VANCOUVER, BC – After clinching a spot in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) playoffs for the first time since 2008, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6W-4L-3D) wrap-up the regular season against North Sound SeaWolves FC (2W-9L-2D) on Wednesday, July 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT at Edmonds Woodway High School in Edmonds, Washington.
Wednesday night’s match will be streamed on USLnation.com.
WHITECAPS FC
This past Sunday, July 14, Whitecaps FC U-23 clinched a playoff spot with a 1-0 win against Washington Crossfire. The lone goal for the Blue and White was scored by Niall Cousens, with the assist coming from dominant midfielder Cam Hundal, who provided many chances for the Blue and White throughout the match.
Despite having a severely depleted squad due to injuries as of late, head of high performance Stuart Neely’s side has only lost one out of their last seven matches and will be looking for two straight wins to end the regular season.
The ‘Caps, who are locked into the third spot in the Northwest Division, will be looking to end the season strong before traveling to face Cascadia rivals Portland Timbers U-23, who finished in second, next week in a one-match knockout round.
Wednesday's match will see the return of goalkeeper Simon Thomas from international duty with Canada at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 'Caps were able to overcome his absence with some outstanding performances from Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
LAST PDL PLAYOFF APPEARANCE - 2008
Thomas was a member of the last 'Caps team to make the PDL playoffs in 2008, as the Blue and White made it all the way to the national semifinals before falling 2-1 to eventual champions Thunder Bay Chill. Current 'Caps U-23 midfielder Gagandeep Dosanjh, who has been sidelined most of this season after undergoing knee surgery, was also on that 2008 team.
Two other players from 2008 joined Thomas on the recent Canadian Gold Cup roster, defender Adam Straith and striker Randy Edwini-Bonsu. Other notable Residency graduates from the 2008 roster include: Philippe Davies (now with Richmond Kickers), Ethan Gage (Nyköpings BIS), Kyle Porter (D.C. United), Dever Orgill (IFK Mariehamn) and Alex Semenets (Toronto Lynx - formerly with FC Edmonton).
NORTH SOUND SEAWOLVES FC
The SeaWolves have had a disappointing season, but will be looking to end the season on a positive note. The Washington State side have only won two matches this season and have the highest number of goals against (28) in the Northwest Division, while also having the fewest number of goals scored (14) in the division.
They are coming off of a 2-1 loss on the road to Washington Crossfire, which saw midfielder Brady Ballew score the lone goal for the SeaWolves.
In their last match against Whitecaps FC U-23 on June 7, the ‘Caps won 3-2 in a hard fought match in Edmonds. Earlier this season, on May 26, the Blue and White won 5-1 in a lopsided match at UBC’s Thunderbird Stadium.
NEXT UP
Following their conclusion to the 2013 regular season, Whitecaps FC U-23 will head across the border to face Portland Timbers U-23 in a one-match knockout playoff on Tuesday, July 24.
