set for Sunday, February 15 at Centennial Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 2 p.m. PT. The 2015 edition will be the 10th meeting between the ’Caps and Vikes in a tradition that dates back to 2005.
“This annual friendly match has become a fantastic tradition for both our club and for UVic,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi. “We’re thrilled to again come to the island as we prepare for what should be a very exciting 2015 season.”
This preseason friendly on Vancouver Island will be Whitecaps FC’s lone match in British Columbia before the club kicks off their fifth season in MLS on Saturday, March 7 at BC Place against Canadian rivals Toronto FC.
The ’Caps fourth preseason match will take place after the start of training camp in Tucson, Arizona. As part of the Desert Friendlies, the Blue and White will play New England Revolution on February 4, San Jose Earthquakes on February 7, and Houston Dynamo February 10. All matches will be played at North Stadium at Kino Sports Complex.
For UVic, the friendly follows a fall season that saw the Vikes finish fourth in the Canada West conference with a record of 8W-1L-3D. Cameron Stokes led the team in scoring with eight goals, while also leading the Vikes with nine points.
Many Vikes have previously played professional soccer with Whitecaps FC including Jamie Lowery, Chris and Nico Craveiro, Geordie Lyall and current UVic men’s soccer head coach Bruce 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 1-0 at Centennial Stadium. Since 2005, Vancouver holds the edge with a 7W-1L-1D record against UVic.
The game will kick off on Sunday, February 15 at 2 p.m. PT 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. 13. 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.
When the gates open fans will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet with members of Whitecaps FC from 12 to 12:30 p.m. PT at the stadium.
Ticket sales at the gate will open at 12 p.m. PT 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.
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.
